2026 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Watch List recognizes 113 college football players for community service

Rhea-AI Summary

Wuerffel Foundation announced the 2026 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Watch List, recognizing 113 Football Bowl Subdivision players for exceptional community service, academic performance and on‑field success. The Big Ten leads with 18 nominees, while the ACC, SEC and Big 12 each have 15.

The award, named for 1996 Heisman winner Danny Wuerffel, honors student‑athletes whose service includes initiatives such as funding WWII veterans’ trips to Normandy, clean‑water projects in Nigeria, autism support in Dallas and charitable NIL‑funded foundations. According to the Wuerffel Foundation, 11 Watch List players will also be chosen for the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team and become semifinalists, with the 2026 recipient to be announced on December 11, 2026 and honored at a gala in February 2027.

Market Context

The comparable Good Works Team nominee announcement recorded a 1.53% 24-hour reaction. That historic...

Analysis

The comparable Good Works Team nominee announcement recorded a 1.53% 24-hour reaction. That historical reference added context to the recognition, while Net Selling insider activity and low short positioning were the main sourced risk indicators.

Key Figures

Watch-list nominees: 113 nominees Big Ten nominees: 18 nominees ACC nominees: 15 nominees +5 more

8 metrics

Watch-list nominees 113 nominees 2026 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Watch List

Big Ten nominees 18 nominees 2026 Watch List conference distribution

ACC nominees 15 nominees 2026 Watch List conference distribution

SEC nominees 15 nominees 2026 Watch List conference distribution

Big 12 nominees 15 nominees 2026 Watch List conference distribution

Semifinalists 11 student-athletes Named from the Watch List in September

Recipient announcement December 11 Live on The Home Depot College Football Awards show

Presentation gala February 2027 College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Aug 05 (Positive)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	24h Move	Catalyst
Aug 05	Earnings report	Positive	+4.0%	Strong second-quarter revenue, earnings, underwriting income and shareholder returns
Aug 04	Partnership announcement	Positive	-0.1%	LA28 Olympic partnership and Team USA insurance sponsorship announced
Jul 22	Community project	Positive	+0.0%	Third Atlanta-area mini-pitch opened through youth soccer collaboration
Jul 20	Award nominees	Positive	+1.5%	Good Works Team nominees recognized for community service and leadership
Jul 16	Catastrophe losses	Negative	+1.0%	June catastrophe losses and second-quarter loss estimates disclosed

24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.

Pattern Detected

Allstate's recent positive corporate and community-service announcements generally aligned with positive price reactions, while sponsorship and catastrophe-loss news diverged.

Key Terms

football bowl subdivision (fbs), name, image and likeness (nil), autism spectrum disorder (asd)

3 terms

football bowl subdivision (fbs) technical

"The award honors Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) players who lead through community service"

The Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) is the highest level of NCAA college football in the United States, made up of conferences and schools that compete in large-scale regular seasons and postseason bowl games. For investors, FBS programs matter because they generate significant revenue through ticket sales, media rights, sponsorships and licensing—similar to how a major entertainment franchise drives income and public exposure for affiliated institutions.

name, image and likeness (nil) financial

"Used Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) earnings to create the Nigerian Water Project"

Name, image and likeness (NIL) describes a person's legal right to control and profit from the commercial use of their identity — including their name, photograph, voice, signature, and likeness. For investors, NIL matters because it creates revenue and marketing opportunities (like endorsements, licensing deals, and branded content) and can affect a company’s costs, brand value, and regulatory exposure in industries that use public figures, similar to securing exclusive rights to a popular product.

autism spectrum disorder (asd) medical

"supports individuals and families affected by autism spectrum disorder (ASD)"

A developmental condition that changes how a person communicates, behaves, and processes sensory input, ranging from mild to severe—like a product line with different models that share core features but have different needs. It matters to investors because diagnosis, treatment, education and long-term support create measurable markets; clinical trial outcomes, regulatory approval, reimbursement and policy can affect companies that make diagnostics, therapies and services for people on the spectrum.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

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ATLANTA, Aug. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Wuerffel Foundation today announced 113 nominees for the 2026 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Watch List. The award honors Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) players who lead through community service while excelling in the classroom and on the field.

As college football's premier award for community service, the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy recognizes student-athletes who use their platforms to serve others and make a positive impact in their communities. Named after Danny Wuerffel, the 1996 Heisman Trophy winner and former University of Florida quarterback, the award reflects his lifelong commitment to leadership, service and unity.

"It's an honor to recognize these student-athletes for the difference they are making in the lives of others," Wuerffel said. "Their commitment to service demonstrates the powerful impact college athletes can have both on and off the field."

Among the 113 nominees, the Big Ten leads all conferences with 18 nominees, followed by the ACC, SEC and Big 12 each with 15 nominees. The 2026 Watch List highlights student-athletes whose leadership and service extend far beyond the football field, including:

• Marcus Ratcliffe, Texas A&M University, Safety: Launched Mission 3:12 in partnership with Walk Among Heroes, donating $312 for every Aggie defensive turnover to fund educational trips to Normandy, France, for World War II veterans.
• Mudia Reuben, University of South Florida, Wide Receiver: Used Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) earnings to create the Nigerian Water Project, bringing access to clean water to villages and schools in Nigeria.
• Colin Simmons, University of Texas, Defensive End: Founded Clay's Color Crew, a nonprofit honoring his younger brother that supports individuals and families affected by autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in South Dallas and beyond.
• Edwin Spillman, University of Tennessee, Linebacker: Used NIL earnings to establish the Wan Famul Foundation to support people in his home country of Sierra Leone, including plans to build housing for families in need.
• Gideon Davidson, Clemson University, Running Back: Raised nearly $13,000 through Gid's Fundraiser for Flourish Adoption Ministries in South Carolina, helping fund adoption-related expenses for families and support for birth mothers.
• Noah Fifita, University of Arizona, Quarterback: Founded First Down Faith Foundation to honor faith, family and football while uplifting communities through service, including an annual youth football camp that combines skills training with mentorship.
• Jaylen McClain, Ohio State University, Defensive Back: Founded Everyday Legends Foundation to empower youth and families through service, including funding academic and athletic scholarships and organizing leadership development programs for youth.

For the third consecutive year, the Wuerffel Foundation is partnering with Allstate and the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) to unite college football's top community service honors through the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team®. In September, 11 student-athletes from the Watch List will be named to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team and become semifinalists for the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy.

The Allstate Wuerffel Trophy finalists will be selected by the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy National Selection Committee, with input from a fan vote. The 2026 recipient will be announced live on The Home Depot College Football Awards show on December 11, and also serve as captain of the 2026 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team.

The 2026 recipient and finalists will join Wuerffel in New York City for the Heisman Trophy events, including the Wuerffel Foundation's Picklebowl: Heisman Edition. The Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Presentation Gala will follow in February 2027 at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta.

2026 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Watch List

Name	School
Colton Phares	Appalachian State University
Zyrus Fiaseu	Arizona State University
Chauncy Cobb	Arkansas State University
Alex McPherson	Auburn University
Caden Britton	Ball State University
Michael Allen	Baylor University
Maddux Madsen	Boise State University
Josiah Griffin	Boston College
Raider Damuni	Brigham Young University
Derek Houston	California State University, Sacramento
Angel Flores	Central Michigan University
Gideon Davidson	Clemson University
Micah Sahakian	Duke University
Karson Jones	East Carolina University
Dennis Strey Jr.	Eastern Michigan University
Reed Chandley	Florida Atlantic University
Shamir Sterlin	Florida International University
Duce Robinson	Florida State University
Merhauti Xepera	Fresno State University
Jordan Walker	Georgia Institute of Technology
Colin Alexander	Georgia Southern University
Charlie Becker	Indiana University
Jaylen Raynor	Iowa State University
KJ Flowe	James Madison University
Joe Jackson	Kansas State University
Wayne Harris	Kent State University
Jaylin Belford	Liberty University
Whit Weeks	Louisiana State University
Eli Finley	Louisiana Tech University
Carlos Del Rio-Wilson	Marshall University
Jordan Hall	Michigan State University
Cam'ron Lacy	Middle Tennessee State University
DJ Chester	Mississippi State University
Isaiah Shirley	North Carolina State University
DeAree Rogers	Northern Illinois University
Josh Fussell	Northwestern University
Nick Session	New Mexico State University
Jaylen McClain	Ohio State University
DJ Walker	Ohio University
Donovan Green	Oklahoma State University
Koa Naotala	Old Dominion University
Karson Boschma	Oregon State University
Cooper Cousins	Pennsylvania State University
CJ Madden	Purdue University
Quinton Jackson	Rice University
Michael O'Connor	Rutgers University
Tyler Chen	San José State University
Alexander Kilgore	Southern Methodist University
Braden Marceau-Olayinka	Stanford University
Cornell Perry	Syracuse University
Ansel Din-Mbuh	Texas Christian University
Rameir Hardy	Temple University
Marcus Ratcliffe	Texas A&M University
Brad Jackson	Texas State University
Ben Roberts	Texas Tech University
Tucker Kilcrease	Troy University
Jackson Courville	Tulane University
Stevie Bracey	University at Buffalo
Bray Hubbard	University of Alabama
Adam Lepkowski	University of Alabama at Birmingham
Noah Fifita	University of Arizona
Jaden Platt	University of Arkansas
Jordan King	University of California, Berkeley
Halakilangi Muagututi'a	University of California, Los Angeles
Owen Spell	University of Central Florida
Evan Tengesdahl	University of Cincinnati
Ben Finneseth	University of Colorado Boulder
Steven Demboski	University of Delaware
Myles Graham	University of Florida
Lawson Luckie	University of Georgia
Micah Kaonohi-Kaihenui	University of Hawaii
McKenzie Agnello	University of Houston
Brandon Henderson	University of Illinois
Jayden Montgomery	University of Iowa
Calvin Clements	University of Kansas
Willie Rodriguez	University of Kentucky
Caden Jensen	University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Drew Hutchinson	University of Louisiana at Monroe
Clev Lubin	University of Louisville
Malik Washington	University of Maryland
Riley Bloch	University of Massachusetts
Donovan Mathena	University of Memphis
Ahmad Moten Sr.	University of Miami
Jordan Marshall	University of Michigan
Anthony Smith	University of Minnesota
Blake Craig	University of Missouri
Donovan Jones	University of Nebraska
Ky Woods	University of Nevada
Alex Orji	University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Jaxton Eck	University of New Mexico
Caleb Irving	University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Jordan Shipp	University of North Carolina
Leonard Moore	University of Notre Dame
Danny Okoye	University of Oklahoma
Dante Moore	University of Oregon
Mason Heintschel	University of Pittsburgh
Baxter Turner	University of South Alabama
Nyck Harbor	University of South Carolina
Mudia Reuben	University of South Florida
Jayden Maiava	University of Southern California
Edwin Spillman	University of Tennessee
Colin Simmons	University of Texas
Bryce Grays	University of Texas at San Antonio
Matt Hofer	University of Toledo
Lance Holtzclaw	University of Utah
Ethan Minter	University of Virginia
Landen Hatchett	University of Washington
Chris Brooks Jr.	University of Wisconsin-Madison
Tyler Hughes	University of Wyoming
Javen Jacobs	Utah State University
Nick Rinaldi	Vanderbilt University
Marcellous Hawkins	Virginia Tech
Dakari Frazier	Western Michigan University

Past recipients of the Wuerffel Trophy include Rudy Niswanger – Louisiana State University – 2005; Joel Penton – Ohio State University – 2006; Paul Smith – University of Tulsa – 2007; Tim Tebow – University of Florida – 2008; Tim Hiller – Western Michigan University – 2009; Sam Acho – University of Texas – 2010; Barrett Jones – University of Alabama – 2011; Matt Barkley – University of Southern California – 2012; Gabe Ikard – University of Oklahoma – 2013; Deterrian Shackelford – University of Mississippi – 2014; Ty Darlington – University of Oklahoma – 2015; Trevor Knight – Texas A&M University – 2016; Courtney Love – University of Kentucky – 2017; Drue Tranquill – University of Notre Dame – 2018; Jon Wassink – Western Michigan University – 2019; Teton Saltes – University of New Mexico – 2020; Isaiah Sanders – Stanford University – 2021; Dillan Gibbons – Florida State University – 2022; Ladd McConkey – University of Georgia – 2023; Nick Dawkins – Pennsylvania State University – 2024; and Michael Taaffe – University of Texas – 2025.

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 22nd 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.

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.

About the NCFAA
The Allstate Wuerffel Trophy is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA), which encompasses college football's most prestigious awards. The NCFAA's 25 awards have honored nearly 1,000 recipients since 1935. This season, 12 NCFAA awards will honor national players of the week each Tuesday.

Sixteen NCFAA members are unveiling preseason watch lists over a three-week period as the association spearheads a coordinated effort to promote each award's preseason candidates. Following is the remaining 2026 preseason watch list calendar:

Wed., Aug. 12: Paycom Jim Thorpe Award
Thu., Aug. 13: Butkus Award
Fri., Aug. 14: Ray Guy Award
Mon., Aug. 17: Walter Camp Award
Tue., Aug. 18: Doak Walker Award
Wed., Aug. 19: Biletnikoff Award
Thu., Aug. 20: Davey O'Brien Award
Fri., Aug. 21: Bednarik Award

For more information about the NCFAA and its award programs, visit NCFAA.org or follow on X at @NCFAA and Instagram @TheNCFAA.

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SOURCE Allstate Insurance Company

FAQ

What is the 2026 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy and how is Allstate (NYSE: ALL) involved?

The 2026 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy honors FBS players for community service, academics and on‑field performance. According to the Wuerffel Foundation, Allstate sponsors the award and partners with the American Football Coaches Association to align it with the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team.

How many players are on the 2026 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Watch List and which conferences lead?

The 2026 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Watch List includes 113 FBS players across multiple conferences. According to the Wuerffel Foundation, the Big Ten leads with 18 nominees, while the ACC, SEC and Big 12 each have 15 nominees recognized for their community service leadership.

When will the 2026 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy winner be announced and honored?

The 2026 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy recipient will be announced on December 11, 2026. According to the Wuerffel Foundation, the winner will be revealed during The Home Depot College Football Awards and later honored at a presentation gala in February 2027 in Atlanta.

How does the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team relate to the 2026 Wuerffel Trophy and ALL shareholders’ interests?

Eleven Watch List players will be named to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team and become Wuerffel semifinalists. According to the Wuerffel Foundation, this partnership strengthens Allstate’s brand around leadership and service, which may interest ALL shareholders following values-driven sports sponsorships.

What types of community service projects are highlighted by the 2026 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Watch List nominees?

Nominees lead diverse projects including clean‑water initiatives, autism support, adoption assistance and veteran trips to Normandy. According to the Wuerffel Foundation, many players use NIL earnings or dedicated nonprofits to fund education, housing, scholarships and youth mentorship in their local and international communities.

Which notable past recipients are listed for the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy through 2025?

Past recipients include Tim Tebow, Sam Acho, Drue Tranquill, Dillan Gibbons and Ladd McConkey. According to the Wuerffel Foundation, winners from 2005–2025 also feature players from LSU, Western Michigan, Oklahoma, Georgia, Penn State and Texas, underscoring broad national recognition.