University of Houston Athletics

Turner Selected to Wuerffel Trophy Watch List
7/23/2020 12:26:00 PM | Football
HOUSTON – University of Houston football senior defensive lineman Payton Turner was named to the Wuerffel Trophy Watch List on Thursday.
Turner is one of 114 FBS student-athletes nominated for the award.
The Wuerffel Trophy, known as "College Football's Premier Award for Community Service," is presented each February in Fort Walton Beach. Named after 1996 Heisman Trophy winning quarterback from the University of Florida, Danny Wuerffel, the Wuerffel Trophy exists to honor college football players who serve others, celebrate their positive impact on society, and inspire greater service in the world.
"It is so inspiring to see this record number of athletes being submitted for the award," said Wuerffel. "These young men truly represent college football's most impactful community service leaders. We are proud to honor them."
The formal announcement of the 2020 recipient will be made at the National Football Foundation's festivities in New York City on December 8. The presentation of the 2020 Wuerffel Trophy will occur at the 52nd All Sports Association Awards Banquet on Feb. 19, 2021 in Fort Walton Beach.
Turner made 12 starts last season on UH's defensive line and recorded 34 tackles, 8.0 tackles for loss and 4.0 sacks. The Houston native also served as a member of Houston's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and has participated in various community service projects during his time at UH.
PAYTON TURNER | SENIOR | DL
• 2020 Wuerffel Trophy Watch List
• Appeared in 34 career games with 23 starts
• Recorded 34 tackles (20 solo), 8.0 tackles for loss and four sacks in 2019
• 2020 Phil Steele Preseason AAC Second Team
• 2020 Athlon Sports Preseason AAC Second Team
STAY CONNECTED
Follow Houston Football on Twitter and Instagram at @UHCougarFB, and "Like" Houston Cougar Football on Facebook.
Turner is one of 114 FBS student-athletes nominated for the award.
The Wuerffel Trophy, known as "College Football's Premier Award for Community Service," is presented each February in Fort Walton Beach. Named after 1996 Heisman Trophy winning quarterback from the University of Florida, Danny Wuerffel, the Wuerffel Trophy exists to honor college football players who serve others, celebrate their positive impact on society, and inspire greater service in the world.
"It is so inspiring to see this record number of athletes being submitted for the award," said Wuerffel. "These young men truly represent college football's most impactful community service leaders. We are proud to honor them."
The formal announcement of the 2020 recipient will be made at the National Football Foundation's festivities in New York City on December 8. The presentation of the 2020 Wuerffel Trophy will occur at the 52nd All Sports Association Awards Banquet on Feb. 19, 2021 in Fort Walton Beach.
Turner made 12 starts last season on UH's defensive line and recorded 34 tackles, 8.0 tackles for loss and 4.0 sacks. The Houston native also served as a member of Houston's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and has participated in various community service projects during his time at UH.
PAYTON TURNER | SENIOR | DL
• 2020 Wuerffel Trophy Watch List
• Appeared in 34 career games with 23 starts
• Recorded 34 tackles (20 solo), 8.0 tackles for loss and four sacks in 2019
• 2020 Phil Steele Preseason AAC Second Team
• 2020 Athlon Sports Preseason AAC Second Team
STAY CONNECTED
Follow Houston Football on Twitter and Instagram at @UHCougarFB, and "Like" Houston Cougar Football on Facebook.
Players Mentioned
Media Availability: HC Willie Fritz (March 28, 2026)
Saturday, March 28
Press Conference: Head Coach Willie Fritz Speaks to Media on the 2026 Transfer Portal Class
Wednesday, February 04
Postgame Press Conference: Football vs. LSU (Texas Bowl)
Sunday, December 28
Highlights: Houston 38, LSU 35 (Texas Bowl)
Sunday, December 28













