FAYETTEVILLE, Ark., Sept. 9, 2026 – The Burlsworth Trophy announces its Walk-On of the Week for week one 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.
Boen Phelps – Boise State – Senior LB
Boise State linebacker Boen Phelps established himself as one of the Broncos’ most dependable defensive leaders Saturday, turning in a career-best performance against No. 2 Oregon in Eugene.
Phelps recorded a career-high eight tackles, including four solo stops and four assisted tackles, while adding a half tackle for loss as the Broncos battled the Ducks throughout a hard-fought 34–27 contest.
Facing one of the nation’s most talented offenses, Phelps was instrumental in Boise State’s defensive effort. His physical play and relentless pursuit helped the Broncos remain within striking distance against an Oregon team that entered the season ranked No. 2 nationally.
The Spokane, Washington, native originally joined the Broncos as a walk-on safety in 2023. After earning a scholarship and transitioning to linebacker, Phelps emerged as a key contributor on Boise State’s defense and earned recognition as a Burlsworth Trophy nominee in 2025.
His rise from walk-on to defensive standout embodies the qualities celebrated by the Burlsworth Trophy: hard work, determination, perseverance, and the ability to maximize an opportunity. For his efforts, Boen Phelps has earned the Burlsworth Trophy Walk-On of the Week honor.
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
