University of Memphis Athletics
Mathena Named to 2026 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team Nominee Class
Jul 20, 2026 | Football
NORTHBROOK, Ill. – Memphis football student-athlete Donovan Mathena was named to the 175-member class of nominees for the 2026 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, the organizations announced Monday morning.
Mathena, a native of nearby Collierville, Tennessee, enters his redshirt senior season with 38 games played in the blue and gray, helping the Tigers to three bowl victories. This nomination marks the second-consecutive year that Mathena has been up for the award, recognizing his continued commitment to strengthening his community through service.
He is one of nine nominees from the American Conference, with UAB, Charlotte, East Carolina, Florida Atlantic, Rice, Temple, UTSA and Tulane also with nominees.
The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team recognizes college football student-athletes who demonstrate exceptional commitment to making an impact through community service, academic achievement and leadership. Established in 1992, the program honors players who use their platforms to strengthen communities and support causes important to them.
The official team will be announced in September and will include 22 student-athletes and one honorary head coach. One student-athlete will be selected as team captain and receive the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy.
Of the 22 selections, 11 will be from the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and 11 players from the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), Divisions II, III and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) ranks.
How to follow the Tigers: For complete information on Memphis Tigers Football, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Mathena, a native of nearby Collierville, Tennessee, enters his redshirt senior season with 38 games played in the blue and gray, helping the Tigers to three bowl victories. This nomination marks the second-consecutive year that Mathena has been up for the award, recognizing his continued commitment to strengthening his community through service.
He is one of nine nominees from the American Conference, with UAB, Charlotte, East Carolina, Florida Atlantic, Rice, Temple, UTSA and Tulane also with nominees.
The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team recognizes college football student-athletes who demonstrate exceptional commitment to making an impact through community service, academic achievement and leadership. Established in 1992, the program honors players who use their platforms to strengthen communities and support causes important to them.
The official team will be announced in September and will include 22 student-athletes and one honorary head coach. One student-athlete will be selected as team captain and receive the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy.
Of the 22 selections, 11 will be from the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and 11 players from the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), Divisions II, III and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) ranks.
How to follow the Tigers: For complete information on Memphis Tigers Football, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Players Mentioned
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