Notre Dame’s Aamil Wagner Earns Spot on 2025 Wuerffel Trophy Watch List for Excellence On the Field and in Service
Notre Dame offensive lineman Aamil Wagner has been named to the 2025 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Watch List, an honor that recognizes college football players who combine exemplary community service with athletic and academic achievement. For Wagner, a rising star both on the field and in the community, the nomination is not only a reflection of his dedication to the sport, but a powerful testament to the type of person he is becoming off it.
Known as “College Football’s Premier Award for Community Service,” the Wuerffel Trophy is named after former Florida quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Danny Wuerffel, who famously devoted much of his post-football life to philanthropy and humanitarian work. Each year, the award celebrates a select group of student-athletes who embody the values of selflessness, compassion, and servant leadership — values that Wagner has embraced throughout his time at Notre Dame.
Standing 6-foot-6 and weighing in at over 300 pounds, Wagner is an imposing presence on the Irish offensive line. But what has earned him a place on this prestigious list goes far beyond pancake blocks or pass protection. He has become a cornerstone of Notre Dame’s player-led community outreach efforts, participating in and organizing initiatives that reflect his commitment to making a lasting impact where it matters most: beyond the field of play.
Wagner’s journey to South Bend began as a highly sought-after four-star recruit out of Huber Heights, Ohio. A standout at Wayne High School, he was known not just for his athletic upside, but also for his maturity and leadership. Those qualities quickly translated to the college level, where Wagner has grown into one of the most respected members of the locker room. Though he’s still developing into a consistent starter on the offensive line, his presence as a teammate and role model has already made him invaluable to the Notre Dame culture.
In recent seasons, Wagner has leaned heavily into Notre Dame’s mission of forming “Men of Character” — an ideal that resonates deeply with him. He has been a regular volunteer at the South Bend Center for the Homeless, dedicating time to meal service, donation drives, and youth mentorship programs. In addition, Wagner has worked closely with the university’s “Irish Strong” initiative, a program designed to connect student-athletes with local youth through education, sports, and mentorship. Whether it’s helping kids with homework or teaching them fundamentals of football, Wagner approaches each interaction with humility and a servant’s heart.
Teammates and coaches speak glowingly of Wagner’s impact, often citing his ability to lead by example. Offensive line coach Joe Rudolph has praised Wagner not just for his work ethic on the field, but for the way he balances academics, athletics, and outreach. “Aamil is the kind of player every coach wants in their room,” Rudolph said. “He’s focused, he’s consistent, and he truly understands that football is a platform for something greater. He doesn’t just say the right things — he lives them.”
Academically, Wagner has embraced the rigor of Notre Dame with the same determination that fuels his athletic and service endeavors. Currently majoring in political science, he has expressed interest in public policy and social justice — interests that align closely with his service work and long-term goals. Professors have noted his thoughtful engagement in class discussions and his desire to understand how systems of government can better serve marginalized communities.
That broader worldview has informed how Wagner approaches his role as a student-athlete. He sees the game not just as a means to a personal end, but as a way to inspire, uplift, and connect. In an era where NIL deals and draft projections often dominate headlines, Wagner represents a different kind of story — one grounded in purpose and service. His inclusion on the Wuerffel Trophy Watch List serves as a reminder that college football, at its best, is about more than just stats and wins.
This year’s Wuerffel Trophy Watch List includes a diverse group of student-athletes from across the country — quarterbacks, linebackers, kickers, linemen — all of whom have demonstrated a commitment to serving others. But Wagner stands out not only because of the Notre Dame brand but because of the sincerity and consistency of his impact. In many ways, he exemplifies the values that the Wuerffel Trophy seeks to highlight: humility, empathy, discipline, and action.
Notre Dame’s long-standing tradition of combining excellence in football with academic and moral leadership is alive and well through players like Wagner. The Fighting Irish have had several past players nominated for or named finalists for the Wuerffel Trophy, and the program takes visible pride in its athletes who contribute off the field. For Wagner, that institutional support has been essential in shaping his journey. From the coaching staff to the university chaplaincy to campus partners like the Center for Social Concerns, Wagner has found encouragement and opportunity to live out his values at scale.
When asked about his nomination, Wagner downplayed the personal spotlight. “It’s not about awards,” he said. “It’s about showing up for people who need you. If football gives me a platform to do that, then I want to use it the right way. This is just a small piece of what a lot of guys on this team are doing. We hold each other accountable not just to be great players, but to be good men.”
That mindset is what makes Wagner so impactful — he sees his work as part of something collective. Whether he’s mentoring freshmen, lifting spirits at a local shelter, or grinding through a Tuesday practice, he does it all with a sense of mission. It’s that quality, more than anything, that makes his Wuerffel Trophy nomination resonate so powerfully.
On the field, Wagner continues to earn increased reps as fall camp progresses. While not yet locked in as a starter, he is firmly in the rotation and expected to contribute significantly this season. His versatility and athleticism make him an asset across multiple line positions, and the staff has praised his development heading into what could be a breakout year. If he continues on his current trajectory, he could very well find himself starting in some of Notre Dame’s most high-profile games of 2025 — including early-season matchups against Texas A&M and Louisville.
But even if Wagner never starts a single game, his impact on the Notre Dame program would be undeniable. He represents a kind of holistic excellence that is increasingly rare in big-time college football — a blend of drive, service, leadership, and humility that goes beyond wins and losses. In many ways, he embodies the mission that Notre Dame has long championed: to graduate champions, not just in football, but in life.
The Wuerffel Trophy process will continue into the season, with semifinalists announced in November and finalists named shortly thereafter. The winner will be announced in December and honored at the Allstate Sugar Bowl in January. Wagner’s path to the trophy will depend on both his continued community involvement and his impact on the field, but his nomination alone places him in elite company. It also sends a message to younger athletes everywhere: you don’t have to wait to make a difference. You don’t have to be a star to serve. You just have to care — and act.
In a sport often defined by noise, spectacle, and ego, Aamil Wagner stands as a quiet force — steady, grounded, and impactful. His presence uplifts his teammates, strengthens his community, and reminds us of the deeper purpose that college athletics can still serve. With or without a trophy, he’s already won something far more important: the respect and admiration of those he serves and the teammates who walk beside him.
For Notre Dame, for college football, and for every community he touches, Aamil Wagner is more than just a name on a watch list. He’s a standard — and a symbol of what it truly means to lead.
