Henderson Named to Wuerffel Trophy Watch List
August 11, 2026 | Football
NEWS
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Illinois senior offensive lineman Brandon Henderson has been named to the preseason watch list for the 2026 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy, released Tuesday by The Wuerffel Foundation.
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 22nd anniversary this year.
- Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Website
- Last three winners:
- 2025: Michael Taaffe, DB, Texas
- 2024: Nick Dawkins, OL, Penn State
- 2023: Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia
BRANDON HENDERSON
- 2026 Athlon Preseason All-Big Ten Fourth Team
- 2026 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team nominee
- 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.
