FAYETTEVILLE, Ark., November 3, 2026 – The Burlsworth Trophy announces its Walk-On of the Week for week nine 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.
Luke Talich – Notre Dame – Senior Safety
Notre Dame senior safety Luke Talich has been named the Burlsworth Trophy Walk-On of the Week following his outstanding performance in the Fighting Irish’s 35-13 victory over Navy on Saturday, October 31, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
Talich, a former walk-on who has earned his place as a key contributor in Notre Dame’s secondary, delivered a team-high 10 tackles, showcasing the toughness, determination and relentless effort that embody the spirit of the Burlsworth Trophy.
One of Talich’s most important contributions came on a third-and-short situation, when he teamed with Jayden Sanders and Adon Shuler to stop a Navy rushing attempt short of the first-down marker. Talich also helped stonewall Navy on a fourth-down quarterback counter, forcing a loss and giving the Irish offense possession.
The senior’s 10-tackle performance highlighted his importance to the Notre Dame defense, which continues to benefit from his leadership and consistency in the secondary.
A native of Cody, Wyoming, Talich has emerged as a major player for the Fighting Irish. His combination of athletic ability, toughness and football instincts has made him a valuable presence on a Notre Dame defense competing at a high level.
Notre Dame improved to 7-1 on the season with the 35-13 victory over Navy, showcasing a dominant second-half defensive effort led by Talich and the Fighting Irish defense.
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
