Montgomery Named to Wuerffel Award Watch List

IOWA CITY, Iowa -- University of Iowa fifth-year linebacker Jayden Montgomery has been named to the 2026 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Watch List, the Wuerffel Foundation announced Tuesday.

Montgomery (5-foot-11, 227 pounds) saw action in all 13 games last season, including seven starts at linebacker, for the nationally ranked, nine-win Hawkeyes. He recorded 44 tackles, one tackle for loss, and two pass breakups. A three-time Coaches Appreciation Award honoree, Montgomery is one of eight seniors serving on the team's Leadership Council this season.

Off the field, the Suamico, Wisconsin, native has logged extensive community service hours with the Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital, Safe Haven Animal Shelter, Make-A-Wish, Day of Caring, and the CommUnity Crisis Services & Food Bank.

In the classroom, Montgomery is a six-time Dean's List honoree, a three-time Academic All-Big Ten selection, a 2025 CSC Academic All-District honoree, and a two-time Big Ten Distinguished Scholar (2024, 2025).

Now in its 22nd season, the Allstate Wuerfel Trophy is college football’s premier award for community service. The trophy is named after Danny Wuerffel, the 1996 Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback from the University of Florida who parlayed his success on the football field into a lifetime of service and humanitarianism.

Finalists and the recipient will be selected by a national voting committee alongside a fan voting component, with the winner announced on Dec. 11. The 2026 recipient and finalists will be invited to join Wuerffel in New York City for the Heisman Trophy festivities.

The Hawkeyes open the 2026 season on Sept. 5 against Northern Illinois at Kinnick Stadium. Kickoff is set for 3:15 p.m. (CT).

HAWKEYES ON 2026 WATCH LISTS
* Trevor Lauck – Outland Trophy
* Eli Ozick – Lou Groza Award
* Kade Pieper – Outland Trophy | Rimington Trophy
* Zach Lutmer – Nagurski Trophy
* Jayden Montgomery - Wuerffel Trophy
* DJ Vonnahme – Mackey Award