Chambana Sun

University of Illinois linebacker Kenenna Odeluga has been named to the 2024 watch list for the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy, as announced by the Wuerffel Foundation and the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA) on Thursday.

The Wuerffel Trophy annually honors college football student-athletes who make significant impacts on the field, in their communities, and in academic settings. Established in 2005, the award is named after Danny Wuerffel and aims to "honor college football players who serve others, celebrate their impact, and inspire greater community service in the world." The voting committee includes national media members, retired head coaches, past recipients, and the Wuerffel Trophy Board of Directors.

Recent winners of the trophy include Ladd McConkey from Georgia in 2023, Dillan Gibbons from Florida State in 2022, and Isaiah Sanders from Stanford in 2021.

Odeluga's recognition comes alongside his nomination for the 2024 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. He has twice been selected for Academic All-Big Ten honors in 2022 and 2023. His community service includes a mission trip to Africa during the summer of 2023 and visits to Carle Foundation Hospital to meet children dealing with various illnesses. Additionally, he volunteered to help build a garden at the Salvation Army and participated in DREAAM's community service event.

Odeluga also attended the Black Student Athlete Summit 2024 in Los Angeles where he connected with professionals and athletic faculty members nationwide. He serves on Illinois' Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), representing the football program and engaging in various athletic community initiatives.