A Season of Service
Michael Allen, a fifth‑year senior safety for the Baylor Bears, has been selected as a nominee for the 2026 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, an honor that celebrates college football players who make a tangible difference off the field.
Over the past several years, Allen has logged more than 100 hours of community service in Waco, organizing home‑building projects, toy drives and other initiatives that have raised in excess of $10,000 for rare‑disease research.
As chapter leader of Uplifting Athletes, a nonprofit dedicated to funding research into rare diseases, he has mobilized teammates and fans alike, turning game‑day enthusiasm into concrete financial support for families battling debilitating conditions.
Allen’s commitment extends to the classroom, where he maintains a perfect 4.0 GPA while pursuing a master’s degree in business administration, a testament to his discipline and time‑management skills.
The 2026 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team will be announced in September and will feature 22 student‑athletes plus an honorary head coach, highlighting the growing emphasis on character and community impact in college sports.
On the field, Allen is known for his versatility, having appeared in 28 career games primarily as a lead blocker on kickoff returns, a role that underscores his selfless approach to team success.
Baylor’s 2026 schedule opens on September 5 at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium in Atlanta against Auburn before the Bears return to Waco on September 12 to begin a three‑game homestand at McLane Stadium.
The nomination not only reflects Allen’s personal achievements but also shines a spotlight on Baylor’s broader culture of service, illustrating how athletic programs can serve as platforms for positive social change.