FAYETTEVILLE, Ark., Oct. 20, 2026 – The Burlsworth Trophy announces its Walk-On of the Week for week seven 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.
DeSean Bishop – Tennessee – Senior RB
Tennessee running back DeSean Bishop delivered a standout performance on college football’s biggest stage Saturday, powering the Volunteers to a 26-10 victory over Alabama with a dominant effort on the ground.
Bishop carried the ball 32 times for 159 yards and two touchdowns as Tennessee defeated the Crimson Tide in front of a sellout crowd of 101,915 at Neyland Stadium. Both touchdowns came in the second half, helping the Volunteers pull away from Alabama and secure a signature Southeastern Conference victory.
With the game still in reach, Bishop broke through for a five-yard touchdown run late in the third quarter to extend Tennessee’s lead to 19-10. He delivered the finishing blow in the fourth quarter, capping a 15-play, 72-yard drive that consumed more than nine minutes with another five-yard touchdown run.
Bishop’s physical running and ability to produce in critical moments helped Tennessee control the game’s tempo and keep Alabama’s offense on the sideline. The Volunteers held the Crimson Tide scoreless in the second half and limited them to just 201 total yards.
The performance marked Bishop’s third 100-yard rushing game of the season and the eighth of his career. His two touchdowns also moved him into fifth place in Tennessee program history with 29 career rushing touchdowns.
Against one of college football’s most storied programs, Bishop demonstrated the toughness, determination and perseverance that embody the spirit of the Burlsworth Trophy.
Bishop’s performance against Alabama was a powerful example of that relentless commitment to excellence.
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
