2026 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team Contributes 12,000 Service Hours To Strengthen Communities
September 15, 2026
Twenty-two college football student-athletes and honorary coach Kalani Sitake named to the 2026 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, including the first female honoree in program history. One FBS player will earn the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy.
Key Takeaways:
- Allstate and the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) named 22 college football players and one honorary coach to the 2026 Good Works Team, one of the sport’s most prestigious honors for leadership in community service, academics and athletics.
- This year’s class contributed more than 12,000 hours of volunteer service supporting community causes ranging from healthcare to youth mentorship and includes the first female honoree in program history.
- Fans can view the team roster and vote for the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy recipient and Good Works Team captain at ESPN.com/Allstate through Nov. 3. The recipient will be announced during The Home Depot College Football awards.
- The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team reflects Allstate’s decades-long commitment to empower student-athletes to lead in their communities.
Allstate and the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) today named 22 student-athletes and honorary coach Kalani Sitake to the 2026 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, recognizing their commitment to service, academic achievement and athletic excellence.
This year’s team was selected from 162 nominees and includes representatives from every level of college football. The class also includes the first female student-athlete selected in the program’s history, Northwestern College kicker Gianna Bennett. Beyond their accomplishments on the field, this year’s honorees contributed more than 12,000 hours of volunteer service, raised more than $100,000 for charitable causes, launched seven community initiatives and foundations and used their NIL earnings to support causes they care about.
The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team reflects Allstate’s decades-long commitment to empower student-athletes to lead in their communities.
Tim Tebow, ESPN analyst, two-time national champion, 2009 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team member and Allstate Wuerffel Trophy recipient:
“One of my favorite things about the Good Works Team is that it measures something stat sheets don’t. The spotlight is on student-athletes who are impacting their communities through what they do off the field. By recognizing these young leaders, including the program’s first female honoree, Allstate is elevating their commitment to inspire more players, coaches, and fans to make a difference in the world around them.”
Sitake, head coach at Brigham Young University, and this year’s honorary coach, is recognized for launching BYU’s Built4Life program to provide student-athletes with academic, leadership, spiritual and professional development opportunities while spearheading a variety of local and international service initiatives.
Craig Bohl, American Football Coaches Association executive director:
“Coach Sitake challenges his players to lead with character and serve others. The culture he’s built at BYU makes him a deserving choice as this year’s honorary coach.”
Meet the 2026 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team
For more than three decades, the Good Works Team has celebrated college football players whose leadership extends beyond the game and into their communities. Since 2008, Allstate has supported those efforts through national recognition and a monetary contribution to student-athletes to advance their community impact.
This year’s team includes:
- Michael Allen, Baylor University, Safety: Leads the campus chapter of Uplifting Athletes, which helped raise more than $10,000 for rare disease research.
- JayJay Jordan, Slippery Rock University, Running Back: Volunteered in Puerto Rico to help residents recover and rebuild following natural disasters.
- Leonard Moore, University of Notre Dame, Cornerback: Founded Tackle Attendance South Bend to reduce missed school days and promote student success.
- Troy Mrukowski, John Carroll University, Offensive Lineman: Leads planning, marketing and outreach for the university’s largest citywide Jesuit Day of Service, helping recruit more than 400 student volunteers.
- Micah Sahakian, Duke University, Offensive Lineman: Volunteers at Duke Children’s Hospital, mentors local youth and participates in mission trips to Lebanon to serve refugee communities.
- Colin Simmons, University of Texas, Defensive End: Founded Clay’s Color Crew, a nonprofit honoring his younger brother that provides autism resources for families in South Dallas and beyond.
The full team roster and stories of community service can be found at ESPN.com/Allstate and below. Among this year’s class, the SEC leads all conferences with three honorees, followed by the ACC and Big 12 with two each.
Vote for the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Recipient and Good Works Team Captain
For the third year, Allstate and the Wuerffel Foundation will award the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy to one of the team’s 11 FBS semi-finalists during The Home Depot College Football Awards Show on Dec. 11. The recipient also serves as the Good Works Team captain.
Fans can cast their vote through Nov. 3 at ESPN.com/Allstate. Candidates for The Allstate Wuerffel Trophy will be narrowed to three finalists, announced in November, and selected by a national voting committee of college football leaders, former players, coaches and members of the media.
Danny Wuerffel, Heisman Trophy winner and namesake of Allstate Wuerffel Trophy:
“Making a difference with the people you love and in the places you live is what the Good Works Team and Wuerffel Trophy have always been about. We’re excited to see who will receive the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy this year.”
The 2026-2027 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team is listed below in alphabetical order by school:
Football Bowl Subdivisions (FBS)
Noah Fifita University of Arizona
Michael Allen Baylor University
Gideon Davidson Clemson University
Micah Sahakian Duke University
Jaylin Belford Liberty University
Leonard Moore University of Notre Dame
Mudia Reuben University of South Florida
Edwin Spillman University of Tennessee
Colin Simmons University of Texas
Marcus Ratcliffe Texas A&M University
Matt Hofer University of Toledo
Combined Divisions (FCS, Division II, Division III and NAIA)
L’Shawn Taylor Bemidji State University
Jaegar Ash Bethel University (Minnesota)
Peyton Ritzert Central College
Josh Fedd Harvard University
Shea Ruddy Hillsdale College
Troy Mrukowski John Carroll University
Browning Trainer Johns Hopkins University
Luke Paulsen Morningside University
Gianna Bennett Northwestern College
Sam Nolan Saint John’s University (Minnesota)
JayJay Jordan Slippery Rock University
Head Coach
Kalani Sitake, Brigham Young University
FAQ
What is the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team?
The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team recognizes college football players for their leadership in community service, academics and athletics. Established in 1992 and presented by Allstate since 2008, it is one of college football’s most prestigious honors for community impact.
Who was named to the 2026 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team?
The 2026 Allstate AFCA Good Works team includes 22 student-athletes and honorary coach Kalani Sitake of Brigham Young University. The complete roster is available at ESPN.com/Allstate.
How many student-athletes are selected to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team?
The 2026 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team includes 11 Football Bowl Subdivision players and 11 players from the Football Championship Subdivision, Divisions II and III, and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics.
Why is the 2026 class historic?
The 2026 team includes the first female student-athlete selected in the history of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. Gianna Bennett, a kicker at Northwestern College in Iowa, earned recognition for her leadership and community service efforts.
How was the 2026 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team selected?
The 2026 class was selected from 162 nominees by a panel of former Good Works Team members, college football coaches, journalists and other leaders.
What is the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy?
The Allstate Wuerffel Trophy is awarded annually to the captain of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. The award recognizes a Football Bowl Subdivision player who demonstrates excellence in community service, academics and athletics.
How can fans vote for the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy recipient?
Fans can vote for the Good Works Team captain and 2026 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy recipient through Nov. 3 at ESPN.com/Allstate.
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. 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 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.
For more information about the AFCA, visit www.AFCA.com. For more interesting articles, check out The Insider and subscribe to our weekly email.
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 Application.
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Twenty-two college football student-athletes and honorary coach Kalani Sitake named to the 2026 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, including the first female honoree in program history. One FBS player will earn the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy.
Key Takeaways:
- Allstate and the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) named 22 college football players and one honorary coach to the 2026 Good Works Team, one of the sport’s most prestigious honors for leadership in community service, academics and athletics.
- This year’s class contributed more than 12,000 hours of volunteer service supporting community causes ranging from healthcare to youth mentorship and includes the first female honoree in program history.
- Fans can view the team roster and vote for the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy recipient and Good Works Team captain at ESPN.com/Allstate through Nov. 3. The recipient will be announced during The Home Depot College Football awards.
- The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team reflects Allstate’s decades-long commitment to empower student-athletes to lead in their communities.
Allstate and the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) today named 22 student-athletes and honorary coach Kalani Sitake to the 2026 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, recognizing their commitment to service, academic achievement and athletic excellence.
This year’s team was selected from 162 nominees and includes representatives from every level of college football. The class also includes the first female student-athlete selected in the program’s history, Northwestern College kicker Gianna Bennett. Beyond their accomplishments on the field, this year’s honorees contributed more than 12,000 hours of volunteer service, raised more than $100,000 for charitable causes, launched seven community initiatives and foundations and used their NIL earnings to support causes they care about.
The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team reflects Allstate’s decades-long commitment to empower student-athletes to lead in their communities.
Tim Tebow, ESPN analyst, two-time national champion, 2009 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team member and Allstate Wuerffel Trophy recipient:
“One of my favorite things about the Good Works Team is that it measures something stat sheets don’t. The spotlight is on student-athletes who are impacting their communities through what they do off the field. By recognizing these young leaders, including the program’s first female honoree, Allstate is elevating their commitment to inspire more players, coaches, and fans to make a difference in the world around them.”
Sitake, head coach at Brigham Young University, and this year’s honorary coach, is recognized for launching BYU’s Built4Life program to provide student-athletes with academic, leadership, spiritual and professional development opportunities while spearheading a variety of local and international service initiatives.
Craig Bohl, American Football Coaches Association executive director:
“Coach Sitake challenges his players to lead with character and serve others. The culture he’s built at BYU makes him a deserving choice as this year’s honorary coach.”
Meet the 2026 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team
For more than three decades, the Good Works Team has celebrated college football players whose leadership extends beyond the game and into their communities. Since 2008, Allstate has supported those efforts through national recognition and a monetary contribution to student-athletes to advance their community impact.
This year’s team includes:
- Michael Allen, Baylor University, Safety: Leads the campus chapter of Uplifting Athletes, which helped raise more than $10,000 for rare disease research.
- JayJay Jordan, Slippery Rock University, Running Back: Volunteered in Puerto Rico to help residents recover and rebuild following natural disasters.
- Leonard Moore, University of Notre Dame, Cornerback: Founded Tackle Attendance South Bend to reduce missed school days and promote student success.
- Troy Mrukowski, John Carroll University, Offensive Lineman: Leads planning, marketing and outreach for the university’s largest citywide Jesuit Day of Service, helping recruit more than 400 student volunteers.
- Micah Sahakian, Duke University, Offensive Lineman: Volunteers at Duke Children’s Hospital, mentors local youth and participates in mission trips to Lebanon to serve refugee communities.
- Colin Simmons, University of Texas, Defensive End: Founded Clay’s Color Crew, a nonprofit honoring his younger brother that provides autism resources for families in South Dallas and beyond.
The full team roster and stories of community service can be found at ESPN.com/Allstate and below. Among this year’s class, the SEC leads all conferences with three honorees, followed by the ACC and Big 12 with two each.
Vote for the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Recipient and Good Works Team Captain
For the third year, Allstate and the Wuerffel Foundation will award the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy to one of the team’s 11 FBS semi-finalists during The Home Depot College Football Awards Show on Dec. 11. The recipient also serves as the Good Works Team captain.
Fans can cast their vote through Nov. 3 at ESPN.com/Allstate. Candidates for The Allstate Wuerffel Trophy will be narrowed to three finalists, announced in November, and selected by a national voting committee of college football leaders, former players, coaches and members of the media.
Danny Wuerffel, Heisman Trophy winner and namesake of Allstate Wuerffel Trophy:
“Making a difference with the people you love and in the places you live is what the Good Works Team and Wuerffel Trophy have always been about. We’re excited to see who will receive the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy this year.”
The 2026-2027 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team is listed below in alphabetical order by school:
| Football Bowl Subdivisions (FBS) | |
|---|---|
| Noah Fifita | University of Arizona |
| Michael Allen | Baylor University |
| Gideon Davidson | Clemson University |
| Micah Sahakian | Duke University |
| Jaylin Belford | Liberty University |
| Leonard Moore | University of Notre Dame |
| Mudia Reuben | University of South Florida |
| Edwin Spillman | University of Tennessee |
| Colin Simmons | University of Texas |
| Marcus Ratcliffe | Texas A&M University |
| Matt Hofer | University of Toledo |
| Combined Divisions (FCS, Division II, Division III and NAIA) | |
|---|---|
| L’Shawn Taylor | Bemidji State University |
| Jaegar Ash | Bethel University (Minnesota) |
| Peyton Ritzert | Central College |
| Josh Fedd | Harvard University |
| Shea Ruddy | Hillsdale College |
| Troy Mrukowski | John Carroll University |
| Browning Trainer | Johns Hopkins University |
| Luke Paulsen | Morningside University |
| Gianna Bennett | Northwestern College |
| Sam Nolan | Saint John’s University (Minnesota) |
| JayJay Jordan | Slippery Rock University |
Head Coach
Kalani Sitake, Brigham Young University
FAQ
What is the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team?
The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team recognizes college football players for their leadership in community service, academics and athletics. Established in 1992 and presented by Allstate since 2008, it is one of college football’s most prestigious honors for community impact.
Who was named to the 2026 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team?
The 2026 Allstate AFCA Good Works team includes 22 student-athletes and honorary coach Kalani Sitake of Brigham Young University. The complete roster is available at ESPN.com/Allstate.
How many student-athletes are selected to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team?
The 2026 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team includes 11 Football Bowl Subdivision players and 11 players from the Football Championship Subdivision, Divisions II and III, and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics.
Why is the 2026 class historic?
The 2026 team includes the first female student-athlete selected in the history of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. Gianna Bennett, a kicker at Northwestern College in Iowa, earned recognition for her leadership and community service efforts.
How was the 2026 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team selected?
The 2026 class was selected from 162 nominees by a panel of former Good Works Team members, college football coaches, journalists and other leaders.
What is the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy?
The Allstate Wuerffel Trophy is awarded annually to the captain of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. The award recognizes a Football Bowl Subdivision player who demonstrates excellence in community service, academics and athletics.
How can fans vote for the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy recipient?
Fans can vote for the Good Works Team captain and 2026 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy recipient through Nov. 3 at ESPN.com/Allstate.
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. 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 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.
For more information about the AFCA, visit www.AFCA.com. For more interesting articles, check out The Insider and subscribe to our weekly email.
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 Application.
