Texas A&M football safety Marcus Ratcliffe named a nominee for 2026 All-State Good Works Team

On Monday, Allstate and the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) named 162 student-athletes as nominees for the 2026 Good Works Team. One of the players named to this list was Texas A&M senior safety Marcus Ratcliffe. Established in 1992 and presented by Allstate since 2008, the Good Works Team honors players who use their platforms to strengthen communities and support causes important to them. It recognizes college football players who lead through community service, academics and athletics. From maternal health and youth mentorship to supporting children with disabilities and veterans, this year’s nominees are making an impact in their community in many different ways. Focusing on Ratcliffe’s impact on the community, he launched Mission 3:12 in partnership with Walk Among Heroes; 3 reflects his jersey number, while 12 reflects the 12th Man. This is a charitable initiative designed to support World War II veterans through a unique pledge tied to the performance of the Aggie defense this season. For every turnover forced by A&M’s defense, Ratcliffe will donate $312 to the Walk Among Heroes charity. This money will fund educational trips to Normandy, France, for World War II veterans. Last season, A&M’s defense forced 10 turnovers (three interceptions and seven fumble recoveries). On the field, the product of Cathedral Catholic High School in Chula Vista, California, has been an impact player for A&M since transferring from San Diego State two years ago. In two seasons with the Aggies, Ratcliffe has recorded 114 total tackles (61 solo), 6.5 tackles for loss, six pass deflections, three interceptions, and one forced fumble while starting in 24 of 26 games. Along with Mission 3:12, Ratcliffe volunteers in the Brazos Valley community with the AlphaBEST after-school program at Bonham Elementary School, Habitat for Humanity and Next Level Youth Flag Football. He also gives back through his home church, Rock Church, in San Diego. Down below are some other student-athletes named as nominees to the Good Works Team this week and what their initiatives are. Gideon Davidson, Clemson University, Running Back: Raised nearly $13,000 through Gid’s Fundraiser for Flourish Adoption Ministries in South Carolina, helping fund adoption-related expenses for families and support for birth mothers. Noah Fifita, University of Arizona, Quarterback: Founded First Down Faith Foundation to honor faith, family and football while uplifting communities through service, including an annual youth football camp that combines skills training with mentorship. Jaylen McClain, Ohio State University, Defensive Back: Founded Everyday Legends Foundation to empower youth and families through service, including funding academic and athletic scholarships and organizing leadership development programs for youth. Sam Nolan, Saint John’s University (Minnesota), Wide Receiver: Organized team fundraising events for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, helping raise more than $150,000 to support children battling cancers and other life-threatening diseases. Luke Paulsen, Morningside University, Punter: Created a “Kids Captain” program that provides meaningful gameday experiences for children with disabilities and their families, including leading the team onto the field at home games. Marcus Ratcliffe, Texas A&M University, Safety: Launched Mission 3:12 in partnership with Walk Among Heroes, donating $312 for every Aggie defensive turnover to fund educational trips to Normandy, France, for World War II veterans. Mudia Reuben, University of South Florida, Wide Receiver: Used Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) earnings to create the Nigerian Water Project, bringing access to clean water to villages and schools in Nigeria. Colin Simmons, University of Texas, Defensive End: Founded Clay’s Color Crew, a nonprofit honoring his younger brother that supports individuals and families affected by autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in South Dallas and beyond. Edwin Spillman, University of Tennessee, Linebacker: Used NIL earnings to establish the Wan Famul Foundation to support people in his home country of Sierra Leone, including plans to build housing for families in need. You can find the full list of the Good Works Team HERE. Also, you can support Ratcliffe’s Mission 3:12 initiative HERE. Keep it locked in with Aggie Yell for more Texas A&M recruiting coverage. Also be sure to like this story and join the discussion on the Northgate message board.