Allstate Wuerffel Trophy announces 2025 finalists for college football's top community service award
Three student-athletes from Toledo, Texas and BYU honored for leadership and community service off the field; Winner announced Dec. 12 live on ESPN
The Allstate Wuerffel Trophy today announced its 2025 finalists, recognizing three NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) players who exemplify character, leadership and a deep commitment to serving others.
2025 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Finalists
- Matt Hofer, University of Toledo (OL): Hofer logged more than 180 hours of community service this season, volunteering at Cherry Street Mission in Toledo to provide meals and create programs that support people experiencing homelessness. He also promoted youth education during mission trips to Kenya and the Philippines. Back in Toledo, his community service efforts extend to serving at local schools, food banks and sporting events.
- Michael Taaffe, University of Texas (DB): Taaffe advocates for Texas Against Fentanyl in memory of his late friend Jake Ehlinger, supporting statewide education and prevention efforts. He also raised more than $100,000 for the Texas Flood Relief Foundation to honor lives lost at Camp Mystic. Beyond advocacy, he frequently volunteers across Austin, visiting hospitals, distributing food and participating in community clean-ups.
- Tanner Wall, Brigham Young University (S): Wall mentors hundreds of students across Africa and the South Pacific through the BYU Pathway Program, helping them strengthen English skills and prepare for careers by hosting workshops on resume building and interview preparation. He partners with Utah Valley Hospital to coordinate weekly visits from BYU football players, brightening patients' days through encouragement. As service committee co-chair of BYU's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), Wall also organized Christmas tree deliveries and donation drives for local refugee centers.
Danny Wuerffel, former NFL quarterback, Heisman Trophy winner, College Football Hall of Famer and namesake of the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy:
"I'm deeply inspired by these student-athletes' unwavering commitment to giving back to their communities. These three finalists have demonstrated exceptional dedication to service and leadership, going above and beyond the standard."
The 2025 recipient, announced live Dec. 12 during The Home Depot College Football Awards on ESPN, also serves as captain of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team and attends the Heisman Trophy ceremonies in New York City. They are also recognized during the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Presentation Gala on January 31, 2026, at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta.
Finalists were selected by the National Selection Committee from 11 NCAA FBS players on the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team and input from fan voting on ESPN.com/Allstate. Nominees represent players and coaches from colleges and universities across the country.
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; Nick Dawkins – Penn State – 2024.
The Allstate Wuerffel Trophy is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA), which encompasses the most prestigious awards in college football. Founded in 1997, the NCFAA and its 25 awards now boast more than 900 recipients, dating back to 1935. For more information on the NCFAA, visit NCFAA.org.
The Allstate Wuerffel Trophy, established in 2005, honors college football players who serve others, celebrates their impact, and inspires greater service in the world. A member of the National College Football Awards Association, the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy is presented annually to the FBS player who best combines exemplary community service with leadership achievement on and off the field. It is the first major award honoring the character of service to others.
The trophy is named after Heisman Trophy winner, College Football Hall of Famer, former NFL quarterback, and renowned humanitarian Danny Wuerffel, whose life mission is to inspire greater service in the world. Wuerffel led the University of Florida to four SEC Championships and the Gators' first National Football Championship as the team's star quarterback. The 1996 Heisman Trophy winner set 17 NCAA and Florida records and won a myriad of other awards including the Maxwell Award, the Davey O'Brien Award, and The William V. Campbell Trophy, presented to the nation's top scholar-athlete. As a nationally recognized humanitarian, Wuerffel inspires leaders to use their influence to make a positive impact and currently serves as President of the Wuerffel Foundation. For more information, visit www.wuerffeltrophy.org/.
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. For more information, visit www.dannywuerffel.com/foundation/.
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.
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Allstate Wuerffel Trophy
James Gadsby – Executive Director, Wuerffel Foundation
[email protected]