Latest news with #AllstateWuerffelTrophy
USA Today
01-08-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Florida's starting QB DJ Lagway named to Allstate Wuerffel Trophy preseason watch list
The 2025 edition of the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy preseason watch list was recently released, which included Florida Gators' starting quarterback DJ Lagway among the award's record 116 nominees ahead of the 2025 campaign. Lagway has immersed himself in the local community during his first year in the city, involving himself with several organizations in both Gainesville and the surrounding area of Alachua County. This list of groups includes the Education Foundation, Alachua Habitat for Humanity, Made for More, SWAG (Southwest Advocacy Group), Ronald McDonald House, Special Olympics, Food4Kids, Balance 180 and Feeding Tampa Bay for a total of 38 hours. The sophomore gunslinger has also committed time to his epynomously named DJ Lagway Foundation, which partners with UF Health to provide resources and opportunities for underprivileged kids. Together, they support community programs like wellness drives, health screenings and physical education outreach. Lagway was also named to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team with his nomination for the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy. About the Danny Wuerffel Trophy The Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Award was created by Gator great Danny Wuerffel and his foundation and is given to the college football player who is a leader in the field of community service during their time in college. The selection requirements include a GPA above 3.0 while playing for the first team at a Football Bowl Subdivision school, and must participate in community service that is sustained, measurable and documented. Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.
Business Wire
31-07-2025
- Sport
- Business Wire
Record 116 nominees named to 2025 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Watch List, College Football's Premier Award for Community Service
ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Wuerffel Foundation today announced a record 116 nominees to the 2025 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Watch List, recognizing college football players from across the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) who exemplify community service, academic excellence and athletic achievement. Widely regarded as college football's premier award for community service, the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy celebrates student-athletes who use their platforms to serve others and create positive change. Named after 1996 Heisman Trophy winner and University of Florida quarterback Danny Wuerffel, who turned his football success into a lifelong mission of service, the award reflects his legacy of leadership and humanitarianism. This year marks the 21 st anniversary of the trophy's founding. 'Every year, I'm deeply moved by these student-athletes,' said Danny Wuerffel. 'They lead with their heart. Each of our nominees is making a real difference in the lives of others, and their stories remind us what true greatness looks like.' For the second consecutive year, the Wuerffel Foundation is partnering with Allstate to unite college football's top community service honors through the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team®. Eleven student-athletes from the Watch List will be named to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team and serve as semifinalists for the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy. The 2025 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy finalists and recipient will be selected by a national voting committee, with input from a fan vote. The 2025 recipient will also serve as Captain of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team and will be announced live on The Home Depot College Football Awards show December 12th, airing on ESPN. The Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Presentation Gala will follow on January 31, 2026, at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta. Penn State's Nick Dawkins, the 2024 recipient, joined Wuerffel in New York City for the 2024 Heisman Trophy ceremonies – a tradition the 2025 recipient will continue. The 2025 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Watch List nominees from Football Bowl Subdivision are (alphabetically by college): Keylen Davis Akron OL R-JR LT Overton Alabama DL SR Ethan Johnson App State CB SR Genesis Smith Arizona DB JR Coben Bourguet Arizona State WR R-SR Cam Ball Arkansas DL R-SR Corey Rucker Jr. Arkansas State WR R-SR Jeremiah Wright Auburn OG 5th Kiael Kelly Ball State QB R-SR Sawyer Robertson Baylor QB R-SR Marco Notarainni Boise State LB R-SR Alex Broome Boston College RB R-JR Drew Pyne Bowling Green QB Grad Red Murdock Buffalo LB Grad Tanner Wall BYU NB/S R-SR Jeffrey Johnson Cal TE R-SR Michael Heldman Central Michigan DE/Edge SR Braden Mullen Charlotte DE/Edge R-SR Gavin Gerhardt Cincinnati C 6th Year Adam Randall Clemson RB Grad Jayden Jackson Coastal Carolina NB/S R-SR Charlie Offerdahl Colorado RB SR Jake Thaw Delaware WR Grad Chandler Rivers Duke CB SR Marlon Gunn Jr. East Carolina RB SR Jefferson Adam Eastern Michigan DL SR Shamir Sterlin FIU NB/S R-FR DJ Lagway Florida QB SO Caden Veltkamp Florida Atlantic QB R-JR Richie Leonard IV Florida State OL R-SR Jordan Brown Fresno State WR SR Jordan Hall Georgia DL JR Pichon Wimbley Georgia Southern OG SR Haynes King Georgia Tech QB R-SR Kenenna Odeluga Illinois LB SR Fernando Mendoza Indiana QB R-JR Gennings Dunker Iowa OL SR Rocco Becht Iowa State QB R-JR Blake Kendall James Madison QB R-JR Leyton Cure Kansas TE R-SR Damian Ilalio Kansas State DT SR JeRico Washington, Jr. Kennesaw State DB R-SO Mattheus Carroll Kent State DL Grad Josh Kattus Kentucky TE SR Elijah Auguste Liberty NB/S SR Caden Jensen Louisiana TE R-SO Eli Finley Louisiana Tech TE JR Clev Lubin Louisville DL R-SR Harold Perkins JR LSU LB R-JR Toby Payne Marshall TE R-JR Ethan Gough Maryland LS R-SR Donovan Mathena Memphis LB R-JR Francis Mauigoa Miami OT JR Jordan Hall Michigan State LB JR Nicholas Vattiato Middle Tennessee QB 5th Year Anthony Smith Minnesota DL R-JR Jacoby Jackson Mississippi State OL SR Connor Tollison Missouri C Grad Brandon Cleveland NC State DT SR Teddy Prochazka Nebraska OL R-SR Abiathar Curry NIU OL R-JR Landon Sides North Texas WR JR Najee Story Northwestern DL Grad Aamil Wagner Notre Dame OL R-JR Sonny Styles Ohio State LB SR Robert Spears-Jennings Oklahoma DB SR Koa Naotala Old Dominion LB R-JR Diego Pounds Ole Miss OT SR Matthew Bedford Oregon OL 6th Dylan Black Oregon State LS R-SR Cooper Cousins Penn State OL SO Eli Holstein Pitt QB R-SO Devin Mockobee Purdue RB JR Plae Wyatt Rice NB/S R-SR Jai Patel Rutgers K SR Taniela Latu San Jose State LB R-SR Alexander Kilgore SMU LB JR Devin Voisin South Alabama WR Grad Oscar Adaway III South Carolina RB Grad Braylon Braxton Southern Miss QB R-SR Sam Roush Stanford TE SR Derek McDonald Syracuse LB R-SR Paul Oyewale TCU DE/Edge JR Willy Love Temple NB/S SO Bryson Eason Tennessee DT R-SR Michael Taafe Texas DB SR Albert Regis Texas A&M DL Grad Lincoln Pare Texas State RB R-SR Behren Morton Texas Tech QB SR Matt Hofer Toledo OL R-FR Ty Thompson Tulane TE R-SR Stephen Kittleman Tulsa QB R-SR Denver Warren UAB DT R-SR Paul Rubelt UCF OL 5th Julian Armella UCLA OL R-JR Elijah Fisher ULM OG R-SR Brock Taylor UMass OL R-SO Will Hardy UNC DB Grad Cameron Friel UNLV QB SR Anthony Beavers Jr. USC LB R-SR Christian Helms USF WR Grad Devon Dampier Utah QB JR Bronson Olevao Jr. Utah State LB JR Tyrone McDuffie III UTEP OL R-SO Camron Cooper UTSA DE/Edge R-JR Marlen Sewell Vanderbilt NB/S Grad Stevie Bracey Virginia LB SR Tyson Flowers Virginia Tech S R-JR Zamari Stevenson Wake Forest DB R-JR Zach Durfee Washington DE/Edge SR Zevi Eckhaus Washington State QB R-SR Nicco Marchiol West Virginia QB R-JR Tyson Lee Western Michigan DL R-SR Ricardo Hallman Wisconsin CB R-JR Marshall Jackson WKU OT R-SR Evan Svoboda Wyoming TE SR Expand Past recipients of the Wuerffel Trophy include Rudy Niswanger – LSU – 2005; Joel Penton – Ohio State – 2006; Paul Smith – Tulsa – 2007; Tim Tebow – Florida – 2008; Tim Hiller – Western Michigan – 2009; Sam Acho – Texas – 2010; Barrett Jones – Alabama – 2011; Matt Barkley – USC – 2012; Gabe Ikard – Oklahoma – 2013; Deterrian Shackelford – Ole Miss – 2014; Ty Darlington – Oklahoma – 2015; Trevor Knight – Texas A&M – 2016; Courtney Love – Kentucky - 2017; Drue Tranquill – Notre Dame – 2018; Jon Wassink – Western Michigan – 2019; Teton Saltes – New Mexico – 2020; Isaiah Sanders – Stanford – 2021; Dillan Gibbons – Florida State – 2022; Ladd McConkey – Georgia – 2023; and Nick Dawkins – Penn State – 2024. The Allstate Wuerffel Trophy is also supported by its corporate partners Dart Container Corporation/Solo Cup and Herff Jones. 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. 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 more than 950 recipients since 1935. Visit for more information. NCFAA Watch List remaining calendar: Fri., Aug. 1: Lou Groza Award/Ray Guy Award Mon., Aug. 4: Walter Camp Award Tue., Aug. 5: Doak Walker Award Wed., Aug. 6: Biletnikoff Award Thu., Aug. 7: Davey O'Brien Award Fri., Aug. 8: Mackey Award/Rimington Trophy Mon., Aug. 11: Bednarik Award
Business Wire
15-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Record-breaking 197 student-athletes nominated for the 2025 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team
NORTHBROOK, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--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 Expand 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 Expand 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 Expand 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 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.
