FAYETTEVILLE, Ark., Oct. 27, 2026 – The Burlsworth Trophy announces its Walk-On of the Week for week eight 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.
Easton Messer – FAU – Senior WR
Florida Atlantic University wide receiver Easton Messer delivered a performance for the ages Saturday, scoring five touchdowns and totaling 262 all-purpose yards to lead the Owls to a thrilling 51-49 victory over Rice.
Messer’s historic outing tied Florida Atlantic’s single-game record for touchdowns, highlighting the determination, versatility and playmaking ability that define the Burlsworth Trophy Walk-On of the Week.
The fifth-year standout was nearly unstoppable, hauling in 12 receptions for 162 yards and two touchdowns while adding two rushing touchdowns on just three carries. He capped his remarkable afternoon with an electrifying 82-yard punt return for a touchdown late in the fourth quarter, giving FAU a crucial nine-point advantage with less than four minutes remaining.
Messer became the first FAU wide receiver to rush for two touchdowns in a game and the first player in program history to record multiple rushing and receiving touchdowns in the same contest. According to ESPN Insights, he also became the only FBS player in the past 20 seasons to record two rushing touchdowns, two receiving touchdowns and a punt-return touchdown in the same game.
His performance came just one week after he hauled in 14 receptions against Army, continuing an outstanding season for the Louisville, Kentucky, native.
Messer’s impact extends beyond Saturday’s remarkable numbers. His consistency and ability to contribute in every phase of the game reflect the hard work, perseverance and commitment to excellence celebrated by the Burlsworth Trophy.
Messer’s unforgettable performance against Rice was a powerful reminder that determination and a willingness to do whatever it takes to help the team win can produce extraordinary results.
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
