Jones Named to Wuerffel Trophy Watch List

Nebraska defensive back Donovan Jones was honored Tuesday, as he was named to the 2026 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Watch List. The award honors Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) players who lead through community service while excelling in the classroom and on the field.

Jones is a returning starter in the Huskers defensive backfield, playing in all 13 games, including 11 starts, as a redshirt freshman in 2025. Jones totaled 59 tackles, including 1.5 tackles for loss, and tied for the team lead with five pass breakups. He became just the fifth Husker freshman to record at least 50 tackles since NCAA restored freshman eligibility in 1972. He helped the Huskers rank third nationally in pass defense in 2025.

Jones is active in the Huskers’ community efforts, volunteering at the Food Bank of Lincoln, Matt Talbot Kitchen, the Malone Center, F Street Community Center and with the Omaha and Lincoln Public Schools. For his efforts, he received the Sam Foltz 27 Hero Leadership Award earlier this year.

For the third consecutive year, the Wuerffel Foundation is partnering with Allstate and the  American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) to unite college football’s top community service honors with the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team®. In September, 11 student-athletes from the Watch List will be named to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team and become semifinalists for the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy.

The 2026 recipient will be announced live on The Home Depot College Football Awards show on December 11, and also serve as captain of the 2026 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team.