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KENENNA ODELUGA NAMED 2025 WUERFFEL TROPHY CANDIDATE
Champaign, IL – University of Illinois football defensive lineman Kennenna odeluga has been named to the watch list for the 2025 Allstate wuerffel Trophy, announced today, July 31, 2024. Odeluga is recognized for his extensive community service and leadership both on and off the field.
The allstate Wuerffel Trophy, established in 2005 by the wuerffel Foundation and a member of the National College Football Awards Association, honors college footballS most impactful community servant.the award is named after danny Wuerffel, the 1996 Heisman Trophy winner and College Football Hall of Famer, and celebrates his dedication to service and unity. This year marks the trophy’s 21st anniversary.
- Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Website
- Recent Wuerffel Trophy Winners:
- 2024: Nick dawkins, Offensive Lineman, Penn State University
- 2023: Ladd McConkey, Wide Receiver, University of Georgia
- 2022: Dillan Gibbons, Offensive Lineman, Florida State University
ODELUGA’S COMMUNITY IMPACT
- Recipient of Illinois’ Big Ten Jackie Robinson Community & Impact Award in 2025.
- Founder of Illinois’ Afro-Tailgate, a cultural experience for African students to enjoy college football in a safe and welcoming environment. In 2023 and 2024, Odeluga personally sponsored over 60 tickets for on-campus Registered Student Organizations (RSOs), residents of his hometown of South Holland, Illinois, and members of his church.
- Co-launched the African Heritage Scholarship at Mount Carmel High School in Chicago, Illinois, alongside his family, providing educational opportunities for students.
- Participated in a mission trip to Africa during the summer of 2023, details of the specific location and association were not provided.
- Volunteered at the Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, Illinois, visiting with pediatric patients.
- Contributed to building a garden at the Salvation army in Champaign, Illinois.
- Supported DREAAM (Diversity, Respect, equity, Advocacy, and Mentorship) through volunteer work at a community service event, engaging with children.
- Attended the Black Student Athlete Summit 2024 in Los Angeles, California, networking with over 1,500 student-athletes and professionals.
- Serves as a co-leader for EMPOWER, a student-athlete affinity group fostering a safe space for student-athletes of color at the University of Illinois.
- Represents the football program on the Illinois Student-Athlete advisory Committee (SAAC), contributing to athletics community initiatives.
- Three-time Academic All-Big Ten selection, demonstrating academic excellence.
