Harrison Nominated for Burlsworth Trophy
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas junior wide receiver Monte Harrison has been announced as a nominee for the prestigious Burlsworth Trophy, which is awarded to the most outstanding player who began their career as a walk-on, the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation announced on Tuesday. The award is named after former Arkansas walk-on and All-American offensive lineman Brandon Burlsworth.
Harrison began his collegiate football career in the fall of 2024 at age 28 after a 10-year professional baseball career that included time in MLB, spending the 2020-21 seasons with the Miami Marlins and the 2022 season with the Los Angeles Angels. During his career as a Razorback, he has appeared in 21 games while registering eight receptions for 142 yards. This season, the Lee’s Summit, Mo., product has caught five passes for a total of 85 yards, setting single-season career highs in both categories.
“Even with all the changes in college football, the walk-on athlete is still enormously impactful,” said Marty Burlsworth, President and CEO of the Burlsworth Trophy and older brother of Brandon Burlsworth. “All of these nominees have a passion for the game and that passion can spread throughout a team. That’s what makes these guys special. College football is what it is today because of players who had a dream and were willing to put in the work to make their dreams come true.”
Without one Division I scholarship offer, Brandon Burlsworth walked on at the University of Arkansas in 1994. He became 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, particularly those with limited opportunities.
To be eligible for the Burlsworth Trophy, a player must have begun his college football career at an NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) program without financial assistance of any kind from the university’s athletic department. Each FBS head football coach may nominate one player.
The 2026 Burlsworth Trophy winner will be announced at the annual Burlsworth Trophy Award Show on December 7 at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas
With four games remaining in the regular season, the Hogs head to The Plains for their penultimate SEC road contest of the year. Kickoff between Arkansas and Auburn from inside Jordan-Hare Stadium is scheduled for 11:45 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, on SEC Network.
For Arkansas football ticket information, call the Razorback Ticket Center at 479.575.5151 or click here.
