TUCSON, Ariz. — Arizona Football defensive back Genesis Smith has been tabbed to the 2025 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Watch List, the Wuerffel Foundation announced today.

The Wuerffel Trophy, which recognizes college football players for their community service, academic excellence, and athletic achievements, is widely regarded as college football's premier community service award. The 2025 season marks the 21st season that the Wuerffel Trophy will be awarded.

Smith, a junior and an Arizona native, enters his third season with the Wildcats in 2025. Inspired by his grandmother, Smith started his nonprofit, the "Genesis Smith Foundation," to connect with and serve the local community through a range of initiatives. The foundation's slogan of "Giving a hand up, not a handout" was also inspired by Smith's grandmother.

Among the initiatives taken on by Smith's foundation are "Christmas Cats," a drive that gathered and distributed gifts for local families, and a three-day football and life camp hosted at a local Tucson middle school, among others.

On the field, Smith has established himself as a major contributor to the Wildcats defense. Across two seasons he has appeared in 25 games with 10 starts and contributed 87 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, four interceptions, six pass breakups, and a pair of forced fumbles. Smith enjoyed a breakout season as a sophomore in 2024, totaling 63 tackles and three interceptions, marks that ranked third and tied for first on the team, respectively.

Smith has excelled in the classroom as well, having been named to the Big 12 Fall Academic Honor Roll in January.

The 2025 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy finalists and recipient will be selected by a national voting committee, with input from a fan vote. The 2025 recipient will also serve as Captain of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team and will be announced live on The Home Depot College Football Awards show on December 12th, airing on ESPN. The Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Presentation Gala will follow on January 31, 2026, at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta.

Smith and the Wildcats opened fall camp on Wednesday as they prepare for their 2025 season opener at home against Hawai'i on Aug. 30 at Arizona Stadium. Tickets are available for purchase now and can be secured HERE.