The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
No. 16/16/17 Football’s Taaffe named Wuerffel Trophy finalist
11.25.2025 | Football
The senior defensive back is one three finalists for the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy.
AUSTIN, Texas – No. 16/16/17 Texas Football senior defensive back Michael Taaffe was named one of three finalists for the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy, the Wuerffel Foundation announced Tuesday. The award recognizes college football players from across the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) who exemplify community service, academic excellence and athletic achievement.
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.
Taaffe is the sixth Longhorn to be named a semifinalist for the award. The Austin, Texas, product is the first Longhorn finalist for the award since quarterback Sam Ehlinger in 2020. Sam Acho won the award in 2010.
In addition to being a finalist for the Wuerffel Trophy and a member of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, Taaffe is a finalist for the Burlsworth Trophy. Taaffe is also a semifinalist for the 2025 Jim Thorpe Award and the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award. A preseason First-Team All-SEC honoree, Taaffe was placed on preseason watch lists for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Jim Thorpe Award and Lott IMPACT Trophy. He returned to the UT defense after garnering second-team All-America recognition from the Associated Press in 2024.
Michael 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.
The Austin, Texas, native and former walk-on has started in nine games for Texas this season. The fifth-year player has played in 52 games with 35 starts during his time on the Forty Acres. Despite missing two games this season due to injury, Taaffe has recorded the second-most tackles on the team with 65 (36 solo) in addition to an interception, 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.
Behind Taaffe's leadership, Texas' defense ranks third in the FBS in sacks (3.36), sixth in 4th down conversion percentage defense (0.333), sixth in opponent yards per rush attempt (2.8), eighth in rushing defense (92.7), 10th in opponent rushing first downs per game (6.1), 11th in opponent red zone scoring attempts per game (2.5), 15th in opponent red zone scores per game (2.1), 17th in opponents points per play (0.281) and 19th in opponent yards per play (4.7).
The 2025 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy 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 Dec. 12, airing on ESPN. The Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Presentation Gala will follow on Jan. 31, 2026, at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta.
A preseason First-Team All-SEC honoree, Taaffe was placed on preseason watch lists for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Jim Thorpe Award and Lott IMPACT Trophy. He returns to the UT defense after garnering second-team All-America recognition from the Associated Press in 2024.
Taaffe and the Longhorns welcome the No. 3/3/3 Texas A&M Aggies to DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium for the Cotton Holdings Lone Star Showdown at 6:30 p.m. CT Friday, Nov. 28. The game will broadcast on ABC with Sean McDonough, Greg McElroy and Molly McGrath on the call.
