Worth Nominated for Burlsworth Trophy

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas senior defensive back Larry Worth III 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 organization announced on Tuesday. The award is named after former Arkansas walk-on and All-American offensive lineman Brandon Burlsworth.

Worth, who began his career as a walk-on at Jacksonville State, where he spent the 2022-2023 seasons, has made a massive impact during his two years as a Razorback. The Jacksonville, Fla., product has started all nine games this season and registered 50 tackles, one assisted tackle for loss, and a pass breakup. He has posted five or more tackles in six of the Razorbacks’ nine games this season, highlighted by a nine-tackle performance at Memphis on Sept. 20. Worth’s 50 tackles lead the Arkansas secondary and rank third on the team this season.

“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.

The Burlsworth Trophy Award Show to honor the three finalists and to announce the 2025 winner will be on December 8, at 7:00 p.m. CST at Crystal Bridges Museum in Bentonville, Arkansas.

Arkansas, now led by interim head coach Bobby Petrino, enters its second and final bye week of the 2025 season.

For Arkansas football ticket information, call the Razorback Ticket Center at 479.575.5151 or click here.