Jayden Montgomery, a fifth‑year linebacker for the Iowa Hawkeyes, has been placed on the 2026 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy preseason watch list, a recognition that highlights his blend of athletic performance and community engagement.
Montgomery’s impact extends far beyond the gridiron. In the 2025 season he appeared in all 13 games, starting seven at linebacker, and logged 44 tackles with two pass breakups and a tackle for loss. Off the field he has volunteered regularly at the Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital and the Safe Haven Animal Shelter, while also earning six Dean’s List honors and three Academic All‑Big Ten selections.
A legacy of service
The Allstate Wuerffel Trophy, established in 1999, celebrates college football players who demonstrate outstanding community service. The award is named for Danny Wuerffel, the 1996 Heisman‑winning quarterback from Florida whose humanitarian work has inspired the award’s mission.
The 2026 recipient will be announced on December 11, and the honoree will travel to New York City to take part in the Heisman Trophy festivities alongside the trophy’s finalists. Iowa’s season opens on September 5 against Northern Illinois at Kinnick Stadium, a game that will stream on the Big Ten Network.
Montgomery’s inclusion on the watch list not only underscores his personal commitment to service but also shines a spotlight on the Hawkeyes’ broader culture of giving back, a tradition shared by partners such as the Allstate Wuerffel Foundation, Make‑A‑Wish, and local crisis‑response groups.