Hughes a Nominee For 2026 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team

LARAMIE -- Tyler Hughes has admittedly received a crash course in Pokes Pride since arriving on campus in early January.

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Whether it's the state's famous Steamboat logo lining the street lamps in town or the friendly conversations at the Laramie grocery stores, Wyoming's new quarterback knows this place is starving for a winner.

Hughes is one of those -- on and off the field.

Monday he learned he is one of 175 nominees for the 2026 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, and award that recognizes student-athletes and coaches around the nation who are making a major impact in the community.

Hughes has done just that since his arrival, volunteering his time with the Boys and Girls Club, and even hosting a football camp in Casper along with fellow signal caller Mason Drube.

Wyoming athletes, including Hughes, have logged more than 2,600 hours of community service during the calendar year.

"That's the beautiful thing about coming and playing for the state because, like, we are the state of Wyoming," the graduate transfer from William and Mary said last week at Mountain West Media Days in Las Vegas. "We do represent the entire state. We don't have a professional team, we don't have somewhere else to venture off to -- and you take pride in that and you love that.

"As a player, that amplifies you. As a team, that amplifies you because you want to win for them."

The Wyoming football program partnered with "Get in the Game" to encourage people to sign up and register as potential donors in the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) in April in the Wyoming Union. In the span of a few hours, 113 people volunteered for cheek swabs to have their DNA added to the NMDP registry.

Hughes was also involved in other outreach events since his arrival in Laramie.

For the first time in the award's 35-year history, a female student-athlete is among the nominees. Gianna Bennett, a kicker at Northwestern College in Iowa, earned a nomination after helping raise $40,000 for a maternal health education campaign that provides expectant parents with potentially life-saving information to support healthy pregnancies.

What is the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team?
The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team recognizes college football student-athletes who demonstrate exceptional commitment to community service, academics and athletics. Established in 1992 and presented by Allstate since 2008, the program honors players who use their platforms to strengthen communities and support causes important to them.

What causes are this year's nominees supporting?
This year's nominees are tackling a wide range of challenges in communities across the United States and beyond. Their efforts include youth mentorship, maternal health awareness, disability inclusion, childhood cancer research, clean water access and support for military veterans.

About the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team
The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team was established in 1992 by the College Football Association, recognizing the extra efforts made by college football players and student support staff off the field. AFCA became the governing body of the award in 1997 and continues to honor college football players who go the extra mile for those in need. Allstate worked to present the award starting with the 2008 season.

About Allstate's Impact Through Collegiate Athletics
Allstate's longstanding support of collegiate athletics is part of its commitment to empowering young people to lead in their communities. Allstate has been a proud member of the college athletics community for more than 20 years through its university and conference sponsorships, academic scholarships and community impact initiatives. Since 2005, the Allstate Good Hands Nets program has raised millions of dollars in scholarships with every field goal and extra point scored. Allstate recently upped the donations for each kick, funding more scholarships for student-athletes across all sports. Since 2008, the Allstate Good Works Teams have honored hundreds of student-athletes for their service off the field, supporting causes such as youth empowerment and hunger relief. Allstate has been the title sponsor of the Allstate Sugar Bowl, one of the premier events in college football, since 2006.

About the AFCA
The American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) was founded in 1922 and currently has more than 11,000 members around the world ranging from the high school level to the professional ranks. According to its constitution, the AFCA was formed, in part, to "maintain the highest possible standards in football and in the coaching profession" and to "provide a forum for the discussion and study of all matters pertaining to football."

For more information about the AFCA, visit www.AFCA.com. If you are interested in more in-depth articles and videos, please become an AFCA member. You can find out more information about membership and specific member benefits on the AFCA Membership Overview page. If you are ready to join, please fill out the AFCA Membership Request Form.

About the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy
The Allstate Wuerffel Trophy, a member of the National College Football Awards Association, is college football's premier award for community service. The trophy is presented annually by the Wuerffel Foundation to the FBS player who best combines exemplary community service with leadership and performance on and off the field. Named after Heisman Trophy winner and College Football Hall of Famer, Danny Wuerffel, the award honors his commitment to inspiring greater service and unity in the world. Established in 2005, the Wuerffel Trophy is celebrating its 22nd anniversary this year. Wuerffel led the University of Florida to four SEC Championships and the 1996 National Championship. As a humanitarian, he continues to inspire leaders to positively impact their communities. Danny currently serves as President of the Wuerffel Foundation and Executive Director of Desire Street Ministries. An avid pickleball player, he was drafted as a professional within the National Pickleball League and hosts celebrity pro-am "PickleBowl" tournaments.

* A UW press release contributed to this report

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