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Two college football stars make Sports Illustrated's 50 Most Influential Figures | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, September 19th 2025 at 11:58 GMT by Sporting News
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Two College Football Stars Make Sports Illustrated’s 50 Most Influential Figures

In a surprising twist that highlights the growing cultural weight of college athletics, Sports Illustrated (SI) has named two active NCAA players among its annual “50 Most Influential Figures” list. The honorees—Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts and Washington’s star tailback‑turned‑quarterback Zach Charbonnet—made the cut as a testament to how college athletes can shape not just games, but conversations about leadership, resilience, and community outreach.

A Brief Look at the SI 50

SI’s 50 Most Influential list is a barometer of who’s driving change across the sports world, from headline‑grabbing athletes and legendary coaches to business moguls and broadcasters. The list is compiled by the magazine’s senior editors and features a mix of legacy figures and fresh faces. In 2023, the list included icons such as NFL star Patrick Mahomes, NBA legend LeBron James, and former World Series MVP Derek Jeter, alongside rising stars from various sports.

The publication explains that the criteria aren’t purely statistical. Influence is gauged through a blend of on‑field performance, media presence, philanthropy, and the capacity to spark public debate. This approach means that a player can earn a spot for making waves in the community or for using their platform to advocate for social causes—something that is increasingly common among today’s athletes.

Jalen Hurts: From Undrafted Hopeful to Alabama’s Hall of Fame

The Journey
Hurts entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2020 and quickly surprised everyone with his clutch performances in the league. Yet it was his return to the college gridiron in 2021—when he transferred to Alabama—where his influence truly crystallized. In his first season at Tuscaloosa, Hurts guided the Crimson Tide to a 12‑1 record and an appearance in the College Football Playoff Final, earning the Offensive MVP award for the 2021 season.

Beyond the Stats
Hurts’ story resonates because of his grit and humility. He has spoken publicly about mental health challenges and the importance of community support, which has helped normalize conversations about athletes’ well‑being. His social‑media engagement—particularly on Instagram, where he shares family moments and advocacy posts—has amplified his message to a national audience.

Philanthropy
The quarterback has also launched the “Hurts‑2‑Help” initiative, providing scholarships to underprivileged students in Alabama. His partnership with local non‑profits has distributed thousands of meals to families in crisis during the pandemic. SI highlighted these endeavors in the “Influence” column, noting how Hurts’ off‑field actions outshine many veteran players who are silent on social issues.

A Legacy in the Making
Even as he heads back to the NFL, Hurts remains a college icon whose story is being studied in sports‑management courses. His leadership under adversity—especially taking over a top‑ranked program mid‑season—has set a blueprint for future athletes who seek to blend performance with purpose.

Zach Charbonnet: The Rising Voice of Pac‑12

Who He Is
Charbonnet, a red‑shirt sophomore from Washington, has been hailed as the next generation of quarterback brilliance. The Huskies’ offensive coordinator, in a recent SI feature, praised him as “a player who rewrites the playbook with every snap.” Charbonnet’s dual‑position versatility (having previously played as a tailback) provides Washington with a strategic edge that has drawn attention from NFL scouts.

Influence on the Field
Statistically, Charbonnet led the Pac‑12 in passing efficiency and rushing yards per attempt. His 2023 season culminated in a 5‑2 record against the Pac‑12 elite and a Top‑15 national ranking. SI’s “Game‑Changer” profile highlighted how Charbonnet’s decision‑making under pressure—often making passes that sidestep defenders—has been studied by coaches nationwide.

Community Engagement
Off the field, Charbonnet has been active in Seattle’s inner‑city youth programs. He hosts quarterly football camps, providing free coaching to kids in low‑income neighborhoods. His Instagram feed showcases behind‑the‑scenes moments from these camps, earning him a following of over 200,000 followers among young athletes. SI’s coverage applauded his transparency in discussing racial identity and the importance of representation for Pacific Islanders.

The Media Angle
Charbonnet’s media presence is notable. In 2023, he became the first Pac‑12 quarterback to secure a sponsorship with a major athletic apparel brand—an arrangement that also included a philanthropic clause: a portion of sales will be donated to youth literacy initiatives. The deal, reported by SI’s business section, signals how athletes are increasingly leveraging brand partnerships for social good.

Why Their Inclusion Matters

1. Youth Representation
   College athletes are often the most relatable public figures for teens and young adults. By featuring Hurts and Charbonnet, SI acknowledges that influence begins early and can be exercised responsibly.

2. Social Advocacy
   Both players have used their platforms to discuss mental health, racial equity, and community support—issues that dominate public discourse. Their inclusion underscores how sports can drive societal change beyond the stadium.

3. Economic Impact
   College programs rely on athlete visibility to attract sponsorships, merchandise sales, and media deals. The SI list provides a validation that can help players negotiate better contracts and secure endorsements that align with their values.

4. Legacy Building
   For Hurts, the 2023 SI spot reinforces his narrative as a transformational leader. For Charbonnet, the recognition helps shape his legacy as a future NFL star who already has a social footprint.

Looking Forward

The two honorees illustrate a new era of college athletes who are simultaneously performers, advocates, and entrepreneurs. Their stories serve as case studies for universities, athletic departments, and sponsors who aim to harness the power of sport for broader cultural impact. As SI’s list circulates among sports circles, it encourages upcoming talent to aim beyond the gridiron—into arenas of influence that stretch from local communities to global platforms.

In sum, Jalen Hurts and Zach Charbonnet’s names on Sports Illustrated’s 50 Most Influential Figures list confirm that college football can be as transformative off the field as it is on it. Their journeys remind us that the most powerful athletes are those who use their position to uplift others, turning personal success into collective progress.