The 2026 nominee class features 175 total individuals, including 113 players from the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), 49 representatives from the FCS, Division II, III, and NAIA ranks, and 13 head coaches. Gianna Bennett, a kicker at Northwestern College in Iowa, made history as the first woman to receive a nomination. Bennett was recognized for her role in raising $40,000 for a maternal health education initiative.

Nominees are currently driving impact across a diverse range of social issues, including childhood cancer research, clean water access in Nigeria, and support for military veterans. Notable efforts include Sam Nolan of Saint John’s University, who helped secure over $150,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and Mudia Reuben of the University of South Florida, who utilized Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) earnings to fund clean water projects. A selection panel will review these contributions to name 22 student-athletes and one honorary head coach in September, with one player ultimately receiving the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy.