Ratcliffe Named Wuerffel Trophy Semifinalist
Texas A&M senior safety Marcus Ratcliffe is among the candidates for college football's top community service award.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Philanthropy
Texas A&M senior safety Marcus Ratcliffe was named a Wuerffel Trophy semifinalist. The award recognizes the college football player who best combines community work, academic success and athletic performance.
Why it matters
The Wuerffel Trophy honors players whose impact extends beyond the field. Ratcliffe's selection highlights charitable work tied to Texas A&M's defense and to local community programs in College Station and Bryan.
Ratcliffe donates $312 to Walk Among Heroes for each turnover forced by the A&M defense, which has forced four fumbles and six interceptions this season. Ratcliffe himself has 30 tackles, one interception and one pass breakup, placing him fourth on the team in tackles.
The players
Marcus Ratcliffe
A Texas A&M senior safety and team captain who founded the Mission 3:12 charity program and has been recognized for his community service.
Wuerffel Trophy
College football's top award for community service, named for former Florida quarterback Danny Wuerffel, who recognizes players combining community work, academics and athletics.
The details
Ratcliffe, a team captain, founded the charity program Mission 3:12, which supports World War II veterans returning to Normandy on D-Day in conjunction with Walk Among Heroes. He also volunteers with an after-school program at Bonham Elementary School in Bryan, as well as with Habitat For Humanity and Next Level Youth Flag Football.
Timeline
Nov. 5, 2026: Ratcliffe is named a Wuerffel Trophy semifinalist.
2016: Trevor Knight won the Wuerffel Trophy.
Philanthropy Track
The Wuerffel Trophy, established to honor players who combine athletics with service, continues to spotlight athlete-led charity in college football. Ratcliffe's semifinalist designation follows the pattern set by past winners such as Trevor Knight in 2016.
Donations tied to defensive turnovers mean fans watching Texas A&M games can see their team's performance translate directly into support for Walk Among Heroes. Ratcliffe's community work also reaches families and students in Bryan through local school and youth programs.
The takeaway
Athlete-led charity can be tied directly to measurable on-field results, as Ratcliffe's per-turnover donations show. Readers interested in similar programs can look to local schools and nonprofits that accept volunteers.
Further reading
For more on athlete-led giving, explore Philanthropy coverage in College Station.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Eagle.
