BYU head coach Kalani Sitake has been selected as the honorary coach of the 2026 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, a group that spotlights college football’s biggest community-minded standouts.
Allstate and the American Football Coaches Association announced 22 student-athletes and Sitake on Tuesday in Chicago, with the honor recognizing service, academic achievement and athletic excellence. The team was chosen from 162 nominees and includes players from every level of college football.
Sitake, now in his 11th season leading BYU, earned the nod in part for the Built4Life program he launched on campus. The initiative is designed to encourage lifelong learning by supporting student-athletes academically, spiritually and professionally through instructional services, academic guidance and leadership efforts.
His reach extends well beyond Provo. Sitake has been active with the True Blue Hero program, BYU-Pathway Worldwide, Kids on the Move, National Kidney Foundation, Live Your Dream Foundation, the Utah County Boys & Girls Clubs and other organizations. This summer, he and several people from the BYU football program traveled to Tonga to dedicate a new employment and education center in partnership with BYU-Pathway Worldwide.
“Coach Sitake challenges his players to lead with character and serve others,” said Craig Bohl, American Football Coaches Association executive director. “The culture he's built at BYU makes him a deserving choice as this year's honorary coach.”
The recognition adds to a busy stretch of honors for Sitake. Earlier this year, the Utah County Commission named him Utah County Person of the Year for his influence on the community, culture and economy of the region. The Live Your Dream Foundation also gave BYU Football its Community Impact Award for supporting higher education scholarships for single mothers.
On the field, Sitake’s recent run has matched the profile of the program’s off-field work. Since 2024, BYU has gone 25-4 under his watch.
After the 2025 season, he was named the Chuck Neinas Big 12 Conference Coach of the Year after leading the Cougars to a 12-2 record and No. 11 final ranking. He also won the 2025 Buddy Teevens Award for outstanding achievement on the field and leadership that leaves a lasting impact on players, coaches and the game.
The Good Works Team itself has been around for more than 30 years, honoring players whose influence stretches far beyond Saturdays. Since 2008, Allstate has backed the effort with national recognition and a monetary contribution to student-athletes to help expand their community impact.
BYU has had a familiar presence on the list in recent seasons. Former safety Tanner Wall was named to the 2025 team, defensive end Tyler Batty made it in 2023, and former quarterback Riley Nelson was honored in 2010.
This year’s honorees combined for more than 12,000 hours of volunteer work, raised more than $100,000 for charitable causes, launched seven community initiatives and foundations and used NIL earnings to support causes they care about.
The 2026 Good Works Team includes FBS honorees Noah Fifita of the University of Arizona, Michael Allen of Baylor University, Gideon Davidson of Clemson University, Micah Sahakian of Duke University, Jaylin Belford of Liberty University, Leonard Moore of the University of Notre Dame, Mudia Reuben of the University of South Florida, Edwin Spillman of the University of Tennessee, Colin Simmons of the University of Texas, Marcus Ratcliffe of Texas A&M University and Matt Hofer of the University of Toledo.
The combined divisions group features L’Shawn Taylor of Bemidji State University, Jaegar Ash of Bethel University (Minnesota), Peyton Ritzert of Central College, Josh Fedd of Harvard University, Shea Ruddy of Hillsdale College, Troy Mrukowski of John Carroll University, Browning Trainer of Johns Hopkins University, Luke Paulsen of Morningside University, Gianna Bennett of Northwestern College, Sam Nolan of Saint John’s University (Minnesota) and JayJay Jordan of Slippery Rock University.
Sitake is listed as the honorary coach from Brigham Young University.
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