Courtesy of Utah State Athletics
LOGAN, Utah – Utah State graduate quarterback Bryson Barnes is one of 10 semifinalists for the 2025 Burlsworth Trophy, which is awarded annually to college football’s most outstanding player that began his collegiate career as a walk-on.
Barnes is the only player from the Mountain West and the state of Utah to be listed among the 10 semifinalists. Seventy-nine players were originally nominated for the award.
Barnes walked on at Utah prior to the 2020 season in which he redshirted. During the 2023 season, Barnes was awarded a scholarship. He then transferred to USU prior to the 2024 campaign.
Other semifinalists for the 2025 Burlsworth Trophy include Baylor wide receiver Josh Cameron, North Texas quarterback Drew Mestemaker, Notre Dame wide receiver Jordan Faison, Oklahoma offensive lineman Febechi Nwaiwu, Oregon inside linebacker Bryce Boettcher, Tennessee running back DeSean Bishop, Texas defensive back Michael Taafe, USC running back King Miller, and Virginia running back J’Mari Taylor. Boettcher won the Burlsworth Trophy in 2024.
Barnes is 154-of-236 (.653) passing for 2,096 yards with 17 touchdowns and three interceptions this season. He has rushed for 407 yards on 113 carries (3.6 ypc) and seven touchdowns. His seven rushing touchdowns this year is one shy of tying the single season school record by a quarterback of eight that was set in 2012.
On the year, Barnes ranks first or second in the Mountain West in six different statistical categories. Overall, he is 14th in the nation in points responsible for per game at 16.4, 16th in total touchdowns with 24, and 31st in passing touchdowns with 17.
For his career, Barnes has appeared in 42 games with 23 starts. He is 412-of-662 (.622) passing for 4,977 yards with 46 touchdowns. He has rushed for 1,328 yards on 292 carries (4.5 ypr) and 15 touchdowns.
During his two seasons at Utah State, Barnes is 231-of-362 (.638) passing for 2,952 yards with 29 touchdowns. He has rushed for 937 yards on 181 carries (5.2 ypr) and 12 touchdowns.
About the Burlsworth Trophy
In the award’s 16th year, the trophy is named in honor of Brandon Burlsworth, who began his career as a walk-on at Arkansas and ended up earning All-American honors as an offensive lineman in 1988.
The selection committee will announce the top three Burlsworth Trophy finalists on November 18. The Burlsworth Trophy Award Show to honor the three finalists and to announce the 2025 winner will be held on December 8, at 7:00 p.m. CST at Crystal Bridges Museum in Bentonville, Arkansas.
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