NORTHBROOK, Ill., July 15, 2025 — Allstate and the American Football Coaches Association today announced a record-breaking 197 nominees for the 2025 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team®, the highest in the award’s 34-year history. College football student-athletes and head coaches from all levels of the sport are recognized for their commitment to community service and leadership beyond the gridiron.
“I’ve been a part of this team, and these players aren’t just showing up, they’re standing out,” said Sam Acho, ESPN analyst, former NFL linebacker, author and 2010 Good Works Team member and Allstate Wuerffel Trophy recipient. “Their commitment to service creates lasting change and inspires the next generation.”
Nominees’ service spans mental health to homelessness
This year’s nominees are tackling issues such as youth mentorship, mental wellness, homelessness and health care access. A few examples:
- Charlie Pearson, Johns Hopkins, Offensive Line: A certified EMT who has responded to over 150 emergency calls while also mentoring youth, expanding access to nutritious food, and advocating for mental health and pediatric care.
- Dylan Wheeler, Saint John’s University (MN), Wide Receiver: Raised over $25,000 for Folds of Honor and helped provide nearly 100,000 meals for children through donations and seasonal fundraisers.
- Michael Taaffe, University of Texas, Defensive Back: Founded Taaffe’s Tackles for Fentanyl Awareness in memory of a friend, turning personal loss into a movement for education and support statewide.
- Sonny Styles, Ohio State, Linebacker: Raised over $43,000 through an annual Sleep Out to support at-risk and homeless youth in Central Ohio, providing essential items and year-round advocacy.
- Aamil Wagner, Notre Dame, Offensive Line: Leads initiatives at Notre Dame focused on personal growth and career readiness, advocates for rare disease awareness as president of Notre Dame’s Uplifting Athletes chapter and builds connections through youth development programs.
Allstate and Wuerffel Foundation Elevate Impact
For the second year, Allstate is partnering with the Wuerffel Foundation to align two of college football’s most meaningful honors: the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team and the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy. Together, they recognize student-athletes who demonstrate excellence in community service, academics and athletics.
“When nearly 200 young athletes choose to serve, it creates a ripple effect far beyond the game,” said Danny Wuerffel, former NFL quarterback, Heisman Trophy winner and College Football Hall of Famer for whom the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy is named. “Their leadership in the community is just as worthy of recognition as their performance on the field.”
Team Roster Named this Fall
The final roster of 23 award recipients announced in September will bring together:
- 11 players from the NCAA FBS
- 11 players from the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), Divisions II, III and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA)
- 1 honorary head coach
A voting panel of former Good Works Team members, head coaches and journalists select the team roster based on outstanding leadership on and off the field.
Meet the Full List of 2025 Nominees (alphabetically by college):
Football Bowl Subdivision (D-1)
| Name | School |
| Ethan Johnson | Appalachian State University |
| Coben Bourguet | Arizona State University |
| Corey Rucker Jr. | Arkansas State University |
| Jeremiah Wright | Auburn University |
| Kiael Kelly | Ball State University |
| Sawyer Robertson | Baylor University |
| Marco Notarainni | Boise State University |
| Alex Broome | Boston College |
| Drew Pyne | Bowling Green State University |
| Tanner Wall | Brigham Young University |
| Michael Heldman | Central Michigan University |
| Adam Randall | Clemson University |
| Jayden Jackson | Coastal Carolina University |
| Chandler Rivers | Duke University |
| Marlon Gunn Jr. | East Carolina University |
| Jefferson Adam | Eastern Michigan University |
| Caden Veltkamp | Florida Atlantic University |
| Shamir Sterlin | Florida International University |
| Richie Leonard IV | Florida State University |
| Jordan Brown | Fresno State |
| Pichon Wimbley | Georgia Institute of Technology |
| Haynes King | Georgia Southern University |
| Fernando Mendoza | Indiana University Bloomington |
| Rocco Becht | Iowa State University |
| Blake Kendall | James Madison University |
| Damian Ilalio | Kansas State University |
| JeRico Washington, Jr. | Kennesaw State University |
| Mattheus Carroll | Kent State University |
| Elijah Auguste | Liberty University |
| Harold Perkins Jr. | Louisiana State University |
| Eli Finley | Louisiana Tech University |
| Toby Payne | Marshall University |
| Jordan Hall | Michigan State University |
| Nicholas Vattiato | Middle Tennessee State University |
| Jacoby Jackson | Mississippi State University |
| Allen Ortiz | New Mexico State University |
| Brandon Cleveland | North Carolina State University |
| Abiathar Curry | Northern Illinois University |
| Najee Story | Northwestern University |
| Koa Naotala | Old Dominion University |
| Dylan Black | Oregon State University |
| Cooper Cousins | Pennsylvania State University |
| Devin Mockobee | Purdue University |
| Plae Wyatt | Rice University |
| Jai Patel | Rutgers University |
| Taniela Latu | San Jose State University |
| Alexander Kilgore | Southern Methodist University |
| Sam Roush | Stanford University |
| Derek McDonald | Syracuse University |
| Willy Love | Temple University |
| Albert Regis | Texas A&M University |
| Paul Oyewale | Texas Christian University |
| Lincoln Pare | Texas State University |
| Behren Morton | Texas Tech University |
| Sonny Styles | The Ohio State University |
| Ty Thompson | Tulane University |
| Red Murdock | University at Buffalo |
| Keylen Davis | University of Akron |
| LT Overton | University of Alabama |
| Denver Warren | University of Alabama at Birmingham |
| Genesis Smith | University of Arizona |
| Cam Ball | University of Arkansas |
| Jeffery Johnson | University of California, Berkeley |
| Julian Armella | University of California, Los Angeles |
| Paul Rubelt | University of Central Florida |
| Gavin Gerhardt | University of Cincinnati |
| Charlie Offerdahl | University of Colorado Boulder |
| Jake Thaw | University of Delaware |
| DJ Lagway | University of Florida |
| Jordan Hall | University of Georgia |
| Logan Taylor | University of Hawaii |
| Kenenna Odeluga | University of Illinois |
| Gennings Dunker | University of Iowa |
| Leyton Cure | University of Kansas |
| Josh Kattus | University of Kentucky |
| Caden Jensen | University of Louisiana |
| Elijah Fisher | University of Louisiana at Monroe |
| Clev Lubin | University of Louisville |
| Ethan Gough | University of Maryland |
| Brock Taylor | University of Massachusetts Amherst |
| Donovan Mathena | University of Memphis |
| Francis Mauigoa | University of Miami |
| Anthony Smith | University of Minnesota |
| Diego Pounds | University of Mississippi |
| Connor Tollison | University of Missouri |
| Teddy Prochazka | University of Nebraska-Lincoln |
| Cameron Friel | University of Nevada, Las Vegas |
| Will Hardy | University of North Carolina |
| Braden Mullen | University of North Carolina, Charlotte |
| Landon Sides | University of North Texas |
| Aamil Wagner | University of Notre Dame |
| Robert Spears-Jennings | University of Oklahoma |
| Matthew Bedford | University of Oregon |
| Eli Holstein | University of Pittsburgh |
| Devin Voisin | University of South Alabama |
| Oscar Adaway III | University of South Carolina |
| Christian Helms | University of South Florida |
| Anthony Beavers Jr. | University of Southern California |
| Braylon Braxton | University of Southern Mississippi |
| Bryson Eason | University of Tennessee |
| Michael Taaffe | University of Texas |
| Tyron McDuffie III | University of Texas at El Paso |
| Camron Cooper | University of Texas at San Antonio |
| Matt Hofer | University of Toledo |
| Stephen Kittleman | University of Tulsa |
| Devon Dampier | University of Utah |
| Stevie Bracey | University of Virginia |
| Zach Durfee | University of Washington |
| Ricardo Hallman | University of Wisconsin-Madison |
| Evan Svoboda | University of Wyoming |
| Bronson Olevao Jr. | Utah State University |
| Tyson Flowers | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University |
| Zamari Stevenson | Wake Forest University |
| Zevi Eckhaus | Washington State University |
| Nicco Marchiol | West Virginia University |
| Marshall Jackson | Western Kentucky University |
| Tyson Lee | Western Michigan University |
Combined Divisions (FSC, D-II, D-III & NAIA)
| Name | School |
| Carter St. John | Alma College |
| Jaden Cook | Ashland University |
| Chandler Kirton | Austin Peay State University |
| Jackson Dooley | Benedictine College |
| Christian Lewis | Berry College |
| Devin Williams | Bethel University |
| Terian Williams II | Bucknell University |
| Mark Biggins | Campbell University |
| Mitchell Stokey | Carnegie Mellon University |
| Will Campbell | Carroll University |
| Jaylen Hinton | Catawba College |
| Nick Bandy | Central College |
| Mark Chapman | Columbia University |
| Adam Van Cleave | Concordia University, Nebraska |
| Cole Paulson | Dakota State University |
| Mikah Kent | Davidson College |
| Canyon Schneider | Denison University |
| Sean McTaggart | East Stroudsburg University |
| Nolan Ulm | Eastern Washington University |
| Carter Sido | Hampden-Sydney College |
| Ryan Osborne | Harvard University |
| Auvic White | Hendrix College |
| Connor Pratt | Hillsdale College |
| Isaiah Courtois | Indiana Wesleyan University |
| Owen Schuckert | John Carroll University |
| Charlie Pearson | Johns Hopkins University |
| Rene Barber | Marist University |
| Tristen Hall | McMurry University |
| Erick Hunter | Morgan State University |
| Lennx Brown | Morningside University |
| Bryson Ruddy | North Carolina A&T State University |
| Logan Kopp | North Dakota State University |
| Alani Ma’afu | Northern Arizona University |
| Massimo Vliet | Oberlin College |
| Louis Blasiole | Ohio Northern University |
| Josh Hurst | Ohio Wesleyan University |
| Evan Haynie | Princeton University |
| Dylan Wheeler | Saint John’s University (Minn.) |
| Michael Henwood | Slippery Rock University |
| Adedokun Alarape | South Dakota Mines |
| DJ Brown | Southeastern Oklahoma State University |
| Casey Cobb | Southern Arkansas University |
| Tyler Pohlman | Springfield College |
| Kasyus Kurns | Tarleton State University |
| Matthew Iwamizu | The College of Idaho |
| Donovon Jackson | The College of Wooster |
| Caleb Bayer | Trinity University |
| Hunter Ridley | UC Davis |
| Giovanni Kennedy | University of Mount Union |
| Simon Romfo | University of North Dakota |
| Levi Johnson | University of Northern Colorado |
| Will Bergin | University of Pennsylvania |
| Hayden Teeter | University of Puget Sound |
| Brian Catanzarite | University of Richmond |
| Traveon Newsome | University of the Incarnate Word |
| Chris Dobrydney | Villanova University |
| Fred Ware | Washington University in St. Louis |
| Dominic Rienzi | Western Connecticut State University |
| Dylan Sleva | Westminster College (Pa.) |
| Jalen Jones | William & Mary |
| Daylin Lee | Winston-Salem State University |
| Mario Getaw | Wittenberg University |
| Mason Shipp | Yale University |
Head Coach
| Name | School |
| Jeff Monken | Army West Point |
| Spencer Danielson | Boise State University |
| Jeff Lebby | Mississippi State University |
| Gary Fasching | Saint John’s University (Minn.) |
| Fran Brown | Syracuse University |
| Todd Whitten | Tarleton State University |
| K.C. Keeler | Temple University |
| Kris McCullough | The University of Texas Permian Basin |
| Kory Allen | University of Findlay |
| Willie Fritz | University of Houston |
| Bret Bielema | University of Illinois |
| Ryan Silverfield | University of Memphis |
| Brent Venables | University of Oklahoma |
| Shane Beamer | University of South Carolina |
| Alex Golesh | University of South Florida |
| Chris Winter | Wartburg College |
About the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team
The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team was established in 1992 by the College Football Association, recognizing the extra efforts made by college football players and student support staff off the field. AFCA became the governing body of the award in 1997 and continues to honor college football players who go the extra mile for those in need. Allstate worked to present the award starting with the 2008 season.
The Southeastern Conference (SEC) leads all conferences with 89 selections to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team since it began in 1992. The SEC is followed by the Atlantic Coast Conference with 55 selections and the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference with 43 selections. Georgia is in first place with 24 honorees to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. The Bulldogs are followed by Kentucky and Bethel (Minn.) with 18 honorees.
About the AFCA
The American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) was founded in 1922 and currently has more than 11,000 members around the world ranging from the high school level to the professional ranks. According to its constitution, the AFCA was formed, in part, to “maintain the highest possible standards in football and in the coaching profession” and to “provide a forum for the discussion and study of all matters pertaining to football.”
For more information about the AFCA, visit www.AFCA.com. If you are interested in more in-depth articles and videos, please become an AFCA member. You can find out more information about membership and specific member benefits on the AFCA Membership Overview page. If you are ready to join, please fill out the AFCA Membership Request Form.
About the Wuerffel Foundation
The Wuerffel Foundation is dedicated to supporting Danny Wuerffel’s mission to inspire greater service and unity in the world, built on the three values of excellence, service and humility. As a recognized humanitarian, Danny mentors community leaders and connects them with philanthropic resources. The foundation annually presents the prestigious Allstate Wuerffel Trophy, college football’s premier award for community service, and hosts the Desire Cup and PickleBowl events.
About the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy
The Allstate Wuerffel Trophy, a member of the National College Football Awards Association, is college football’s premier award for community service. The trophy is presented annually by the Wuerffel Foundation to the FBS player who best combines exemplary community service with leadership and performance on and off the field. Named after Heisman Trophy winner and College Football Hall of Famer, Danny Wuerffel, the award honors his commitment to inspiring greater service and unity in the world. Established in 2005, the Wuerffel Trophy is celebrating its 21st anniversary this year. Wuerffel led the University of Florida to four SEC Championships and the 1996 National Championship. As a humanitarian, he continues to inspire leaders to positively impact their communities. Danny currently serves as President of the Wuerffel Foundation and Executive Director of Desire Street Ministries. An avid pickleball player, he was drafted as a professional within the National Pickleball League and hosts celebrity pro-am “PickleBowl” tournaments.
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