FAYETTEVILLE, Ark., Oct. 13, 2026 – The Burlsworth Trophy announces its Walk-On of the Week for week six 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.
Owen Heinecke – Oklahoma – Senior LB
Oklahoma linebacker Owen Heinecke delivered a standout defensive performance Saturday, helping the Sooners secure a thrilling 27-24 victory over No. 1 Texas in the 122nd edition of the Red River Rivalry at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas.
Heinecke led Oklahoma with nine total tackles, including 2.5 tackles for loss and a quarterback hurry, playing a key role in a defensive effort that helped the Sooners overcome a 10-point halftime deficit. His ability to disrupt Texas’ offense and make plays behind the line of scrimmage proved instrumental in Oklahoma’s dramatic comeback victory.
The Sooners shut out the Longhorns in the third quarter and limited Texas to just seven points in the second half before Tate Sandell connected on a 47-yard field goal as time expired to seal the 27-24 win.
Heinecke’s performance continued to demonstrate the determination, toughness and relentless work ethic that have made him an important part of the Oklahoma defense.
A sixth-year senior, Heinecke emerged as a defensive leader for the Sooners after a breakout 2025 season in which he recorded 74 tackles, including 12 tackles for loss. His contributions against Texas further underscored his importance to an Oklahoma defense that rose to the occasion against the nation’s top-ranked team.
Against Texas, Heinecke’s strong performance was another example of what can happen when preparation, persistence and an unwavering commitment to excellence come together on college football’s biggest stage.
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
