IU Quarterback Fernando Mendoza Named Nominee for 2025 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team

AFCA Release

NORTHBROOK, Ill., July 15, 2025 — Allstate and the American Football Coaches Association today announced a record-breaking 197 nominees for the 2025 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team®, the highest in the award’s 34-year history. College football student-athletes and head coaches from all levels of the sport are recognized for their commitment to community service and leadership beyond the gridiron. 

“I’ve been a part of this team, and these players aren’t just showing up, they’re standing out,” said Sam Acho, ESPN analyst, former NFL linebacker, author and 2010 Good Works Team member and Allstate Wuerffel Trophy recipient. “Their commitment to service creates lasting change and inspires the next generation.”

Nominees’ service spans mental health to homelessness

This year’s nominees are tackling issues such as youth mentorship, mental wellness, homelessness and health care access. A few examples:

• Charlie Pearson, Johns Hopkins, Offensive Line: A certified EMT who has responded to over 150 emergency calls while also mentoring youth, expanding access to nutritious food, and advocating for mental health and pediatric care.
• Dylan Wheeler, Saint John’s University (MN), Wide Receiver: Raised over $25,000 for Folds of Honorand helped provide nearly 100,000 meals for children through donations and seasonal fundraisers.
• Michael Taaffe, University of Texas, Defensive Back: FoundedTaaffe’s Tackles for Fentanyl Awarenessin memory of a friend, turning personal loss into a movement for education and support statewide.
• Sonny Styles, Ohio State, Linebacker: Raised over $43,000 through an annual Sleep Out to support at-risk and homeless youth in Central Ohio, providing essential items and year-round advocacy. 
• Aamil Wagner, Notre Dame, Offensive Line: Leads initiatives at Notre Dame focused on personal growth and career readiness, advocates for rare disease awareness as president of Notre Dame’s Uplifting Athletes chapter and builds connections through youth development programs.

Allstate and Wuerffel Foundation Elevate Impact

For the second year, Allstate is partnering with the Wuerffel Foundation to align two of college football’s most meaningful honors: the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team and the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy. Together, they recognize student-athletes who demonstrate excellence in community service, academics and athletics. 

“When nearly 200 young athletes choose to serve, it creates a ripple effect far beyond the game,” said Danny Wuerffel, former NFL quarterback, Heisman Trophy winner and College Football Hall of Famer for whom the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy is named. “Their leadership in the community is just as worthy of recognition as their performance on the field.”

Team Roster Named this Fall

The final roster of 23 award recipients announced in September will bring together:

• 11 players from the NCAA FBS
• 11 players from the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), Divisions II, III and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA)
• 1 honorary head coach

A voting panel of former Good Works Team members, head coaches and journalists select the team roster based on outstanding leadership on and off the field.

Meet the Full List of 2025 Nominees (alphabetically by college): 

Football Bowl Subdivision (D-1)