Tennessee Volunteers’ Bryson Eason Earns Nomination To Allstate AFCA Good Works Team For Leadership And Community Service

In the world of college football, where highlight-reel plays and stat sheets often dominate the conversation, it’s the rare stories of heart, humanity, and hope that truly stand out. Tennessee Volunteers defensive lineman Bryson Eason has just become one of those stories. The senior standout from Memphis has been named a nominee for the 2025 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, one of college football’s most prestigious off-the-field honors, recognizing student-athletes for their extraordinary commitment to community service and leadership.

The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team isn’t about athletic achievements—it’s about impact. Each year, the team highlights players from across the country who dedicate their time and effort to giving back to their communities, being positive role models, and embodying the true spirit of student-athletes. Eason, a versatile and powerful presence on Tennessee’s defensive front, fits that mold perfectly.

Eason’s journey to this moment is rooted in purpose. Growing up in Memphis, he saw firsthand the challenges that come with underserved communities. That upbringing sparked a lifelong commitment to giving back, especially to youth who are growing up in similar environments. From leading food drives and holiday toy donations to spearheading youth football camps and reading programs, Eason has immersed himself in a wide range of initiatives, all while balancing the intense demands of life as an SEC football player.

Coaches and teammates aren’t surprised by the recognition. Head coach Josh Heupel called the nomination “well-deserved,” and credited Eason not just for his leadership in the locker room but for his relentless drive to be a difference-maker beyond Neyland Stadium.

“Bryson is the kind of person who never looks for credit but always shows up,” Heupel said. “He’s a voice of positivity in our program. Whether it’s mentoring younger teammates, showing up at a local elementary school to read to kids, or working behind the scenes on service projects, he represents everything that’s great about college football.”

Eason’s teammates echo that sentiment. Defensive tackle Omari Thomas described Eason as a “pillar” in the locker room—someone who keeps the team grounded while always finding time to lift others up.

“When you talk about leaders on this team, it’s not just what Bryson says—it’s how he lives,” Thomas said. “He’s constantly thinking about how to serve. Whether it’s helping a teammate off the field or reaching out to folks in the community, he sets an example every day.”

One of the signature programs Eason has contributed to is “Vols for Schools,” a reading and mentorship initiative where Tennessee players partner with local Knoxville schools to inspire young students. Eason’s reading days have become a highlight for kids in the area, and he’s made it a priority to show up not just once or twice, but consistently. In interviews, he’s spoken passionately about the importance of young people seeing someone who looks like them, comes from a similar background, and is now succeeding in both academics and athletics.

“It’s about presence,” Eason said during a local radio interview. “It’s about the kids knowing that somebody sees them, believes in them, and cares enough to show up. I know how much that would’ve meant to me growing up.”

He’s also been instrumental in organizing team-wide community service efforts. In 2024, he helped coordinate a campus-wide food drive that collected over 15,000 non-perishable food items for the Knoxville Area Rescue Ministries. Eason personally visited the shelters and helped distribute food alongside teammates, never missing a chance to connect with people on a personal level.

For Eason, service is not an obligation—it’s a calling. He credits his mother and his faith for instilling those values early on. He’s said many times that football has given him a platform, and he wants to use that platform for something far bigger than personal gain.

“I’m grateful for football, and I love competing,” Eason said. “But at the end of the day, if all I did was play the game and never gave anything back, I’d feel like I missed the point.”

The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team will ultimately name just 22 players to its final roster—11 from the FBS and 11 from other levels of college football. The final team is selected by a panel that includes former Allstate AFCA Good Works Team members, media members, and college football legends. While Eason faces stiff competition, the nomination itself is a powerful recognition of who he is and what he stands for.

This honor is just the latest in a growing list of accolades for Eason, who is entering his final season with the Volunteers. On the field, he’s a dependable presence with a strong motor and sharp instincts. He’s seen action in over 40 games throughout his career, rotating across the defensive line and proving invaluable in Tennessee’s rugged SEC battles. But it’s his consistency, maturity, and team-first mindset that have made him a coach’s favorite and a leader in the locker room.

Tennessee’s athletic department released a statement applauding Eason’s nomination, noting his contributions both on and off the field. The statement praised him for “setting the standard” for what it means to be a Tennessee Volunteer.

“Bryson represents the true spirit of the Power T,” said Tennessee Athletic Director Danny White. “He gives his all—every practice, every game, and in every community effort he’s part of. We are proud to see him honored on a national stage for the example he sets every day.”

The impact Eason has made in Knoxville and beyond will likely stretch far beyond this nomination. As he prepares for his final season in the orange and white, his influence continues to ripple throughout the program. Young players look to him for guidance. Coaches count on him to lead. Fans appreciate his heart as much as his hustle. And those he’s helped—kids, families, and strangers alike—will never forget the way he showed up, not just as a football player, but as a force for good.

In the coming weeks, the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team will finalize its roster, but regardless of the outcome, Bryson Eason’s place in the hearts of the Tennessee community is already solidified. He’s proof that leadership isn’t always loud and that service, when done from a place of authenticity, can echo far louder than cheers on a Saturday afternoon.

As the Volunteers gear up for a high-stakes 2025 season with playoff hopes on the horizon, Eason will undoubtedly continue to anchor the defense with his trademark grit. But even more than that, he will keep showing up—in classrooms, shelters, food drives, and wherever else he’s needed.

Because for Bryson Eason, making plays on the field is only part of the mission. Off the field, he’s already made his biggest impact.