Josh Kattus Earns National Recognition as Nominee for 2025 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team
LEXINGTON, Ky. — University of Kentucky senior tight end Josh Kattus is garnering national attention beyond his contributions on the football field. On Tuesday, Kattus was officially named one of the record 197 nominees for the 2025 Allstate AFCA (American Football Coaches Association) Good Works Team—a prestigious honor that celebrates student-athletes who demonstrate remarkable dedication to service, academics, and athletic achievement.
This year’s nomination class represents the largest in the award’s history. The final 23-member team will be revealed in September, made up of 11 student-athletes from the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), 11 more from lower divisions including the FCS, Divisions II and III, and the NAIA, as well as one honorary head coach. These selections will be determined by a panel that includes former Good Works Team members, current and former coaches, and sports media representatives.
For the second year in a row, Allstate is teaming up with the Wuerffel Foundation to spotlight dual honors in college football: the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team and the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy. Both accolades recognize athletes who exemplify a balanced commitment to giving back to their communities while maintaining strong performance both in the classroom and on the field.
Kattus, a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, is not just a reliable tight end for the Wildcats—he’s also a respected leader within the Lexington community. The senior communication major is on track to graduate in December 2025 and is already a three-year letter winner, having played in 33 career games with 15 starts. Over his Kentucky career, Kattus has logged 21 receptions for 310 yards and five touchdowns. But it’s his work off the gridiron that truly sets him apart.
Kattus has consistently gone above and beyond in volunteer efforts, regularly supporting charitable causes and local health organizations. One of his major community service involvements is with the “Dancing with the Lexington Stars” fundraiser. In 2024, Kattus helped raise over $34,000 to benefit the Lexington Rotary Club Endowment Fund and Surgery on Sunday, a nonprofit that offers free outpatient procedures to low-income, uninsured, or under-insured individuals. The following year, in 2025, he participated again, raising nearly $11,000 in support of Baby Health Services and the Rotary Club of Lexington’s scholarship and service initiatives. Baby Health Services is known for providing free, quality primary and preventive healthcare to uninsured children across Central Kentucky from birth through age 18.
Kattus’s outreach also extends to weekly volunteering at the Kentucky Children’s Hospital. Specifically, he donates his time to the DanceBlue Hematology/Oncology Clinic, where he builds bonds with young cancer patients and children suffering from blood disorders. Whether he’s playing board games, sharing stories, or simply spending time with patients, his presence consistently brings joy and hope to families going through difficult circumstances.
“Josh has been such a positive light to pediatric cancer and blood disorder patients in the DanceBlue Clinic,” said Jordan Heflin, a Pediatric Hematology/Oncology RN at the clinic. “He’s been a weekly visitor for nearly three years. Whether it’s signing autographs, taking pictures, or just hanging out, he’s always there. While he’s certainly a great football player, I believe he’s an even better human being. Kids who can’t attend games due to their treatments still get to cheer on someone they know when they watch on TV.”
In addition to his work with children, Kattus has volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House in Lexington, offering support to families staying there while their children receive hospital care. He’s also worked with the Scott County Humane Society, helping to locate foster homes for pets and advocating for animal adoption and fostering programs.
His nomination places him in excellent company. Since its founding in 1992, the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team has recognized the extraordinary efforts of student-athletes who prioritize helping others. Initially created by the College Football Association, the AFCA took over administration of the award in 1997. Allstate joined as the presenting sponsor in 2008. Over the years, it has become one of the most respected honors in college athletics for community service.
The Southeastern Conference (SEC), which includes Kentucky, has a proud legacy with this award. The SEC leads all conferences with 89 total Good Works Team honorees. Georgia ranks first among individual programs with 24 selections, but Kentucky follows close behind with 18 honorees—demonstrating the university’s consistent emphasis on character and service.
Kattus now joins a distinguished list of Wildcats previously recognized by the AFCA Good Works Team, including Jacob Tamme (2006), Tim Masthay (2008), Landon Young (2019), and most recently J.J. Weaver in 2024. In 2017, Kentucky’s Courtney Love not only made the team but also took home the Wuerffel Trophy, considered college football’s premier community service award.
Here’s a look at Kentucky’s proud history of honorees:
1992 – Doug Pelfrey (K)
1994 – Leon Smith (WR)
1996 – Kurt Supe (DE)
1998 – Jimmy Carter (P)
1999 – Seth Hanson (K)
2000 – Matt Layow (DE)
2002 – Antonio Hall (OT)
2004 – Antoine Huffman (CB)
2006 – Jacob Tamme (TE)
2008 – Tim Masthay (P)
2011 – Jake Lewellen (DE)
2014 – Max Godby (OG)
2015 – Landon Foster (P)
2017 – Courtney Love (LB)
2019 – Landon Young (OT, Captain)
2020 – Luke Fortner (OG)
2021 – Kenneth Horsey (OG)
2022 – Mark Stoops (Honorary Head Coach)
2024 – J.J. Weaver (OLB)
As a nominee, Josh Kattus exemplifies the values at the heart of both the Good Works Team and the Wuerffel Trophy. He is not just playing for victories on Saturdays, but for positive change every day of the week. With his combination of athletic ability, academic commitment, and tireless service, Kattus stands out as one of the most well-rounded and inspiring student-athletes in college football today. If selected for the final roster this September, he would further cement his legacy among the University of Kentucky’s most impactful and celebrated players.
