Logan, Utah – Bryson Barnes, a graduate quarterback from Utah State, recently became a semifinalist for the 2025 Burlsworth Trophy. This award recognizes the best college football player who started as a walk-on. Out of 79 nominees, Barnes stands out as the only Mountain West player and the only one from Utah among the 10 semifinalists.
Barnes joined the University of Utah as a walk-on before the 2020 season. He redshirted that year, received a scholarship in 2023, and later transferred to Utah State for the 2024 season.
Other notable semifinalists include Josh Cameron from Baylor, Drew Mestemaker from North Texas, and Jordan Faison from Notre Dame. Last year, Oregon’s Bryce Boettcher won the trophy.
This season, Barnes has completed 154 of 236 passes, racking up 2,096 yards with 17 touchdowns and only three interceptions. He has rushed for 407 yards on 113 attempts, scoring seven touchdowns. This puts him just one rushing touchdown away from tying the school record of eight set in 2012.
In the Mountain West, Barnes ranks among the top in six different statistical areas, showing he’s a standout performer. Nationally, he is 14th in points responsible for, averaging 16.4 per game, and is also high on the leaderboard for total touchdowns.
Throughout his career, he has played in 42 games and made 23 starts, overall passing for nearly 5,000 yards and scoring 46 touchdowns. During his time at Utah State, he has achieved impressive passing and rushing stats, further solidifying his reputation as an outstanding player.
About the Burlsworth Trophy
This award, now entering its 16th year, honors Brandon Burlsworth, who began as a walk-on at the University of Arkansas and became an All-American offensive lineman in 1998.
The top three finalists for the 2025 Burlsworth Trophy will be revealed on November 18, with the award ceremony taking place on December 8 at the Crystal Bridges Museum in Bentonville, Arkansas.
Fans can keep up with Barnes and the Aggie football team on social media and through the official Utah State athletics website.
In recent years, there has been a growing trend of recognizing walk-on athletes, highlighting the importance of determination and hard work in sports. This speaks to a larger narrative in college athletics, where the journey is just as important as the destination.
For insights into this year’s nominees and more information about collegiate sports, you can visit [NCAA’s official website](https://www.ncaa.com).
