North Carolina State University Athletics
Isaiah Shirley Named to AFCA 2026 Good Works Team
7/20/2026 9:40:00 AM | Football
RALEIGH, N.C. – Senior defensive tackle Isaiah Shirley has been nominated for the 2026 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, being recognized as one of the nation's top community leaders.
The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team recognizes college football student-athletes who demonstrate exceptional commitment to community service, academics and athletics. Established in 1992 and presented by Allstate since 2008, the program honors players who use their platforms to strengthen communities and support causes important to them.
"Isaiah Shirley exemplifies everything we want Wolfpack Football to stand for," said head coach Dave Doeren. "He is dedicated to getting better on the field and in the classroom every day and he is the definition of a true servant-leader. He serves in many leadership roles on student organizations and is always willing to volunteer in the community. I'm so proud of him."
In addition to the Good Works Team, Shirley is one of four male student-athletes in all levels of college athletics still in contention for the Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholars Award, and he is the only football player to advance. The redshirt junior was originally one of 900 nominees for this prestigious honor.
In addition to athletic ability, Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholars have maintained at least a 3.5 cumulative grade point average, are at least sophomores academically, and participate in community service. Shirley is a two-time ACC All-Academic performer, was a nominee for the 2025 Jason Witten Man of the Year Award, is NC State's ACC Student-Athlete Advisory Council representative and a member of the team leadership council.
The Boone native has played in 29 career games for the Pack.
The 2026 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team will be announced in September and include 22 student-athletes and one honorary head coach. One student-athlete will also be selected as team captain and receive the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy.
A selection panel composed of former Good Works Team members, college football coaches, journalists and other leaders connected to the award reviews nominations from across the country. Voters evaluate candidates based on the breadth and depth of their community service, demonstrated leadership, academic achievement and the measurable impact they have had on the people and causes they serve. The panel then selects 11 NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision players (FBS), 11 players from the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), Divisions II, III and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) ranks, and one honorary head coach.
The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team recognizes college football student-athletes who demonstrate exceptional commitment to community service, academics and athletics. Established in 1992 and presented by Allstate since 2008, the program honors players who use their platforms to strengthen communities and support causes important to them.
"Isaiah Shirley exemplifies everything we want Wolfpack Football to stand for," said head coach Dave Doeren. "He is dedicated to getting better on the field and in the classroom every day and he is the definition of a true servant-leader. He serves in many leadership roles on student organizations and is always willing to volunteer in the community. I'm so proud of him."
In addition to the Good Works Team, Shirley is one of four male student-athletes in all levels of college athletics still in contention for the Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholars Award, and he is the only football player to advance. The redshirt junior was originally one of 900 nominees for this prestigious honor.
In addition to athletic ability, Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholars have maintained at least a 3.5 cumulative grade point average, are at least sophomores academically, and participate in community service. Shirley is a two-time ACC All-Academic performer, was a nominee for the 2025 Jason Witten Man of the Year Award, is NC State's ACC Student-Athlete Advisory Council representative and a member of the team leadership council.
The Boone native has played in 29 career games for the Pack.
The 2026 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team will be announced in September and include 22 student-athletes and one honorary head coach. One student-athlete will also be selected as team captain and receive the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy.
A selection panel composed of former Good Works Team members, college football coaches, journalists and other leaders connected to the award reviews nominations from across the country. Voters evaluate candidates based on the breadth and depth of their community service, demonstrated leadership, academic achievement and the measurable impact they have had on the people and causes they serve. The panel then selects 11 NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision players (FBS), 11 players from the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), Divisions II, III and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) ranks, and one honorary head coach.
Players Mentioned
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