Allstate, AFCA announce 2026 Good Works Team nominees recognized for leadership in community service

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Allstate (NYSE:ALL) and the American Football Coaches Association announced 175 nominees for the 2026 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, including 162 student-athletes and 13 head coaches from every level of college football.

The program honors leadership in community service, academics and athletics. Notably, Northwestern College kicker Gianna Bennett is the first female nominee in the award’s 35-year history, recognized for helping raise $40,000 for a maternal health education campaign. According to Allstate, this nominee class has supported initiatives such as childhood cancer research, clean water projects, disability inclusion, veteran support and youth mentorship, collectively contributing to efforts that include $18.8 million raised for childhood cancer research and more than 10,000 tutoring hours.

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162 college football student-athletes recognized for leadership in service, academics and athletics, including the Good Works Team's first female nominee

Key Takeaways:

• Allstate and AFCA named 162 student-athletes as nominees for the 2026 Good Works Team, recognizing college football players who lead through community service, academics and athletics.
• This year's nominees are creating positive impact in their communities through causes ranging from maternal health and youth mentorship to supporting children with disabilities and veterans.
• For the first time in the program's 35-year history, a female student-athlete is among the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team nominees.
• The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team reflects Allstate's longstanding commitment to supporting student-athletes who strengthen their communities through service.

NORTHBROOK, Ill., July 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Allstate and the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) today named nominees for the 2026 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, recognizing student-athletes and head coaches from every level of college football who are making an impact through community service, academic achievement and leadership.

Allstate and AFCA named 162 student-athletes as nominees for the 2026 Good Works Team.

For the first time in the award's 35-year history, a female student-athlete is among the nominees. Gianna Bennett, a kicker at Northwestern College in Iowa, earned a nomination after helping raise $40,000 for a maternal health education campaign that provides expectant parents with potentially life-saving information to support healthy pregnancies.

What is the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team?
The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team recognizes college football student-athletes who demonstrate exceptional commitment to community service, academics and athletics. Established in 1992 and presented by Allstate since 2008, the program honors players who use their platforms to strengthen communities and support causes important to them.

What causes are this year's nominees supporting?
This year's nominees are tackling a wide range of challenges in communities across the United States and beyond. Their efforts include youth mentorship, maternal health awareness, disability inclusion, childhood cancer research, clean water access and support for military veterans.

Examples include:

• 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.
• Sam Nolan, Saint John's University (Minnesota), Wide Receiver: Organized team fundraising events for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, helping raise more than $150,000 to support children battling cancers and other life-threatening diseases.
• Luke Paulsen, Morningside University, Punter: Created a "Kids Captain" program that provides meaningful gameday experiences for children with disabilities and their families, including leading the team onto the field at home games.
• 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.

What makes the 2026 nominee class unique?
From head coaches building cultures of service to student-athletes making an impact in their own communities and around the world, this year's nominees are creating meaningful change. Their efforts include helping raise a record $18.8 million for childhood cancer research, delivering more than 10,000 hours of tutoring and generating over $27,000 for World War II veterans.

How is the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team selected?
The 2026 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team will be announced in September and include 22 student-athletes and one honorary head coach. One student-athlete will also be selected as team captain and receive the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy.

A selection panel composed of former Good Works Team members, college football coaches, journalists and other leaders connected to the award reviews nominations from across the country. Voters evaluate candidates based on the breadth and depth of their community service, demonstrated leadership, academic achievement and the measurable impact they have had on the people and causes they serve. The panel then selects 11 NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision players (FBS), 11 players from the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), Divisions II, III and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) ranks, and one honorary head coach.

Who are the 2026 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team nominees?
The 2026 nominee class includes student-athletes and coaches from every level of college football competition.

• 175 total nominees, including 113 FBS players, 49 student-athletes from the FCS, Divisions II, III and NAIA ranks, and 13 head coach nominees.
• First female nominee in the program's 35-year history.
• Big Ten leads all conferences with 21 nominees, followed by the ACC with 16. The SEC and Big 12 each have 15 nominees.

The full 2026 nominee class is listed below in alphabetical order by school.

Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS)

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
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 Polytechnic Institute and State University
Dakari Frazier	Western Michigan University

Combined Divisions (FCS, Division II, Division III and NAIA)

Name	School
L'Shawn Taylor	Bemidji State University
Jaegar Ash	Bethel University-Minnesota
DeVonyae Pettis	Campbell University
Henry Gross	Carroll College-Montana
Peyton Ritzert	Central College
Steve Zayachkowsky	Charleston Southern University
Keller Patterson	Columbia University
Aidan Jahns	Dakota State University
Drew Duffy	Denison University
Zach Quiring	Dordt University
Ty Quintois	East Stroudsburg University
Brayden Latham	Eastern Kentucky University
Nate Bell	Eastern Washington University
Jacob Erickson	George Fox University
Kellen Reed	Grand Valley State University
Josh Fedd	Harvard University
Shea Ruddy	Hillsdale College
Mason Kaplan	Illinois State University
Josh Clifton	Indiana Wesleyan University
Troy Mrukowski	John Carroll University
Browning Trainer	Johns Hopkins University
Preston Mosher	Lake Forest College
Lincoln Cardillo	Marist University
Joel Vaughn II	Millsaps College
Titan Fleischmann	Montana State University
Luke Paulsen	Morningside University
Garret Wilson	North Central College
Gianna Bennett	Northwestern College
Mike Seney	Ohio Wesleyan University
Rashad Caldwell	Princeton University
Sam Nolan	Saint John's University (Minnesota)
JayJay Jordan	Slippery Rock University
Connor Hagerty	Southern Arkansas University
Donovan Jackson	The College of Wooster
Rio Little	Tusculum University
Zaire Collier	University of California, Davis
Gavin Lochow	University of Dayton
Anthony Iliano	University of Maine
Patrick Lavelle	University of Mount Union
Colby Ramshaw	University of New Hampshire
Jaxon Dailey	University of Northern Iowa
Ryan Mitchell	University of Pennsylvania
Carter Glassmyer	University of Richmond
Mark Johnson	Valparaiso University
Spencer Snipe	Washington University (St. Louis)
Ethan Gates	Wayne State University
Aa'zoriyon Bonner	Western Illinois University
Braden Mika	Westminster College (Pennsylvania)
Davin Dzidzienyo	William & Mary

Head Coach

Name	School
Alex Golesh	Auburn University
Kalani Sitake	Brigham Young University
Jeff Lebby	Mississippi State University
Ryan Day	Ohio State University
Matt Campbell	Pennsylvania State University
Gary Fasching	Saint John's University (Minnesota)
Brad Smiley	Southern Arkansas University
Dustin Hada	Southern Nazarene University
K.C. Keeler	Temple University
Bret Bielema	University of Illinois
Mark Powell	University of New Haven
Pat Narduzzi	University of Pittsburgh
Bronco Mendenhall	Utah State University

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 Allstate's Impact Through Collegiate Athletics
Allstate's longstanding support of collegiate athletics is part of its commitment to empowering young people to lead in their communities. Allstate has been a proud member of the college athletics community for more than 20 years through its university and conference sponsorships, academic scholarships and community impact initiatives. Since 2005, the Allstate Good Hands Nets program has raised millions of dollars in scholarships with every field goal and extra point scored. Allstate recently upped the donations for each kick, funding more scholarships for student-athletes across all sports. Since 2008, the Allstate Good Works Teams have honored hundreds of student-athletes for their service off the field, supporting causes such as youth empowerment and hunger relief. Allstate has been the title sponsor of the Allstate Sugar Bowl, one of the premier events in college football, since 2006.

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 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.

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SOURCE Allstate Insurance Company

FAQ

What is the 2026 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team announced by Allstate (NYSE:ALL)?

The 2026 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team is a recognition program honoring college football student-athletes and head coaches for community service, academics and leadership. According to Allstate, it highlights individuals using their platforms to strengthen communities across multiple causes and competition levels.

How many 2026 Good Works Team nominees did Allstate (ALL) and AFCA select?

Allstate and AFCA selected 175 total nominees for the 2026 Good Works Team, including 162 student-athletes and 13 head coaches. According to Allstate, nominees span FBS, FCS, Division II, Division III and NAIA programs across the college football landscape.

Who is the first female nominee for the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team in 2026?

The first female nominee is Gianna Bennett, a kicker at Northwestern College in Iowa. According to Allstate, she earned recognition after helping raise $40,000 for a maternal health education campaign that provides potentially life-saving information to expectant parents.

What types of community service do the 2026 Allstate Good Works Team nominees support?

Nominees support causes including youth mentorship, maternal health, disability inclusion, childhood cancer research, clean water access and veteran support. According to Allstate, their efforts include helping raise $18.8 million for childhood cancer research and delivering more than 10,000 hours of tutoring.

How will the final 2026 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team be selected?

A selection panel will choose 22 student-athletes and one honorary head coach in September 2026. According to Allstate, voters evaluate nominees on community service impact, leadership, academic achievement and breadth and depth of their contributions to people and causes served.

How many FBS and non-FBS players are nominated for the 2026 Good Works Team?

For 2026, there are 113 nominees from FBS programs and 49 student-athletes from FCS, Division II, Division III and NAIA. According to Allstate, this mix reflects representation from every level of college football competition nationwide.

What role does Allstate (NYSE:ALL) play in college athletics through the Good Works Team?

Allstate presents the AFCA Good Works Team as part of its broader collegiate athletics support. According to Allstate, this includes university and conference sponsorships, scholarships, community impact initiatives and long-running programs like Allstate Good Hands Nets and title sponsorship of the Allstate Sugar Bowl.