Photo by: Ethan Mito/Texas A&M Athletics
Boerkircher Nominated for 2025 Burlsworth Trophy
Nov 05, 2025 | Football
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Players Mentioned
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