The Allstate Wuerffel Trophy has announced its 2025 finalists, celebrating three remarkable NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) players who exemplify character, leadership, and a dedication to community service. These finalists will be recognized during The Home Depot College Football Awards, airing live on ESPN on December 12, and will also be honored at the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Presentation Gala on January 31, 2026, at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta.
The finalists this year are Tanner Wall from Brigham Young University, Michael Taaffe from the University of Texas, and Matt Hofer from the University of Toledo. Each of these student-athletes has demonstrated exceptional commitment to service beyond the football field.
Tanner Wall has made significant contributions through the BYU Pathway Program, mentoring students across Africa and the South Pacific. He helps them enhance their English proficiency and prepares them for future careers by conducting workshops on resume building and interview techniques. Additionally, Wall collaborates with Utah Valley Hospital, coordinating weekly visits from BYU players to uplift patients. As co-chair of BYU’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, he has also organized holiday activities for local refugee centers.
Michael Taaffe has taken a strong stance against the fentanyl crisis in memory of his friend Jake Ehlinger, promoting statewide educational initiatives and prevention efforts. He has remarkably raised over $100,000 for the Texas Flood Relief Foundation to memorialize lives lost during a tragic event. Taaffe is actively involved in his community, volunteering at hospitals, food distributions, and community clean-up events.
Matt Hofer dedicated over 180 hours to community service this past season. His work includes volunteering at the Cherry Street Mission in Toledo, where he provides meals and creates support programs for homeless individuals. Hofer has also engaged in youth education initiatives during mission trips to Kenya and the Philippines, while continuing to serve local schools, food banks, and community sports events in Toledo.
The finalists were chosen by the National Selection Committee from a pool of 11 NCAA FBS players on the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, incorporating input from fan votes on ESPN.com/Allstate.
The Wuerffel Trophy, established in 2005, is a part of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA), which recognizes the most prestigious awards in college football. Named after Heisman Trophy winner Danny Wuerffel, the trophy aims to honor players who combine community service with exemplary leadership on the field. Wuerffel himself is known not just for his athletic success but also for his extensive humanitarian work, embodying the values of excellence, service, and humility.
This award highlights not only the athletic achievements of these student-athletes but their incredible service to their communities, inspiring future generations to give back and promote change.