University of Tennessee Athletics
Bishop Named One of 10 Semifinalists for Burlsworth Trophy
November 11, 2025 | Football
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – After being identified as one of 79 nominees for the 2025 Burlsworth Trophy last week, Tennessee running back DeSean Bishop was named one of 10 semifinalists for the award on Tuesday.
Named in honor of Brandon Burlsworth, former University of Arkansas walk-on and All-American offensive lineman, the award is in its 16th year and is presented to the most outstanding football player in America who began his career as a walk-on and has shown outstanding performance on the field.
Bishop is just the third UT player in program history to be named a semifinalist for the Burlsworth Trophy, joining safety Will Brooks, who was a semifinalist last season, and linebacker Nick Reveiz in 2010, who is the only Tennessee player to be named a finalist for the prestigious honor.
Despite a record-setting prep career at nearby Karns High School, Bishop had only a few scholarship offers from non-Power Four programs and ultimately chose to bet on himself and enroll at Tennessee as a preferred walk-on in 2023.
The Knoxville native redshirted as a true freshman after getting injured in fall camp before earning a significant role as a redshirt freshman in 2024 when he played in nine games and finished second on the team with 455 rushing yards to go along with three touchdowns. His 6.15 yards per carry led the team and ranked third in the SEC.
As a redshirt sophomore, Bishop is in the midst of a breakout season in 2025, as he leads the SEC and ranks eighth in the FBS with 6.7 yards per carry (min. 10 rushes/game) through 11 weeks. He also ranks sixth in the SEC with 690 rushing yards, seventh in the league with 76.7 rushing yards per game and is tied for third in the conference with nine rushing touchdowns.
The 10 semifinalists for the 2025 Burlsworth Trophy are listed below.
Bryson Barnes – QB – Utah State
DeSean Bishop – RB – Tennessee
Bryce Boettcher – LB – Oregon
Josh Cameron – WR – Baylor
Jordan Faison – WR – Notre Dame
Drew Mestemaker – QB – North Texas
King Miller – RB – USC
Febechi Nwaiwu – OL – Oklahoma
Michael Taafe – DB – Texas
J'Mari Taylor – RB – Virginia
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 children who have limited options. For more information about the Burlsworth Trophy, visit burlsworthtrophy.com
Named in honor of Brandon Burlsworth, former University of Arkansas walk-on and All-American offensive lineman, the award is in its 16th year and is presented to the most outstanding football player in America who began his career as a walk-on and has shown outstanding performance on the field.
Bishop is just the third UT player in program history to be named a semifinalist for the Burlsworth Trophy, joining safety Will Brooks, who was a semifinalist last season, and linebacker Nick Reveiz in 2010, who is the only Tennessee player to be named a finalist for the prestigious honor.
Despite a record-setting prep career at nearby Karns High School, Bishop had only a few scholarship offers from non-Power Four programs and ultimately chose to bet on himself and enroll at Tennessee as a preferred walk-on in 2023.
The Knoxville native redshirted as a true freshman after getting injured in fall camp before earning a significant role as a redshirt freshman in 2024 when he played in nine games and finished second on the team with 455 rushing yards to go along with three touchdowns. His 6.15 yards per carry led the team and ranked third in the SEC.
As a redshirt sophomore, Bishop is in the midst of a breakout season in 2025, as he leads the SEC and ranks eighth in the FBS with 6.7 yards per carry (min. 10 rushes/game) through 11 weeks. He also ranks sixth in the SEC with 690 rushing yards, seventh in the league with 76.7 rushing yards per game and is tied for third in the conference with nine rushing touchdowns.
The 10 semifinalists for the 2025 Burlsworth Trophy are listed below.
Bryson Barnes – QB – Utah State
DeSean Bishop – RB – Tennessee
Bryce Boettcher – LB – Oregon
Josh Cameron – WR – Baylor
Jordan Faison – WR – Notre Dame
Drew Mestemaker – QB – North Texas
King Miller – RB – USC
Febechi Nwaiwu – OL – Oklahoma
Michael Taafe – DB – Texas
J'Mari Taylor – RB – Virginia
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 children who have limited options. For more information about the Burlsworth Trophy, visit burlsworthtrophy.com
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