Photo by: Ball State University/Bobby Ellis
QB Kelly Named to Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Preseason Watchlist
July 31, 2025 | Football
MUNCIE, Ind. -- Ball State quarterback Kiael Kelly has been named to the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Preseason Watchlist, which recognizes Division I nominees from the AFCA Good Works Team for their leadership and service.
Kelly, entering his redshirt senior campaign with the Cardinals, was named a summer nominee for the AFCA Good Works Team on the basis of his community service and, specifically, his work with area youth.
Kelly emerged as Ball State's starting quarterback in Week 7 of the 2023 college football season, and led the Cardinals to a 3-3 record over their final six games. Over just those six games, he broke the program record for season rushing yards by a quarterback and he enters the 2025 season ranked third among Cardinals career rushing leaders by a quarterback.
Off the field, he is committed to helping children as part of a "Kelly's Krewe" youth program he sponsors himself. He also conducts local football camps for youth and has represented Ball State in community service programs directed towards youth.
The Wuerffel Foundation announced a record 116 nominees to the 2025 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Watchlist, recognizing 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. Named after 1996 Heisman Trophy winner and University of Florida quarterback Danny Wuerffel, who turned his football success into a lifelong mission of service, the award reflects his legacy of leadership and humanitarianism. This year marks the 21st anniversary of the trophy's founding.
Kelly was earlier recognized as a nominee for the AFCA Good Works Team which reflects the same theme of community service and leadership.
Kelly, entering his redshirt senior campaign with the Cardinals, was named a summer nominee for the AFCA Good Works Team on the basis of his community service and, specifically, his work with area youth.
Kelly emerged as Ball State's starting quarterback in Week 7 of the 2023 college football season, and led the Cardinals to a 3-3 record over their final six games. Over just those six games, he broke the program record for season rushing yards by a quarterback and he enters the 2025 season ranked third among Cardinals career rushing leaders by a quarterback.
Off the field, he is committed to helping children as part of a "Kelly's Krewe" youth program he sponsors himself. He also conducts local football camps for youth and has represented Ball State in community service programs directed towards youth.
The Wuerffel Foundation announced a record 116 nominees to the 2025 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Watchlist, recognizing 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. Named after 1996 Heisman Trophy winner and University of Florida quarterback Danny Wuerffel, who turned his football success into a lifelong mission of service, the award reflects his legacy of leadership and humanitarianism. This year marks the 21st anniversary of the trophy's founding.
Kelly was earlier recognized as a nominee for the AFCA Good Works Team which reflects the same theme of community service and leadership.
Players Mentioned
QB
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