NCAAF News

Home

Teams

Quizzes

Newsletter

Power Rankings

Main Image: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Oregon’s Boettcher Trying to Win Burlsworth Trophy Again

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Drew Crabtree | Last updated Nov 12, 2025 1:00 PM ET

Few stories in college football are better than when a former walk-on works his way onto the roster and ends up making a tangible difference. In the late 90s, there was Brandon Burlsworth. After not receiving a single Division-I offer, he walked on at Arkansas. He went on to be a three-year starter for the Razorbacks and earned All-American honors. He was eventually drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in 1999, but tragically passed away not even two weeks later. The Burlsworth Foundation was created in his memory and supports the physical and spiritual needs of children, particularly those who have limited opportunities.

The Burlsworth Trophy is awarded annually to the top college football player who started his career as a walk-on. This year, the foundation named 10 semifinalists for the award, led by the one who took home the award last year. The Big Ten has a pair of semifinalists. Three semifinalists come from the SEC, and one each from the Big 12, ACC, American, Mountain West, and Notre Dame.

The finalists will be announced on November 18.

The Big Ten’s Two Up For The Burlsworth Trophy

Bryce Boettche, LB, Oregon

The current holder of the Burlsworth Trophy, Bryce Boettcher, is looking to become the second player to win the award twice (Baker Mayfield, 2015-2016). It took Boettcher a while to break out, as one would expect of a walk-on. He got onto the field in the rotation in 2023 but truly made his mark last year. As a starter for the Ducks, Boettcher notched 94 total tackles, eight tackles for loss, two sacks, four pass breakups, a forced fumble, and an interception.

This year, he is playing just as well. Bottcher has 72 tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack, three pass breakups, a forced fumble, and an interception. To this point in his career, Boettcher has five double-digit-tackle performances. The most recent such performance came in the loss to Indiana this year.

If all of that wasn’t enough, he was also a standout for the Oregon baseball team. Also, as a walk-on, Boettcher was drafted in the 13th round by the Houston Astros in the 2024 MLB Draft. He is still in the Astros’ farm system and could be facing a critical decision over the next six months.

King Mille, RB, USC

This has been quite the breakout for King Miller in the USC backfield. Last year, Miller walked on as a three-star prospect out of California. According to 247Sports, Miller earned offers from San Jose State, Nevada, and Portland State (FCS). The Trojans offered him a spot as a preferred walk-on, and he jumped at the opportunity. Last year, Miller redshirted with no appearances. He was expected to challenge for playing time this year. To say this year has been a surprise would be an understatement.

Miller initially burst onto the scene with a 75-yard touchdown run in Week 1 in the win over Missouri State. The game was well in hand, so it was a nice, “hey, there ya go!” moment. The following week, Miller found paydirt again in mop-up duty. This time, it was a 41-yard score. Against Purdue, he was held in check and didn’t get his real opportunity until the matchup with Michigan.

Due to a plethora of injuries, Miller got his chance against the Wolverines and fully took advantage. On 18 carries, the redshirt freshman gashed Michigan for 158 yards and a touchdown. Miller has run the ball at least 15 times in each of the last four games, solidifying his position in the picking order.

For the year, Miller has amassed 636 yards and five touchdowns off just 80 carries. With a CFP bid on the line, Miller is going to be asked to put the team on his back down the stretch. With a strong close to the year, Miller could be the first Trojan to win the Burlsworth Trophy.