How players and coaches are proving football’s biggest wins happen off the field
Every fall, college football captures headlines for its big plays, rivalries, and championship chases. But the 2025 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team reminds us that the game’s true legacy often happens far from the stadium lights. This year’s honorees include 22 student-athletes and one head coach whose service and leadership are impacting communities in lasting ways. From raising awareness about substance abuse to helping families in need, these are the stories that show football’s influence is bigger than the box score.
What Is the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team?
The Good Works Team began in 1992 as a way to spotlight players who dedicate their time to service. Since then, it has grown into one of the most respected honors in college football. The American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) oversees the selection process, while Allstate helps present the award.
Each year, nominees are submitted by sports information directors and coaches across the country. From nearly 200 nominations in 2025, just 22 players and one coach were selected. The honorees represent every level of college football, from the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) to small programs in Division III and NAIA.
2025 Honorees: Recognizing True Leaders in College Football
The 2025 team features 11 players from the FBS and 11 from lower divisions, making it a truly national award. Oklahoma’s Brent Venables was chosen as this year’s honorary coach, reflecting the values he’s instilled in Norman both on and off the field.
Craig Bohl, AFCA executive director, summed up the importance of the honor: “Coach Venables is building a culture of excellence that extends beyond football. We congratulate him and these student-athletes for making the 2025 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team.”
Spotlight Stories: How Players Are Making a Difference
Chandler Rivers, Duke: Building Leaders Through Youth Camps
Rivers, a standout cornerback for the Blue Devils, dedicates his summers to hosting football camps in Texas. More than 200 kids attend each year, learning not just about footwork and technique but also about discipline and responsibility. His goal is simple, help the next generation grow as both athletes and people.
Michael Taaffe, Texas: Tackling Fentanyl Awareness
Taaffe turned heartbreak into a mission. After his friend and teammate Jake Ehlinger passed away, he founded “Taaffe’s Tackles for Fentanyl Awareness.” Every tackle he makes generates donations to Texas Against Fentanyl. In just a short time, the initiative has raised thousands to fight an epidemic that has touched countless families.
Terian Williams II, Bucknell: Supporting Families in Atlanta
Williams is the founder of the “It Takes A Village Family Foundation.” Based in Atlanta, the nonprofit organizes Father’s Day events that provide free shoes, shirts, and meals to homeless dads. His vision is rooted in family, and his outreach has already touched hundreds in the local community.
Nolan Ulm, Eastern Washington: Raising Funds for Single Mothers
Ulm, a wide receiver for Eastern Washington, raised over $23,000 for single mothers through the organization Mamas for Mamas. He’s logged more than 100 volunteer hours each year, making his contributions one of the most impactful on the 2025 list.
Brent Venables Named 2025 Honorary Coach
Venables, now in his third season at Oklahoma, has reshaped the Sooners into a program known for accountability and service. His work extends beyond recruiting and game planning. Venables encourages his players to take leadership roles in their communities, instilling values that last long after football ends.
The recognition places him alongside some of the sport’s most respected leaders. It’s not just about wins, it’s about influence. His selection as honorary coach underscores how the Good Works Team bridges competition and compassion.
How the Allstate Good Works Team Connects With the Wuerffel Trophy
For the second straight year, the Good Works Team and the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy are united under a single spotlight. The Wuerffel Trophy honors one FBS player who best combines service, leadership, and performance. Fans can vote at ESPN.com/Allstate through Nov. 10 to help decide the recipient, who will also serve as captain of the 2025 Good Works Team.
Danny Wuerffel, the award’s namesake, praised this year’s nominees: “Hearing the stories of service from these young men is truly incredible. From mentoring youth to supporting mental wellness, we’re excited to see which of these servant leaders will receive the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy this year.”
The Legacy of the Good Works Team
Over three decades, the Good Works Team has highlighted nearly 1,000 players. The Southeastern Conference leads with 91 total selections, while Georgia tops all schools with 24 honorees. Kentucky and Bethel (Minn.) each sit tied for second with 19.
Those numbers prove the award has staying power, but the real legacy lives in the communities transformed by these players’ efforts. Whether it’s mentoring children, raising funds for families, or bringing awareness to critical issues, the impact is permanent.
Why This Award Matters in 2025 and Beyond
College football is about more than points and rankings. The 2025 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team reinforces that leadership, character, and service are just as important. These honorees show the next generation of athletes that success is measured not only by trophies, but by the lives you touch.
As Tim Tebow, a past Good Works Team member, said: “These young men are passionate leaders with hearts driven to serve others. It’s an honor to celebrate the many ways they make their communities better.”
That message is as relevant today as it was when the award began. The future of college football will always include highlight reels and playoff runs, but thanks to this team, it will also include hope, compassion, and service.
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