FAYETTEVILLE, Ark., Oct. 6, 2026 – The Burlsworth Trophy announces its Walk-On of the Week for week five 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.
Aiden Flora – Iowa State – RS Sophomore RB
Iowa State running back Aiden Flora has been named the Burlsworth Trophy Walk-On of the Week following a remarkable performance in the Cyclones’ 45-42 victory over West Virginia on Saturday.
Flora delivered a career-defining performance when Iowa State needed it most, accounting for five touchdowns and helping the Cyclones earn their first Big 12 victory of the season.
The former walk-on rushed for a career-high 212 yards on 22 carries, averaging an impressive 9.6 yards per carry, while scoring three rushing touchdowns. He also threw two touchdown passes on a pair of halfback passes, giving him five total touchdowns in the high-scoring victory.
But Flora saved his biggest play for the biggest moment.
After West Virginia had taken a 42-38 lead with just over five minutes remaining, Flora helped lead Iowa State on a decisive 74-yard drive. With 1:57 left on the clock, he followed his blockers into the end zone from two yards out to give the Cyclones a 45-42 lead – a lead they would not surrender.
Earlier in the fourth quarter, Flora also broke loose for a spectacular 63-yard touchdown run, giving Iowa State a 38-35 advantage.
“Aiden Flora’s performance was everything the Burlsworth Trophy represents,” said Marty Burlsworth, CEO of the Burlsworth Trophy. “He has continued to work, believe in himself and make the most of every opportunity. To see him have a performance like this – and then make the winning play when his team needed him most – is what beginning your career as a walk-on is all about.”
Flora’s five-touchdown performance came in a game that featured 1,095 total yards of offense, with Iowa State finishing with 577 yards and West Virginia with 518.
Flora’s performance against West Virginia was not simply a great statistical day. It was a Burlsworth kind of day – an opportunity earned, a moment embraced and a game-changing performance when his team needed him most.
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
