CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – University of Illinois senior linebacker Kenenna Odeluga and Fighting Illini football head coach Bret Bielema are among the nominees announced by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) for recognition on the 2025 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. Nominees are determined based on their exemplary record of community service and impact on and off the field. Student-athletes must also show a strong academic dedication.
THE ALLSTATE AFCA GOOD WORKS TEAM
Allstate and the American Football Coaches Association today announced a record-breaking 197 nominees for the 2025 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team®, the most 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."
KENENNA ODELUGA, SENIOR LINEBACKER
- Recipient of Illinois' Big Ten Jackie Robinson Community & Impact Award in 2025
- Founded Illinois' Afro-Tailgate, which gives an opportunity for African students to take part in a cultural experience and enjoy a college football game in a safe, welcoming setting. He has run the tailgates in 2023 and 2024. Last year, he was able to sponsor over 60 tickets for on-campus RSO groups; people from his hometown in South Holland, Illinois; and members of his church. After the game, Odeluga joined the group for some good music, good food, and good conversations
- Helped launch the African Heritage Scholarship at his high school alma mater, Mount Carmel, along with his family
- Served a mission trip to Africa in the summer of 2023
- Visited the Carle Foundation Hospital to meet babies and children of all ages who were dealing with various sicknesses or diseases
- Volunteered to help build a garden at the Salvation Army
- Worked with DREAAM for the organization's community service event, playing with the kids and helping with other parts of the event
- Attended the Black Student Athlete Summit 2024 in Los Angeles, connecting with numerous professionals and athletic faculty members from all around the nation, while cultivating fellowship and lasting relationships with many of the 1,500 student-athletes in attendance
- Co-leader for EMPOWER, a student-athlete affinity group that uplifts and provides a safe space for student-athletes of color at the University of Illinois within the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics
- Member of Illinois Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), serving as a representative for the football program and being able to be a part of various athletics community initiatives
- Three-time Academic All-Big Ten selection
BRET BIELEMA, HEAD COACH
- Bielema has given back to the Champaign-Urbana community in a number of ways since his arrival as the Illinois head coach. Bielema's family has donated resources throughout the community through initiatives such as the FamILLy First Backpack and School Supply Drive; the recently announced veterans tickets donation match, which has already accounted for nearly 500 tickets; and partnering with Champaign-Urbana's Young Lives program to help teen moms in need by sponsoring a shopping spree for 200 mothers. Donated money, tickets, and supplies have helped Champaign-Urbana organizations such as the Don Moyer Boys & Girls Club, Carle Mills Breast Cancer Institute, Central Illinois Susan G. Komen Foundation, CU Church, and schools throughout the Champaign-Urbana community. These organizations all represented causes that are close to the Bielemas and supported those in need around Champaign-Urbana and the University of Illinois famILLy.
- This is Bielema's second straight year on the AFCA Good Works Team nominee list.
- Bielema is one of 16 head coaches to be named a nominee and the only Big Ten head coach.
