Maurice Brown II Nominated for the Burlsworth Trophy

University of South Carolina tight end Maurice Brown II is one of 79 players from Division I (FBS) schools nominated for the 2025 Burlsworth Trophy. 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.

The Burlsworth Trophy is given to the most outstanding football player in American who began his career as a walk-on and has shown outstanding performance on the field. 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.

Brown II, a 6-4, 240-pound junior from Upper Marlboro, Md., has become a valuable component on special teams and as a reserve tight end for the Gamecocks. As a freshman walk-on in 2023, he worked his way into regular action as a special teams performer, earning his first varsity letter. He was recognized as the 2024 Most Improved Player of the Spring for special teams, earned the Most Inspirational Walk-on Award following the 2024 season and was selected as the winner of the 2025 Gamecock Toughness Award for offense following the spring practice session.

“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 that had a dream and were willing to put in the work to make their dreams come true.”

Without one D1 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 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 children who have limited options.

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.

For more information about the Burlsworth Trophy, visit burlsworthtrophy.com.