Jaylin Belford, a running back for Liberty University, has been selected as a nominee for the 2026 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, an honor that spotlights student‑athletes who excel in community service, academic performance and leadership.
A Leader in the Making
The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, administered by the American Football Coaches Association, recognizes a small group of players and coaches across the nation who combine athletic talent with a commitment to making a positive impact beyond the gridiron.
Belford stands out as one of only five athletes from Conference USA who earned a spot on the 2026 ballot, underscoring the competitive nature of the award and the attention his off‑field work has received.
Over the past year he has logged more than 200 hours of volunteer service in Lynchburg, Virginia, contributing to programs such as Dollar Makes a Difference, Learn Like Liberty and the reading initiative Hop on Pop, which brings student‑athletes into elementary classrooms to read and mentor.
In the Hop on Pop program, Belford rallied over 40 of his teammates, helping to raise more than $2,000 for the event while inspiring dozens of young readers to explore new books.
Beyond service, he will serve as president of Liberty’s Student‑Athlete Advisory Committee during the 2026‑27 academic year, and after earning his undergraduate degree in sport management in May, he plans to begin a master’s program this fall.
The final list of 22 student‑athletes and one honorary head coach will be announced in September, at which point Belford could join the ranks of those celebrated for both athletic promise and civic responsibility.