Bennett Nominated for Allstate AFCA Good Works Team

ORANGE CITY, Iowa – Northwestern sophomore kicker Gianna Bennett is among 175 nominees for the 2026 Allstate American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Good Works Team, an annual honor given to college football players for the impact they make off the field.

Bennett has raised $40,000 in four years for Every Kick Counts (EKC), a program that raises money for the stillbirth prevention campaign Count the Kicks. Through the program, Bennett leverages her on-field statistics to collect pledges. Last year, she was EKC's top fundraiser among 400 participants, raising over $10,000. Bennett has raised more money than any kicker or punter in the nation, from high school to the National Football League.

Her service to others does not end with fundraising. Bennett is a mentor for Northwestern's NEXT program, a tutor in the Peer Learning Center, a volunteer flag football coach for Orange City recreation, and a small group leader for the Northwestern Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) chapter.

On the field, Bennett has had unprecedented success, becoming the first female football player to score in a GPAC football game and is on pace to break college football's all-time female scoring record. Last season, Bennett led the Raiders in scoring (49), earned All-GPAC honorable mention honors, was a CSC Academic All-District selection, and received NAIA Scholar-Athlete distinction.

In the 35-year history of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, Bennett is the first female student-athlete to earn a nomination.

The Good Works Team will consist of 11 players from the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), 11 players from the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), Divisions II, III and the NAIA and one honorary head coach. The final team will be announced in September.

About the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team
The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team was established in 1992 by the College Football Association, recognizing the extra efforts made by college football players and student support staff off the field. AFCA became the governing body of the award in 1997 and continues to honor college football players who go the extra mile for those in need. Allstate worked to present the award starting with the 2008 season.

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Players Mentioned

#10 Gianna Bennett: K; 6' 1"; Redshirt Freshman

Players Mentioned

#10 Gianna Bennett
: 6' 1"; Redshirt Freshman
: K

Players Mentioned

#10 Gianna Bennett

Players Mentioned

#10 Gianna Bennett