Henderson, Bielema Nominated for Allstate AFCA Good Works Team

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – University of Illinois senior offensive lineman Brandon Henderson and Fighting Illini football head coach Bret Bielema are among the nominees announced by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) for recognition on the 2026 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. Nominees are determined based on their exemplary record of community service and impact on and off the field. Student-athletes must also show a strong academic dedication.

THE ALLSTATE AFCA GOOD WORKS TEAM

Allstate and the 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. The 2026 list of standouts includes 162 student-athletes and 13 head coaches. The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team reflects Allstate's longstanding commitment to supporting student-athletes who strengthen their communities through service.

BRANDON HENDERSON, SENIOR OFFENSIVE LINEMAN

2026 Athlon Preseason All-Big Ten Fourth Team
35 career games played with starts in 19 of 26 contests over the last two seasons
Has helped lead Illinois to a program-record 19 wins over the last two seasons, including back-to-back bowl victories over No. 14 South Carolina (2024 Citrus Bowl) and No. 23 Tennessee (2025 Music City Bowl).
Two-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree
Serves on the leadership team for EMPOWER, the University of Illinois' student-athlete affinity group focused on supporting student-athletes of color through community building, leadership development, and advocacy initiatives.
Participated in Uplifting Athletes' Lift for Life fundraiser and awareness event supporting rare disease research and advocacy efforts, engaging in fundraising activities, community outreach, and event participation while helping raise awareness for individuals and families impacted by rare diseases.
Volunteered at the University Primary School Black History Month Celebration, engaging with local elementary school students through conversation and sharing about experiences as student-athletes. Served as a positive role model while helping create an engaging and empowering learning environment.
Partnered with the Child Development Laboratory to engage as a mentor and role model with young children through educational and enrichment activities designed to support learning, social development, and positive youth experiences.
Volunteered with the Stephens Family YMCA to support youth and family programming through service activities focused on community engagement and relationship-building. Assisted YMCA staff while interacting with youth participants and promoting healthy, positive experiences.
Assisted the Eastern Illinois Foodbank in its mission to address food insecurity throughout Illinois by sorting, packaging, and preparing food for distribution to individuals and families in need.

BRET BIELEMA, HEAD COACH

Bielema has given back to the Champaign-Urbana community in a number of ways since his arrival as the Illinois head coach. Bielema's family has donated resources throughout the community through initiatives such as the FamILLy First Backpack and School Supply Drive launched in 2024; the veterans tickets donation match launched in 2025; and partnering with Champaign-Urbana's Young Lives program to help teen moms in need by sponsoring a shopping spree for 200 mothers during each of the last four years.
Bielema and his family have also donated money, tickets, and supplies to help Champaign-Urbana organizations such as the Don Moyer Boys & Girls Club, Carle Mills Breast Cancer Institute, Central Illinois Susan G. Komen Foundation, CU Church, and schools throughout the Champaign-Urbana community. These organizations all represented causes that are close to the Bielemas and supported those in need around Champaign-Urbana and the University of Illinois famILLy.
Bielema serves on the AFCA Board of Trustees and is dedicated to mentoring young coaches in the profession through outreach and serving on NCAA and AFCA committees.
This is Bielema's third straight year on the AFCA Good Works Team nominee list.
Bielema is one of 13 head coaches to be named a nominee and is joined on the list by fellow Big Ten head coaches Ryan Day (Ohio State) and Matt Campbell (Penn State).

Schedule