University of Memphis Athletics
Mathena Named to Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Watch List
Jul 31, 2025 | Football
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – University of Memphis linebacker Donovan Mathena has been named to the 2025 Alltstate Wuerffel Trophy watch list, the Football Writers Association of American (FWAA) announced Thursday.
Widely regarded as college football's premier award for community service, the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy celebrates student-athletes who use their platforms to serve others and create positive change. Named after the 1996 Heisman Trophy winner and University of Florida quarterback Danny Wuerffel, who turned his football success into a lifelong mission of s3ervice, the award reflects his legacy of leadership and humanitarianism. This year marks the 21st anniversary of the trophy's founding.
Mathena, a redshirt junior linebacker from Collierville, Tenn., appeared in 12 games for the Tigers last season while making one stop against UTSA. He earned the 2024 Go Bowling STEM Scholar-Athlete award, was a National Football Foundation Scholar Athlete and has been named to the Dean's List for six consecutive semesters.
The 2025 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy finalists and recipient will be selected by a national voting committee, with input from a fan vote. The 2025 recipient will also serve as Captain of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team and will be announced live on The Home Depot College Football Awards show on December 12th, airing on ESPN. The Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Presentation Gala will follow on January 31, 2026, at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta.
Memphis football fans can see the Tigers at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in the team's season opener on Saturday, Aug. 30 with single-game tickets starting at just $20. The team's season opener against Chattanooga is the annual "901 Game" with tickets available AT THIS LINK.
New this year, fans are encouraged to purchase early and save. Ticket prices will increase by $5 during game week ($10 for Arkansas) and again by an additional $5 on game day ($10 for Arkansas) at the Box Office. This change helps support enhanced planning for security, concessions, and staffing. Historically, over 90% of single-game tickets are purchased during game week.
Season ticket prices remain unchanged from 2024, following a perfect 7-0 home campaign. With prices averaging under $25 per game, season tickets remain the best value for Tiger fans. Tickets can be purchased online at GoTigersGo.com or by calling the Memphis Ticket Office at (901) 678-2331.
For fans seeking more flexibility, the Memphis Football Mini Plan offers access to three premier matchups — Arkansas, Tulsa, and South Florida — starting at just $85.
How to follow the Tigers: For complete information on Memphis Tigers Football, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Widely regarded as college football's premier award for community service, the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy celebrates student-athletes who use their platforms to serve others and create positive change. Named after the 1996 Heisman Trophy winner and University of Florida quarterback Danny Wuerffel, who turned his football success into a lifelong mission of s3ervice, the award reflects his legacy of leadership and humanitarianism. This year marks the 21st anniversary of the trophy's founding.
Mathena, a redshirt junior linebacker from Collierville, Tenn., appeared in 12 games for the Tigers last season while making one stop against UTSA. He earned the 2024 Go Bowling STEM Scholar-Athlete award, was a National Football Foundation Scholar Athlete and has been named to the Dean's List for six consecutive semesters.
The 2025 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy finalists and recipient will be selected by a national voting committee, with input from a fan vote. The 2025 recipient will also serve as Captain of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team and will be announced live on The Home Depot College Football Awards show on December 12th, airing on ESPN. The Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Presentation Gala will follow on January 31, 2026, at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta.
Memphis football fans can see the Tigers at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in the team's season opener on Saturday, Aug. 30 with single-game tickets starting at just $20. The team's season opener against Chattanooga is the annual "901 Game" with tickets available AT THIS LINK.
New this year, fans are encouraged to purchase early and save. Ticket prices will increase by $5 during game week ($10 for Arkansas) and again by an additional $5 on game day ($10 for Arkansas) at the Box Office. This change helps support enhanced planning for security, concessions, and staffing. Historically, over 90% of single-game tickets are purchased during game week.
Season ticket prices remain unchanged from 2024, following a perfect 7-0 home campaign. With prices averaging under $25 per game, season tickets remain the best value for Tiger fans. Tickets can be purchased online at GoTigersGo.com or by calling the Memphis Ticket Office at (901) 678-2331.
For fans seeking more flexibility, the Memphis Football Mini Plan offers access to three premier matchups — Arkansas, Tulsa, and South Florida — starting at just $85.
How to follow the Tigers: For complete information on Memphis Tigers Football, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Players Mentioned
LB
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