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Allstate and AFCA Announce 2026 Good Works Team Nominees

In a remarkable celebration of leadership and community service, Allstate and the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) have unveiled the list of nominees for the 2026 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. This prestigious recognition pays tribute to 162 college football student-athletes who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to community service, academic excellence, and athletic prowess.

A Historical Milestone

For the first time in the history of the Good Works Team, which has been running for 35 years, a female nominee has made the list. Gianna Bennett, a kicker at Northwestern College in Iowa, stood out for her significant contributions to maternal health. Through her efforts, she helped raise $40,000 for an educational campaign aimed at providing expectant parents with essential information for healthier pregnancies.

Diverse Causes and Rich Contributions

This year’s nominees are making waves in their communities by addressing various challenges ranging from maternal health education to supporting children with disabilities and veterans. The nominees are promoting positive change through initiatives focused on youth mentorship, cancer research, and clean water access. For instance:

• - Gideon Davidson, a running back from Clemson University, raised nearly $13,000 for Flourish Adoption Ministries to assist families with adoption-related costs.

• - Noah Fifita, the quarterback from the University of Arizona, founded the First Down Faith Foundation, dedicating service to uplifting communities through football camps that blend mentorship and skill training.

• - Sam Nolan, a wide receiver from Saint John's University in Minnesota, organized fundraising events for St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, amassing over $150,000 towards fighting childhood cancer.

These student-athletes exemplify how sports can be a platform for meaningful change, echoing the spirit of community service that Allstate and AFCA champion.

Unprecedented Impact

The collective impact of this year's nominee class is noteworthy. They have successfully raised a record $18.8 million for childhood cancer research, provided over 10,000 hours of tutoring, and contributed more than $27,000 in support of World War II veterans, showcasing a robust commitment to societal betterment.

Selection of Nominees

The 2026 Good Works Team will be finalized in September, revealing 22 selected student-athletes and one honorary head coach. Evaluation of the nominees is carried out by a panel of former Good Works Team members, college football coaches, journalists, and community leaders. They assess candidates on their breadth of service, academic accomplishments, leadership skills, and the tangible effects they have had on those they support.

Notably, the 2026 class will feature representation from all levels of college football competition, including NFL prospects from the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), and NAIA ranks. The Big Ten Conference has the largest number of nominees this year, showcasing a strong commitment to community service within its athlete ranks.

About the Program

The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team was established in 1992, originally by the College Football Association, to acknowledge the contributions made by college athletes off the field. The continuation of the awards by AFCA since 1997 underlines the importance of nurturing not just athletes, but also conscientious leaders who prioritize service and community engagement.

By sponsoring this initiative, Allstate reaffirms its dedication to empowering students to serve their communities actively. Through numerous sponsorships, community initiatives, and scholarship programs, Allstate has stood at the forefront of supporting collegiate athletics for over twenty years.

The honoring of these remarkable student-athletes inspires others to follow suit and engage meaningfully with their communities, paving a path toward a more industrious and compassionate society.