Courtesy of Hawai‘i
NORTHBROOK, Ill. – University of Hawai’i quarterback Brayden Schager was among a select group of 11 FBS student-athletes named to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, which also qualifies him as a semifinalist for the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy.
The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team recognized 22 student-athletes – 11 FBS and 11 lower division – and one head coach for exemplary community service. This year’s Allstate AFCA Good Works Team was selected from a record 178 nominees, representing players and coaches from colleges and universities across the country for their unwavering commitment to community service and their “good works” off the field.
The Allstate Wuerffel Trophy, college football’s premier award for community service, is presented to one of the 11 FBS players elected to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team 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 the former NFL quarterback’s commitment to inspiring greater service and unity in the world.
As a middle schooler, Schager and his younger sister Brielle founded the HP Buddy Bowl which debuted in 2017 and celebrated its seventh anniversary in 2024. The football game for athletes with physical and mental disabilities has become an annual tradition in Brayden’s hometown of Highland Park, Texas. The Highland Park High School football team and cheerleaders also participate in the event which gives special needs athletes a venue to play a game alongside their peers and in front of cheering fans.
In addition to the Buddy Bowl, Schager has also embraced community involvement and volunteerism in Hawai’i particularly when it relates to children with special needs and those less fortunate. Through UH, he has participated in the Unity Prom – a prom for special needs students – and visited local elementary schools where he’s been a speaker and a reader.
At his church, Schager and several fellow teammates are part of a Super Bowl special, recording a show to discuss challenges and their faith. He also participates in the Night to Shine every year in Honolulu where he formed a close bond with a very dear friend with special needs who he continues to call and text.
In addition, this summer Schager recently flew to the neighbor island of Lāna’i with some UH teammates to coach youth football. He also played a role in the development of the BraddahBall which is produced by Dallas-based company Big Game USA who will donate 100% of proceeds of sales to Maui recovery relief and non-profit Treecovery.
The 2024 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy finalists and recipient will be selected by a national voting committee, including a fan vote component. The 2024 recipient, who will also be recognized as the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team captain, will be announced live on The Home Depot College Football Awards show on December 12, airing on ESPN.
Fans can cast their vote by November 15 at ESPN.com/Allstate.
