Hofer Named to 2026 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Watch List

TOLEDO, Ohio – University of Toledo redshirt sophomore offensive lineman Matt Hofer has been named to the 2026 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Watch List, the Wuerffel Foundation announced Tuesday.

The Allstate Wuerffel Trophy is college football's premier award for community service and honors Football Bowl Subdivision student-athletes who demonstrate leadership through community service while excelling in the classroom and on the field.

Hofer is one of 113 student-athletes from across the country named to the 2026 watch list.

The 2025 Wuerffel Trophy finalist has accumulated more than 300 verified community service hours during his Toledo career, becoming one of the athletics department's most dedicated volunteers. Hofer recently became a licensed minister and pastor at Hope Community Church of the Nazarene in Oregon, Ohio.

His service has been highlighted by countless hours at Cherry Street Mission, where he regularly prepares and serves meals for those in need. Hofer has volunteered with Connecting Kids to Meals, The Ability Center, the Boys & Girls Club, local elementary schools, youth football camps and numerous UT Athletics community outreach events. His efforts have impacted children, families and community members throughout Northwest Ohio.

Last season, Hofer played in 12 games and was part of a Rocket offense that ranked No. 1 in the MAC in scoring (30.8 points), total offense (415.2 yards) and passing offense (238.1 yards).

The award is named after Danny Wuerffel, the 1996 Heisman Trophy winner and former University of Florida quarterback. It recognizes student-athletes who use their platforms to serve others and make a positive impact in their communities.

"It's an honor to recognize these student-athletes for the difference they are making in the lives of others," said Wuerffel. "Their commitment to service demonstrates the powerful impact college athletes can have both on and off the field."

For the third consecutive year, the Wuerffel Foundation is partnering with Allstate and the American Football Coaches Association to unite college football's top community service honors with the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team.

In September, 11 student-athletes from the Wuerffel Trophy Watch List will be named to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team and become semifinalists for the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy.

The Allstate Wuerffel Trophy finalists will be selected by the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy National Selection Committee, with input from a fan vote. The 2026 recipient will be announced live on The Home Depot College Football Awards on Dec. 11 and will also serve as captain of the 2026 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team.

The 2026 recipient and finalists will be invited to join Wuerffel in New York City for Heisman Trophy events, including the Wuerffel Foundation's Picklebowl: Heisman Edition. The Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Presentation Gala will follow in February 2027 at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta.

Players Mentioned

Matt Hofer