Holstein Named to 2025 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Watch List
7/31/2025 2:00:00 PM | Football
PITTSBURGH— Pitt quarterback Eli Holstein has been named to the 2025 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Watch List, the Wuerffel Foundation announced. The prestigious honor recognizes college football student-athletes who excel in community service, academic achievement, and athletic performance.
Holstein, a redshirt sophomore from Zachary, La., is among a record 116 players from across the FBS named to this year's list. Often referred to as "College Football's Premier Award for Community Service," the Wuerffel Trophy is presented annually to the FBS player who best combines exemplary service with excellence on and off the field.
Since arriving at Pitt, Holstein has made community engagement a priority. He's taken part in hospital visits, local school programs and charitable outreach, using his platform to inspire and uplift those around him.
Most recently, Holstein shaved his head at UPMC Children's Hospital in support of 13-year-old Julia Espinosa, a multi-organ transplant recipient who made the empowering decision to shave her head after losing most of her hair during treatment.
In addition to his off-field efforts, Holstein is a leader within the Panthers' locker room and enters his second year as Pitt's starting quarterback and a member of the 2025 Maxwell Award Watch List.
The Wuerffel Trophy is named after 1996 Heisman Trophy winner Danny Wuerffel and is celebrating its 21st year of honoring college football's most impactful servant-leaders. For the second straight year, the Wuerffel Foundation is partnering with Allstate to align with the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. Eleven players from the Watch List will be named to the Good Works Team and serve as semifinalists for the Wuerffel Trophy.
Finalists will be announced later this fall, with the 2025 winner revealed during The Home Depot College Football Awards show on Dec. 12, airing live on ESPN. The official trophy presentation will take place at the College Football Hall of Fame on Jan. 31, 2026.
For more information about the Wuerffel Trophy and its mission, visit WuerffelTrophy.org.
