Jaylen McClain Named to Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Watch List
8/11/2026 12:00:00 PM | Football
The trophy honors players in college football who work towards serving others, creating an impact and inspiring greater service across the nation.
ATLANTA, Ga.– The Allstate Wuerffel Trophy named junior Safety Jaylen McClain to the 2026 trophy watch list on Tuesday afternoon. Â
The Wuerffel Trophy was established in 2005, and honors the college football players who serve others, celebrates their impact and inspires greater service across the nation. The trophy is presented each year to an FBS player who combines exemplary community service with leadership achievements both on and off the field. This trophy is the first major award to recognize the character of service to others. Â
Off the field, McClain started Everyday Legends Foundation, a foundation started and operated by Jaylen McClain. This nonprofit is dedicated to empowering youth and strengthening underserved communities. Additionally, this summer, he put on the inaugural  Jaylen McClain Youth Football Camp which focused on leadership, skill-building, and confidence for young athletes. He also has been an active volunteer in seasonal outreach efforts, including holiday toy drives and Thanksgiving turkey donation initiatives. Â
On the field, McClain is considered one of the best defenders in the country entering the season as he was placed on the Nagurski Watch List, a member of the East-West Bowl 1000 and on numerous preseason All-Big Ten teams. Last season, McClain was an All-Big Ten selection as he finished the season with 53 total tackles which ranked sixth on the team while also having three pass breakups. Additionally, he posted multiple tackles in 13 of 14 games.Â
The Wuerffel Trophy ProcessÂ
The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team is comprised of 22 student athletes and one honorary head coach who work to make outstanding contributions through volunteering and civic involvement. There are 11 players on the team from the FBS, who are named as semifinalists for the trophy. From that group, three finalists are selected by the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy National Selection Committee, with the winner of the trophy serving as the captain of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team.Â
Ohio State Preseason HonorsÂ
- Phil Steele:
- Six Ohio State players were named preseason All-Americans by the publication while 16 Buckeyes were placed on the preseason All-Big Ten team.   Â
- Athlon Sports:Â Â Â Â
- Seven Ohio State players were named preseason All-Americans by the publication while 16 Buckeyes were placed on the preseason All-Big Ten team.  Â
- Walter Camp:Â Â Â Â
- Lott IMPACT Trophy Watch List:Â Â Â Â
- Kenyatta Jackson Jr.   Â
- Jermaine Mathews Jr.  Â
- AFCA Good Works Nominees:Â Â Â
- Jaylen McClain  Â
- Head coach Ryan Day  Â
- Shriners Children's East-West Bowl 1000Â Â Â
- Ohio State football had 19 players selected to the Shriners Children's East-West Bowl 1000. The list includes a representative from almost every position room at Ohio State including five defensive lineman, four offensive linemen, three safeties and three wide receivers.  Â
- Big Ten Preseason Honors List:Â Â Â
- Julian Sayin  Â
- Jeremiah Smith  Â
- Maxwell Preseason Watch List:Â Â Â
- Bo Jackson  Â
- Julian Sayin  Â
- Jeremiah Smith  Â
- Mannelly Preseason Watch List:  Â
- Dalton Riggs  Â
- Outland Trophy Watch List:Â Â Â
- Carson Hinzman  Â
- Luke Montgomery  Â
- Austin Siereveld  Â
- Nagurski Watch List:Â Â
- Mackey Award Watch List:Â Â
- Sporting News Preseason All-Americans:Â Â
- Junior wide receiver Jeremiah Smith was placed on the first time while offensive linemen Luke Montgomery and Austin Siereveld were listed on the second team. Â
- Rimington Trophy Watch List:Â Â
- Lou Groza Watch List:Â
- Hornung Award Watch List:Â Â
- On3 Preseason All-Americans:Â
- Junior wide receiver Jeremiah Smith was placed on the first time while offensive linemen Luke Montgomery was listed on the second team and Austin Siereveld was placed on the third team.Â
