FAYETTEVILLE – Texas A&M's Nate Boerkircher was nominated for the 2025 Burlsworth Trophy, which is presented annually to most outstanding football player who began his career as a walk-on.
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Boerkircher, a graduate student from Aurora, Nebraska, has played key role in the Aggies' offensive success in 2025 as he's emerged as a reliable receiving option and a short-yardage rusher. The 6-4, 250-pound tight end has reeled in 11 catches for 102 yards and two touchdowns and also scored a touchdown as a rusher. As a receiver, Boerkircher has produced a first down or a touchdown on seven of his 11 catches, while he's 3-of-3 on producing a first down or touchdown as a rusher.
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His biggest moment at Texas A&M came on the final play of the team's historic road victory over then-No. 8 Notre Dame when his 11-yard touchdown reception set up a game-clinching extra point in Aggies' 41-40 triumph over the Fighting Irish. The win was the Aggies' first road victory over a ranked non-conference opponent in 46 years.
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Each nominee must have begun his first season of participation with FBS (D1) football program without financial aid of any kind from his university's athletic department. An all-state selection in football and basketball at Aurora High School, Boerkircher began his career at the University of Nebraska as a preferred walk-on.
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In the award's 16th year, the Trophy is named in honor of Brandon Burlsworth, former University of Arkansas walk-on and All-American offensive lineman. Burlsworth's life is also the subject of a major motion picture, "GREATER," which was released in 2016.
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Boerkircher, a graduate student from Aurora, Nebraska, has played key role in the Aggies' offensive success in 2025 as he's emerged as a reliable receiving option and a short-yardage rusher. The 6-4, 250-pound tight end has reeled in 11 catches for 102 yards and two touchdowns and also scored a touchdown as a rusher. As a receiver, Boerkircher has produced a first down or a touchdown on seven of his 11 catches, while he's 3-of-3 on producing a first down or touchdown as a rusher.
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His biggest moment at Texas A&M came on the final play of the team's historic road victory over then-No. 8 Notre Dame when his 11-yard touchdown reception set up a game-clinching extra point in Aggies' 41-40 triumph over the Fighting Irish. The win was the Aggies' first road victory over a ranked non-conference opponent in 46 years.
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Each nominee must have begun his first season of participation with FBS (D1) football program without financial aid of any kind from his university's athletic department. An all-state selection in football and basketball at Aurora High School, Boerkircher began his career at the University of Nebraska as a preferred walk-on.
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In the award's 16th year, the Trophy is named in honor of Brandon Burlsworth, former University of Arkansas walk-on and All-American offensive lineman. Burlsworth's life is also the subject of a major motion picture, "GREATER," which was released in 2016.