Information from Arkansas Communications is included in this story.
A Razorback known for his work off the field just picked up a big honor for it.
Senior tight end Jaden Platt earned a spot on the 2026 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Watch List, the Wuerffel Foundation announced Tuesday morning.
Platt was one of 113 players picked for the watch list this year. The Allstate Wuerffel Trophy stands as college football’s top award for community service.
It honors players who use their platform to help others and make their communities better. The award carries the name of Danny Wuerffel, who won the Heisman Trophy in 1996 while playing quarterback for Florida.
It reflects his long career of leading with service and bringing people together.
Platt’s work in the community
Platt has done a lot for Fayetteville and Northwest Arkansas since he showed up in the spring of 2025.
He ran a winter coat drive in December 2025 that brought in more than 100 coats for kids at the Yolanda Richardson community center. He’s also spent time talking with students at local elementary schools and visiting veterans at the area VA hospital.
On top of that, Platt has helped out with back-to-school drives and other Arkansas Athletics service events during his time on The Hill.
Platt hails from Haslet, Texas. He started 11 games last season and played in all 12 for the Hogs in 2025. He caught 21 passes for 296 yards and two touchdowns on the year.
His best game came against Texas on Nov. 22, when he grabbed four catches for a career-high 66 yards. That game included an eight-yard touchdown catch from quarterback KJ Jackson in the fourth quarter, which came in the Razorbacks’ final road trip of the season.
Earlier in the year, Platt hauled in three catches for 53 yards in a loss at Ole Miss on Sept. 13.
What comes next for Wuerffel Trophy
A national selection committee will pick the finalists for the award, and fans will also get a say through a vote.
The 2026 winner gets announced live on the Home Depot College Football Awards show on Dec. 11.
That player will also serve as captain of the 2026 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team.
The winner and finalists will head to New York City for Heisman Trophy week events, including the Wuerffel Foundation’s Picklebowl: Heisman Edition.
The Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Presentation Gala follows in February 2027 at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta.
Arkansas kicks off its season at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium against North Alabama on Sept. 5 at 3:15 p.m. on SEC Network.
Tickets for the game and the full season are on sale now for fans who want to watch the Hogs open their year.
Key takeaways
- Jaden Platt made the 2026 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Watch List, one of 113 players nominated for the top community service award in college football
- Platt has run a winter coat drive, visited veterans and spoken at local schools since arriving at Arkansas in spring 2025
- On the field last season Platt caught 21 passes for 296 yards and two touchdowns while starting 11 games for the Hogs
