Chambana Sun

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – University of Illinois junior linebacker Kenenna Odeluga and Fighting Illini football head coach Bret Bielema are among the nominees announced by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) for recognition on the 2024 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.

Established in 1992, the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, now in its 33rd year, recognizes college football athletes for their unwavering commitment to community service and their "good works" off the field. This year's 178 nominees champion causes including mental health awareness, youth mentorship, hunger relief, domestic abuse prevention, and many more. In addition to being actively involved with a charitable organization or service group, each player must also maintain strong academic standing to be considered for a spot on the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team.

The final roster of 23 award recipients announced later in September will bring together 11 players from the NCAA FBS, 11 players from the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), Divisions II, III and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), and one honorary head coach.

All members are selected by a voting panel of former Allstate AFCA Good Works Team members, current and former head coaches, and journalists who look for exceptional leadership on and off the football field.

Fans can join the conversation on social media with #GoodWorksTeam throughout the season.

Kenenna Odeluga has been recognized as a two-time Academic All-Big Ten selection (2022 and 2023). His contributions include serving a mission trip to Africa in the summer of 2023, visiting Carle Foundation Hospital to meet children dealing with various illnesses, volunteering at Salvation Army to build a garden, working with DREAAM for community service events, attending the Black Student Athlete Summit 2024 in Los Angeles, and serving as a member of Illinois Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).

Bret Bielema has contributed significantly to the Champaign-Urbana community since his arrival as Illinois head coach. His family's Illini's 2023 FamILLy First campaign donated tickets to several local organizations including Don Moyer Boys & Girls Club, Carle Mills Breast Cancer Institute, Central Illinois Susan G. Komen Foundation, CU Church, and schools throughout Champaign-Urbana. Additionally, Bielema has partnered with Champaign-Urbana's Young Lives program to support teen moms in need.