FAYETTEVILLE, Ark., Sept. 22, 2026 – The Burlsworth Trophy announces its Walk-On of the Week for week three 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.
Aiden Flora – Iowa State – RS Sophomore RB
Iowa State running back Aiden Flora delivered a performance to remember Saturday, helping lead the Cyclones to a dominating 55-7 victory over Bowling Green.
Flora was unstoppable, accounting for 296 all-purpose yards and three touchdowns in one of the most impressive individual performances of his Iowa State career. He rushed for a career-high 194 yards on just 12 carries, averaging an extraordinary 16.2 yards per carry.
Flora wasted little time making his impact felt.
With Iowa State leading 14-7 late in the first quarter, Flora broke free for a 61-yard touchdown run, giving the Cyclones a 21-7 advantage. He struck again in the second quarter, racing 42 yards for another touchdown and helping Iowa State take a 35-7 lead into halftime.
Flora wasn’t finished.
Early in the third quarter, he fielded a Bowling Green punt and raced 66 yards for a touchdown, completing his three-touchdown afternoon and pushing the Cyclones’ lead to 45-7.
According to the Associated Press, Flora’s 296 all-purpose yards were the most by an Iowa State player since 2008. His performance also helped Iowa State produce 365 rushing yards – the program’s most in a game since 2011.
Flora’s journey makes the performance even more significant. He joined Iowa State as a walk-on in 2024 before earning a scholarship in January 2026. On Saturday, he showcased the kind of perseverance, preparation and determination that has defined his path as a Cyclone.
For Flora, Saturday was more than a career day. It was a statement performance – one that showcased his explosiveness, toughness and ability to make a difference every time he touched the football.
Aiden Flora didn’t just have a big day. He made Iowa State history.
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
