Nick Dawkins, a four-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree and Penn State’s 2023 Public Service Award winner who founded the Dawkins Family Foundation to champion academic and athletic excellence for young students, is this year’s Allstate Wuerffel Trophy recipient and Allstate AFCA Good Works Team Captain.

Dawkins started the Dawkins Family Foundation in 2022 to provide educational and enrichment opportunities for youth. The foundation presents three scholarships to high school seniors, including one in honor of Dawkins’ late father, Darryl Dawkins. The organization offers educational workshops and sponsors charitable events in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley region, where Dawkins attended Parkland High School.

“It’s all about helping those both on and outside my team. Nothing has stopped me from chasing that dream,” Dawkins said. “This honor underscores the importance of giving back, and I am grateful to Danny Wuerffel and The Wuerffel Foundation, Allstate, and the AFCA for celebrating those who serve to make a difference.”

Dawkins has brought his passion to life at the YMCA of Centre County, where he created summer sports camps, and at Penn State, where he leads Uplifting Athletics in raising funds for rare disease research. Beyond his public roles, Dawkins is a devoted son and brother, providing unwavering support to his family, especially his sister with Down syndrome.

“Nick’s selfless leadership and meaningful impact on others have rightfully earned him the 20th anniversary of this award,” Danny Wuerffel said. “Every one of us has the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. Nick exemplifies this powerful capability. Congratulations to him on this prestigious honor.”

Dawkins signed with the Baltimore Ravens following the 2026 NFL Draft.