NORTHBROOK, Ill. — Tusculum University defensive back Rio Little has been named a nominee for the 2026 Allstate / American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Good Works Team.
Little, a rising senior from Chuckey, Tennessee, is one of 162 college football student-athletes who is being recognized for exemplary community service, academic dedication and is an impact player both on and off the field.
Established in 1992, the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team is one of the most coveted community service awards in college football. From the 162 nominees, the final roster of 23 award recipients will bring together 11 players from the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision; 11 players from the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision, Divisions II, III and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA); and one honorary head coach. To be considered for a spot on the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, each player must be actively involved with a charitable organization or service group while maintaining strong academic standing.
Little’s community service and volunteerism efforts include: Serving as a resident assistant in Tusculum’s Student Affairs department; Serving as a peer mentor within Tusculum’s Discipleship program; Volunteer with Freeway Ministries of Kingsport; Served and educated elementary students on general biblical principles and concepts who live in disaffected communities; Volunteer for the Disciple Living-Learning Center where he spoke with board members and local church leaders.
He has a 3.92 cumulative grade point average while majoring in mathematics. He is a member of the South Atlantic Conference Commissioner’s Honor Roll, Tusculum Athletic Director’s Honor Roll, Dean’s List and Charles Oliver Gray Honors List. He is also a recipient of the Division II Athletic Directors Association Academic Achievement Award and is a member of the Tusculum President’s List.
The final 22-member team and honorary coach are selected by a voting panel of former Allstate AFCA Good Works Team members, current and former head coaches and journalists. They look for exceptional leadership on and off the football field.
Three Pioneers have advanced to the 22-member AFCA Good Works Team including: Craig Pritchett (2003), Glen Black (2006) and Bo Cordell (2013).
