CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Illinois' senior linebacker Kenenna Odeluga has been named to the preseason watch list for the 2025 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy, released Thursday by the The Wuerffel Foundation.
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 21st anniversary this year.
- Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Website
- Last three winners:
- 2024: Nick Dawkins, OL, Penn State
- 2023: Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia
- 2022: Dillan Gibbons, OL, Florida State
KENENNA ODELUGA
- 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
ILLINI ON WATCH LISTS (AS OF JULY 31)
