Wayne Harris, a standout member of the Kent State football team, has been named among 113 candidates for the 2026 Wuerffel Trophy, the collegiate award that celebrates players who combine athletic achievement with exemplary community service and academic performance.
The Wuerffel Trophy, often described as college football’s premier community‑service honor, is named for Danny Wuerffel, the 1996 Heisman‑winning quarterback from the University of Florida, and is awarded each December after a rigorous selection process that includes fan voting and a national committee.
Service Beyond the Field
Harris’s off‑field work reflects a deep commitment to food security and youth development. He has organized canned‑food drives, partnered with local food‑recovery programs, and mentored high school students through initiatives such as Tru2U and the Bulldog Boys mentorship program. In addition, he volunteers with reading campaigns and supports the I Promise School, an institution founded by LeBron James to aid at‑risk students.
On the gridiron, Harris made a notable impact during the 2025 season. He caught a 42‑yard touchdown pass in a victory over Ball State and capped a special teams play with a 59‑yard punt return for a touchdown against Central Michigan. His performances earned him first‑team All‑MAC honors as a punt returner in the Pro Football Network preseason rankings.
Kent State was not alone in the recognition; seven Golden Flashes earned spots on the 2025 Pro Football Network preseason All‑MAC team, including Harris, Mofe Adewole, Thomas Aden, Da’Realyst Clark, Jaxon Dunn, Dru DeShields and Terik Mulder, underscoring the program’s growing depth.
The final list of Wuerffel Trophy finalists will be determined by a selection committee that incorporates fan input, with the winner set to be announced on December 11. Harris’s nomination places him in competition with a diverse pool of student‑athletes who have each demonstrated a blend of athletic talent, academic diligence and civic engagement.