In an inspiring twist, University of Wyoming quarterback Tyler Hughes has landed a nomination for the 2026 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. This nod shines a light on Hughes’s deep commitment to community service, academics, and leadership both on and off the field.
The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, started back in 1992, honors college football players who go out of their way to make a difference in their communities. This year, 175 nominees made the list, each bringing their own unique contributions.
Tyler Hughes: A Beacon of Community Service
Since arriving in Laramie, Tyler Hughes has stood out as both a quarterback and a community presence. Wyoming student-athletes put in over 2,600 hours of community service last season.
Hughes chipped in by working with the Boys and Girls Club and co-hosting a camp in Casper with fellow quarterback Mason Drube. It’s clear he’s not just about football.
Engagement with the Boys and Girls Club
Hughes’s efforts with the Boys and Girls Club show his dedication to mentoring young people. Hosting a football camp, he passed on athletic skills and gave kids a real-life example to look up to.
These camps let kids pick up more than just football—they learned about teamwork, discipline, and sticking with it even when things get tough. There’s something powerful about athletes giving back like this.
Partnership with “Get in the Game”
Hughes also got involved with the “Get in the Game” initiative, which encourages folks to join the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP). At an April event in the Wyoming Union, 113 people volunteered for cheek swabs to join the registry.
His presence at the event helped raise awareness about bone marrow donation and the difference it can make. It’s not every day you see athletes championing life-saving causes like this.
Trailblazing Nominee: Gianna Bennett
For the first time in the award’s 35-year run, a female student-athlete has been nominated. Gianna Bennett, a kicker at Northwestern College in Iowa, earned her spot by raising $40,000 for a maternal health education campaign.
This campaign gives expectant parents vital info to support healthy pregnancies. Bennett’s dedication to maternal health is pretty inspiring.
Impact of Maternal Health Campaign
Bennett’s fundraising has made a real impact on maternal health education. By getting crucial information to parents, she’s helped countless families—no small feat.
Her nomination really highlights how broad the range of causes is among this year’s nominees. It’s not just about sports; it’s about real community change.
The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team: An Overview
The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team proves college athletes can drive positive change. Started in 1992 by the College Football Association and presented by Allstate since 2008, the program honors players who use their platforms to lift up their communities.
This year’s nominees are tackling all kinds of issues, including:
- Youth mentorship
- Maternal health awareness
- Disability inclusion
- Childhood cancer research
- Clean water access
- Support for military veterans
It’s honestly impressive to see the range of challenges these athletes are stepping up to face in their communities.
Allstate’s Commitment to Collegiate Athletics
Allstate’s support of college athletics is just part of its bigger goal to help young people lead in their communities. For over 20 years, Allstate has been involved through sponsorships, scholarships, and impact initiatives.
The Allstate Good Hands Nets Program
Since 2005, the Allstate Good Hands Nets program has raised millions in scholarships tied to every field goal and extra point. Recently, Allstate upped the donation per kick, funding even more scholarships for student-athletes across sports.
It’s a creative way to tie athletic performance directly to academic opportunity—pretty clever, honestly.
The Allstate Sugar Bowl
Allstate’s also been the title sponsor of the Allstate Sugar Bowl since 2006, one of college football’s biggest events. Their sponsorship shows a real commitment to celebrating athletic excellence and bringing people together through sports.
About the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA)
The American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) was founded in 1922 and now boasts over 11,000 members worldwide, from high school coaches to pros. The AFCA’s mission is to keep football and coaching standards high and to provide a space for discussion about the sport.
For more info about the AFCA, you can check out their official site. They’re still honoring college players who go the extra mile for others, keeping those values of leadership and service alive.
Celebrating the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy
The Allstate Wuerffel Trophy is another big honor for community service in college football. Named after Heisman winner and Hall of Famer Danny Wuerffel, it recognizes the FBS player who best combines community service, leadership, and performance on and off the field.
It’s now in its 22nd year, and honestly, it’s nice to see awards that go beyond stats and wins.
Legacy of Danny Wuerffel
Wuerffel led the University of Florida to four SEC Championships. He also helped secure the 1996 National Championship.
As a humanitarian, he keeps finding ways to inspire leaders and encourage positive change in their communities. Danny now serves as President of the Wuerffel Foundation.
He’s also the Executive Director of Desire Street Ministries. On top of all that, he’s become an avid pickleball player.
Recently, he was drafted as a professional in the National Pickleball League. He even hosts those lively celebrity pro-am “PickleBowl” tournaments—fun to watch if you get the chance.
To learn more about Tyler Hughes’s nomination and the impact of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, check out the official announcement on the University of Wyoming’s website.
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