Duke’s Sahakian Joins Growing List of AFCA Good Works Nominees

Assistant coach Brian Sahakian of Duke University has been named to Allstate’s 2026 AFCA Good Works Team, joining a wave of nominees from programs ranging from Ohio State to the University of Illinois. The nominations spotlight the American Football Coaches Association’s annual effort to honor those who make a measurable impact off the field.

Core developments across campuses

Duke Athletics announced that Sahakian’s nomination reflects his leadership in community outreach, including youth mentorship and charitable fundraising initiatives on campus goduke.com. At the same time, Ohio State’s head coach Ryan Day and defensive back Jaylen McClain were added to the list, a dual nomination that underscores both coaching and player contributions to community service Buckeyes Wire. The University of Florida highlighted senior quarterback Graham as a nominee, noting his involvement with local literacy programs and hospital visits Florida Gators. Another Florida player, Raynor, received a similar nod for his work with youth sports clinics Yahoo Sports.

The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) released a comprehensive roster of student‑athletes from its member schools who earned nominations, emphasizing the conference’s collective commitment to service Atlantic Coast Conference. East Carolina University’s defensive lineman Jones was recognized for his partnership with a regional food‑bank network, while Northern Illinois University’s DeAree Rogers was celebrated for organizing a series of health‑and‑wellness workshops for underserved neighborhoods East Carolina University Athletics; NIU Athletics. Boise State’s Taylor earned a spot after leading a campus‑wide blood‑drive that set a new participation record bsubeavers.com. Finally, the University of Illinois announced that both linebacker Henderson and offensive lineman Bielema were nominated, citing their involvement in mentorship programs for at‑risk youth University of Illinois Athletics.

Why the Good Works Team matters

The AFCA Good Works Team, sponsored by Allstate, has become a barometer for how college football programs translate on‑field success into community impact. The initiative, launched in 2020, awards a limited slate of coaches, players, and staff who demonstrate sustained volunteerism, leadership, and measurable outcomes in their service projects. Recognition can raise a program’s profile, attract donors, and provide a recruiting edge by showcasing a culture of service.

For Sahakian, the nomination aligns with Duke’s broader strategic emphasis on “leadership through service,” a pillar that the university has woven into its athletic department’s mission statement. The coach’s work with the Duke Children’s Hospital foundation has reportedly raised significant funds, though exact figures were not disclosed in the release goduke.com. Similarly, Ohio State’s dual nomination of Day and McClain reflects the Buckeyes’ annual “Day of Service” tradition, which mobilizes thousands of volunteers across campus each fall.

Across the ACC, the conference’s communications office highlighted that the 2026 nominee list represents the largest and most geographically diverse cohort in the program’s history, stretching from the Midwest to the Southeast and even the Pacific Northwest. The breadth of projects—from environmental clean‑ups to mental‑health awareness campaigns—illustrates a shifting narrative in college athletics where community engagement is increasingly measured alongside wins and losses.

Diverse reactions from campuses

University officials and athletic directors have lauded the nominations as validation of their service‑oriented cultures. Duke’s director of athletics remarked that “recognition of Coach Sahakian’s dedication reinforces the university’s belief that leadership extends beyond the gridiron.” Ohio State’s athletic department issued a statement noting that the dual nomination of Day and McClain “highlights the program’s commitment to fostering a sense of responsibility among both staff and student‑athletes.”

Meanwhile, some observers caution that the growing prestige of the Good Works Team could create pressure on athletes to participate in high‑visibility service projects, potentially diverting focus from academic responsibilities. A former student‑athlete, speaking on a regional sports podcast, suggested that “while the intent is noble, there’s a risk of turning genuine community care into a checklist for awards.” No official response was provided by the AFCA on this critique.

Fans on social media have largely celebrated the nominees, with many highlighting personal anecdotes about Sahakian’s mentorship of local middle‑school football programs. Others used the moment to call for broader systemic support for community initiatives, urging universities to allocate dedicated funding rather than relying on volunteer labor alone.

What’s next for the nominees?

The AFCA will convene a selection committee in early August to trim the nominee pool to a final roster of 25 individuals who will receive the Allstate Good Works Team award at the AFCA National Convention in December. Those selected will be featured in a national advertising campaign run by Allstate, and each will receive a $5,000 grant to further their community projects.

In the meantime, the nominated programs have pledged to amplify their service efforts. Duke plans to host a charity football clinic in August, with Sahakian slated to serve as the lead organizer. Ohio State has announced a partnership with a local youth homelessness shelter, leveraging Ryan Day’s platform to secure corporate sponsorships. The University of Florida intends to launch a statewide reading initiative spearheaded by Graham and Raynor, while Boise State’s Taylor will coordinate a multi‑campus blood‑drive during Homecoming week.

For the broader college football landscape, the expanding list of nominees signals that service is becoming an integral component of a program’s brand identity. As universities vie for top recruits, the ability to point to tangible community impact may become as persuasive as stadium capacity or recent win‑loss records.