Matt Hofer Named National Finalist For 2025 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy

TOLEDO, Ohio – Toledo offensive lineman Matt Hofer has been named one of three national finalists for the 2025 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy, the American Football Coaches Association announced on Tuesday.

Hofer is the first student-athlete in Toledo history to be selected as a finalist for the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy. Widely regarded as college football's premier award for community service, the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy celebrates student-athletes who use their platforms to serve others and create positive change. Named after 1996 Heisman Trophy winner and University of Florida quarterback Danny Wuerffel, who turned his football success into a lifelong mission of service, the award reflects his legacy of leadership and humanitarianism.

Hofer joins Michael Taaffe from Texas and Tanner Wall from BYU as the three finalists. The winner of the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy will be announced at the Home Depot College Football Awards show on Dec. 12 on ESPN and will be presented on Jan. 31, 2026 at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, Ga.

Hofer, a redshirt freshman, has made two recent international mission trips to Kenya and the Philippines. In Kenya last year, Hofer engaged with vulnerable children, including some who were trafficked, at schools and orphanages by teaching, playing games and sharing hope. In his trip to the Philippines earlier this year, Hofer participated in fundraising efforts for a college, assisted churches with vacation bible school and prepared housing for future mission teams.

In Toledo, Hofer's volunteer work has spanned across many local organizations including Cherry Street Mission, Boys & Girls Club, Cornerstone Church and Gleaners Community Food Bank. He has also appeared at numerous elementary schools in the area.

As a finalist for the Wuerffel Trophy, Hofer will be invited as a guest to New York City on Dec. 13-14 to participate in several Heisman Trophy weekend festivities, including the Wuerffel Foundation's 2025 PickleBowl: Heisman Edition with past Heisman and Allstate Wuerffel Trophy recipients; a dinner with the Wuerffel Foundation team; and the Heisman Legends Brunch.

Players Mentioned

Matt Hofer