Eastern Michigan Athletics
Adam Named to the 2025 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Watch List
7/31/2025 11:30:00 AM | Football
A record-breaking 116 student-athletes were nominated
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) – Eastern Michigan University football defensive lineman Jefferson Adam was named to the 2025 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Watch List, the organization announced today, July 31. A record 116 student-athletes were recognized across the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), who exemplify community service, academic excellence and athletic achievement.
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. This year marks the 21st anniversary of the trophy's founding.
"Every year, I'm deeply moved by these student-athletes," said Danny Wuerffel. "They lead with their heart. Each of our nominees is making a real difference in the lives of others, and their stories remind us what true greatness looks like."
For the second consecutive year, the Wuerffel Foundation is partnering with Allstate to unite college football's top community service honors through the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team®. Eleven student-athletes from the Watch List will be named to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team and serve as semifinalists for the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy.
The 2025 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy finalists and recipient will be selected by a national voting committee, with input from a fan vote. The 2025 recipient will also serve as Captain of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team and will be announced live on The Home Depot College Football Awards show Dec. 12, airing on ESPN. The Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Presentation Gala will follow on Jan. 31, 2026, at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta.
As a versatile defensive lineman, Adam (Ypsilanti, Mich./Washtenaw International/Hocking College/Iowa State) made a significant impact for the Eagles in the 2024 season. Appearing in all 12 games, he totaled 25 tackles, including 15 solo stops, 5.5 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks — consistently demonstrating his ability to disrupt offenses and deliver under pressure. His standout performance against Saint Francis — where he tallied two sacks — underscored his growth, dedication, and competitive edge.
But Adam's excellence transcends stats. A former JUCO player from Hocking College, Adam's path to Division I football was unconventional and hard-fought. Overlooked and undersized out of high school, he transformed his body and mindset during the COVID-19 pandemic by training at a local Planet Fitness — gaining over 30 pounds of muscle and determination. His resilience led him to become the first player from Hocking College to transfer to a Power Five school (Iowa State), and ultimately to Eastern Michigan, where he found not just a team, but a calling.
Adam is also academically focused and committed to growth beyond football. As the eldest of three boys and a first-generation American, he shoulders his role as a leader with pride and responsibility. "I have two little brothers," he says. "So it's important to set the foundation — not just by being a good football player, but by being disciplined, obsessed with your goals, and taking care of school."
Since arriving on campus, Adam has recorded over 30.75 hours of community service, including 18.25 hours this academic year alone, with plans for continued outreach throughout the summer. What makes his service so meaningful is not just the quantity, but the quality and intentionality behind it.
Adam has been a central figure in EMU's Bright Futures Program, especially at the Perry Early Learning Center, where he volunteers regularly. Whether reading to preschoolers or helping with early literacy initiatives, Adam connects with students in ways that are personal and authentic — often returning to the very schools he once attended as a child.
He also played an active role in EMU's Annual Victory Day, offering companionship and encouragement to cognitively and physically impaired community members. During the holidays, he supported Shop with a Cop, helping local children experience the joy and security of positive community engagement.
One of Adam's most impactful initiatives was organizing a children's book drive as part of EMU's 2024 Spring Game. Over 500 books were collected and donated to Ypsilanti Public Schools and Bright Futures libraries — a testament to his belief that education and opportunity begin with access. His involvement wasn't limited to promotion — he was hands-on from conception to delivery, ensuring the books went directly to children and schools in need.
MAC Watch List for the 2025 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Watch List
Keylen Davis, Akron
Kiael Kelly, Ball State
Drew Pyne, Bowling Green
Red Murdock, Buffalo
Michael Heldman, Central Michigan
Jefferson Adam, Eastern Michigan
Mattheus Carroll, Kent State
Brock Taylor, Massachusetts
Abiathar Curry, Northern Illinois
Matt Hofer, Toledo
Tyson Lee, Western Michigan
About the 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. Wuerffel led the University of Florida to four SEC Championships and the 1996 National Championship. As a humanitarian, he continues to inspire leaders to positively impact their communities. Danny currently serves as President of the Wuerffel Foundation and Executive Director of Desire Street Ministries. An avid pickleball player, he was drafted as a professional within the National Pickleball League and hosts celebrity pro-am "PickleBowl" tournaments.
NCFAA Watch List remaining calendar:
Fri., Aug. 1: Lou Groza Award/Ray Guy Award
Mon., Aug. 4: Walter Camp Award
Tue., Aug. 5: Doak Walker Award
Wed., Aug. 6: Biletnikoff Award
Thu., Aug. 7: Davey O'Brien Award
Fri., Aug. 8: Mackey Award/Rimington Trophy
Mon., Aug. 11: Bednarik Award
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. This year marks the 21st anniversary of the trophy's founding.
"Every year, I'm deeply moved by these student-athletes," said Danny Wuerffel. "They lead with their heart. Each of our nominees is making a real difference in the lives of others, and their stories remind us what true greatness looks like."
For the second consecutive year, the Wuerffel Foundation is partnering with Allstate to unite college football's top community service honors through the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team®. Eleven student-athletes from the Watch List will be named to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team and serve as semifinalists for the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy.
The 2025 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy finalists and recipient will be selected by a national voting committee, with input from a fan vote. The 2025 recipient will also serve as Captain of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team and will be announced live on The Home Depot College Football Awards show Dec. 12, airing on ESPN. The Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Presentation Gala will follow on Jan. 31, 2026, at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta.
As a versatile defensive lineman, Adam (Ypsilanti, Mich./Washtenaw International/Hocking College/Iowa State) made a significant impact for the Eagles in the 2024 season. Appearing in all 12 games, he totaled 25 tackles, including 15 solo stops, 5.5 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks — consistently demonstrating his ability to disrupt offenses and deliver under pressure. His standout performance against Saint Francis — where he tallied two sacks — underscored his growth, dedication, and competitive edge.
But Adam's excellence transcends stats. A former JUCO player from Hocking College, Adam's path to Division I football was unconventional and hard-fought. Overlooked and undersized out of high school, he transformed his body and mindset during the COVID-19 pandemic by training at a local Planet Fitness — gaining over 30 pounds of muscle and determination. His resilience led him to become the first player from Hocking College to transfer to a Power Five school (Iowa State), and ultimately to Eastern Michigan, where he found not just a team, but a calling.
Adam is also academically focused and committed to growth beyond football. As the eldest of three boys and a first-generation American, he shoulders his role as a leader with pride and responsibility. "I have two little brothers," he says. "So it's important to set the foundation — not just by being a good football player, but by being disciplined, obsessed with your goals, and taking care of school."
Since arriving on campus, Adam has recorded over 30.75 hours of community service, including 18.25 hours this academic year alone, with plans for continued outreach throughout the summer. What makes his service so meaningful is not just the quantity, but the quality and intentionality behind it.
Adam has been a central figure in EMU's Bright Futures Program, especially at the Perry Early Learning Center, where he volunteers regularly. Whether reading to preschoolers or helping with early literacy initiatives, Adam connects with students in ways that are personal and authentic — often returning to the very schools he once attended as a child.
He also played an active role in EMU's Annual Victory Day, offering companionship and encouragement to cognitively and physically impaired community members. During the holidays, he supported Shop with a Cop, helping local children experience the joy and security of positive community engagement.
One of Adam's most impactful initiatives was organizing a children's book drive as part of EMU's 2024 Spring Game. Over 500 books were collected and donated to Ypsilanti Public Schools and Bright Futures libraries — a testament to his belief that education and opportunity begin with access. His involvement wasn't limited to promotion — he was hands-on from conception to delivery, ensuring the books went directly to children and schools in need.
MAC Watch List for the 2025 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Watch List
Keylen Davis, Akron
Kiael Kelly, Ball State
Drew Pyne, Bowling Green
Red Murdock, Buffalo
Michael Heldman, Central Michigan
Jefferson Adam, Eastern Michigan
Mattheus Carroll, Kent State
Brock Taylor, Massachusetts
Abiathar Curry, Northern Illinois
Matt Hofer, Toledo
Tyson Lee, Western Michigan
About the 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. Wuerffel led the University of Florida to four SEC Championships and the 1996 National Championship. As a humanitarian, he continues to inspire leaders to positively impact their communities. Danny currently serves as President of the Wuerffel Foundation and Executive Director of Desire Street Ministries. An avid pickleball player, he was drafted as a professional within the National Pickleball League and hosts celebrity pro-am "PickleBowl" tournaments.
NCFAA Watch List remaining calendar:
Fri., Aug. 1: Lou Groza Award/Ray Guy Award
Mon., Aug. 4: Walter Camp Award
Tue., Aug. 5: Doak Walker Award
Wed., Aug. 6: Biletnikoff Award
Thu., Aug. 7: Davey O'Brien Award
Fri., Aug. 8: Mackey Award/Rimington Trophy
Mon., Aug. 11: Bednarik Award
Players Mentioned
DL
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