NORTHBROOK, Ill. --- Allstate and the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) today named 175 nominees for the 2026 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, recognizing student-athletes and head coaches from every level of college football who are making an impact through community service, academic achievement and leadership. Jaxton Eck, an All-American and Academic All-American in 2025, was named New Mexico's nominee for the honor.
Eck was a First Team CSC Academic All-American in 2025, and he was a Third Team All-American as well after finishing 10th nationally in total tackles (129) and tackles per game (9.9). He has volunteered for all public service with the football team, and he has been a regular reader at UNMH Children's Hospital. Additionally, he manned a table and spoke on campus for the "Be A Match" program; he has volunteered to work with Nusenda Credit Union for various social projects; and he led the squad in feeding the homeless at the 2025 Rate Bowl.
In 2020, UNM's Teton Saltes was named the captain of the AFCA Good Works Team.
For the first time in the award’s 35-year history, a female student-athlete is among the nominees. Gianna Bennett, a kicker at Northwestern College in Iowa, earned a nomination after helping raise $40,000 for a maternal health education campaign that provides expectant parents with potentially life-saving information to support healthy pregnancies.
What is the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team?
The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team recognizes college football student-athletes who demonstrate exceptional commitment to community service, academics and athletics. Established in 1992 and presented by Allstate since 2008, the program honors players who use their platforms to strengthen communities and support causes important to them.
What causes are this year’s nominees supporting?
This year’s nominees are tackling a wide range of challenges in communities across the United States and beyond. Their efforts include youth mentorship, maternal health awareness, disability inclusion, childhood cancer research, clean water access, and support for military veterans.