FAYETTEVILLE, Ark., Sept. 15, 2026 – The Burlsworth Trophy announces its Walk-On of the Week for week two of the college football season. To be eligible for Burlsworth Trophy recognition, a player must have begun his FBS (D1) college football career as a walk-on.
Drew Mestemaker – Oklahoma State – Sophomore QB
Oklahoma State quarterback Drew Mestemaker delivered one of the most impressive performances of his young career Saturday, leading the Cowboys to a dramatic 39–31 upset of No. 6 Oregon at Boone Pickens Stadium.
Mestemaker was spectacular both through the air and on the ground, throwing for 317 yards and two touchdowns while adding 109 rushing yards and a touchdown. His 426 yards of total offense accounted for a huge portion of the Cowboys’ offensive production in a victory that sent shockwaves throughout college football.
Mestemaker immediately established himself as a difference-maker. On Oklahoma State’s first play from scrimmage, he faked a handoff, split two defenders and raced 75 yards, setting the tone for an afternoon in which the Cowboys repeatedly made explosive plays against one of the nation’s top programs.
With the game hanging in the balance in the fourth quarter, Mestemaker delivered again with a 10-yard run punctuated with a high-flying dive into the end zone, giving the Cowboys the lead for good.
The victory marked Oklahoma State’s first win over an FBS opponent in 21 games and represented one of the most significant victories in the program’s recent history. The Cowboys dominated the Ducks statistically, finishing with 554 total yards to Oregon’s 281.
For Mestemaker, the performance was another chapter in a remarkable rise.
A year ago, he was the recipient of the 2025 Burlsworth Trophy, an honor presented annually to the most outstanding football player in America who began his career as a walk-on. Mestemaker earned that recognition following a record-setting season at North Texas in which he emerged as one of college football’s most productive quarterbacks, leading the nation in passing with 4,379 yards.
Earning the Burlsworth Trophy Walk-On of the Week honor, Drew Mestemaker is continuing to demonstrate the qualities that have defined his career: perseverance, preparation, determination and the belief that opportunity belongs to those willing to work for it.
Each week during the regular season, the Burlsworth Trophy will select a Walk-On of the Week. The Brandon Burlsworth Foundation will announce the finalists for the 2026 Burlsworth Trophy on November 17. The winner will be announced at the Burlsworth Trophy Award Show on December 7 at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas.
About the Burlsworth Trophy
The trophy is named in honor of Brandon Burlsworth. Without one D1 scholarship offer, Brandon walked on to the Razorback team in 1994, worked his way to being a three-year starter and was eventually named an All- American in 1998. Burlsworth was selected as the 63rd overall pick by the Indianapolis Colts in the 1999 NFL draft but was tragically killed in a car accident 11 days later. The Burlsworth Foundation was created in his memory and supports the physical and spiritual needs of children, in particular those children who have limited opportunities. For a full narrative of the Foundation’s work, visit brandonburlsworth.org.
About the National College Football Awards Association
The Burlsworth Trophy is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA), which encompasses the most prestigious awards in college football. Founded in 1997, the NCFAA and its 24 awards now boast over 900 recipients, dating to 1935. This season, 13 NCFAA awards will honor national players of the week each Tuesday. Visit ncfaa.org and @NCFAA on Twitter to learn more about the association.
Being named Walk-On of the Week does not guarantee a player will be nominated or win the Burlsworth Trophy. All Burlsworth Trophy nominees are nominated by their respective schools without input or influence from the Burlsworth Trophy.
Past Burlsworth Trophy winners include:
- 2025 – Drew Mestemaker, Quarterback – North Texas
- 2024 – Bryce Boettcher, Linebacker – Oregon
- 2023 – Cody Schrader, Running Back – Missouri
- 2022 – Stetson Bennett, Quarterback – Georgia
- 2021 – Grant Morgan, Linebacker – Arkansas
- 2020 – Jimmy Morrissey, Center – Pittsburgh
- 2019 – Kenny Willekes, Defensive End – Michigan State
- 2018 – Hunter Renfrow, Receiver – Clemson
- 2017 – Luke Falk, Quarterback – Washington State
- 2016 – Baker Mayfield, Quarterback – Oklahoma
- 2015 – Baker Mayfield, Quarterback – Oklahoma
- 2014 – Justin Hardy, Receiver – East Carolina
- 2013 – Jared Abbrederis, Receiver – Wisconsin
- 2012 – Matt McGloin, Quarterback – Penn State
- 2011 – Austin Davis, Quarterback – Southern Miss
- 2010 – Sean Bedford, Center – Georgia Tech
