Texas' Michael Taaffe wins 2025 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy

Texas senior defensive back Michael Taaffe is the recipient of the 2025 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy and has been named the captain of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, the Wuerffel Foundation announced Friday evening. Taaffe is the second Longhorn to take home the award, joining Sam Acho who won it in 2010. 

Michael Taaffe, y’all. pic.twitter.com/jbf6mjpm8X

— Justin Wells (@justinwells2424) December 13, 2025

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Widely regarded as college football’s premier award for community service, the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy celebrates student-athletes who use their platforms to serve others and create positive change and who exemplify community service, academic excellence and athletic achievement. 

In addition to winning the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy, Taaffe was one of three finalists for the Burlsworth Trophy and named to the SEC Community Service Team. Taaffe was also a semifinalist for the 2025 Jim Thorpe Award and is a semifinalist for the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award. Taaffe was tabbed to the 2025 All-SEC Coaches’ First Team on Dec. 9. He returned to the UT defense after garnering second-team All-America recognition from the Associated Press in 2024.

The Austin, Texas, native and former walk-on has started in 10 games for Texas this season. The fifth-year player has played in 53 games with 36 starts during his time on the Forty Acres. Despite missing two games this season due to injury, Taaffe recorded the second-most tackles on the team with 70 (38 solo) in addition to two interceptions, a pass break-up and sack. Taaffe totaled nine tackles (two solo) in season opener at No. 3/2 Ohio State on Aug. 30 before logging eight stops (seven solo) in Texas’ home opener vs. San Jose State on Sept. 6. In UT’s SEC opener at Florida on Oct. 4, Taaffe was credited with seven tackles (two solo) and one interception. He followed up that performance with nine tackles (seven solo), including one sack for a loss of 10 yards in the victory over No. 6/6 Oklahoma on Oct. 11. He registered 10 tackles (five solo) in the overtime win at Kentucky on Oct. 18, including a pair of crucial tackles in overtime. On fourth-and-goal from the Texas 1-yard line, Taaffe assisted on the tackle of Kentucky’s running back and kept him out of the endzone to force a turnover on downs. After missing games at Mississippi State (Oct. 25) and vs. Vanderbilt (Nov. 1), Taaffe returned to action at No. 5/5 Georgia on Nov. 15 with a seven-tackle (three solo) performance. In Texas’ 52-37 win over Arkansas on Nov. 22, Taaffe logged seven tackles (five solo) and a pass break-up. In the Longhorns’ 27-17 victory over No. 3/3/3 Texas A&M in this year’s edition of the Cotton Holdings Lone Star Showdown on Nov. 28, Taaffe finished with five tackles (two solo) and recorded a clutch interception off A&M quarterback Marcel Reed with 3:46 remaining in the game. Taaffe picked off the Aggies at the UT 3-yard line to halt the Texas A&M drive.

Taaffe has been exceptional in his work in the community, most notably working with Texas Against Fentanyl, an organization that raises awareness and provides resources and advocacy for prevention and education about fentanyl. 

Taaffe also wore a special tie at SEC Media Days to honor the victims of the July 4th flooding at Camp Mystic. The tie was embroidered with the initials of the 27 victims – 24 campers, two counselors, and the camp director – to ensure they are remembered as heroes. As an Austin, Texas native who has a personal connection to the area, Taaffe wanted to use his platform to ensure the victims were remembered and to support the grieving families. He has also participated in a fundraiser for the families.

In addition, he has partnered with Crime Stoppers of Houston’s Million for Million Campaign that raises awareness about the dangers of fentanyl. Taaffe has also recorded and promoted a PSA for SoberRides.org from the Texas Department of Transportation, along with participating in numerous other service activities and youth speaking events.

Up next, the Longhorns will take on No. 18/17/18 Michigan in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl at 2 p.m. CT Wednesday, Dec. 31, at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Fla. The game will broadcast on ABC with Mark Jones, Roddy Jones and Alyssa Lang on the call.