University of North Texas Athletics
Mestemaker Wins 2025 Burlsworth Award
12/8/2025 8:58:00 PM | Football
QB1 Earns Award Given to Nation’s Most Outstanding Former Walk-On
BENTONVILLE, Ark. – Redshirt freshman quarterback Drew Mestemaker added yet another accolade to his historic season Monday when he was named the winner of the 2025 Burlsworth Award, presented to the nation's most outstanding player who began his career as a walk-on.
Mestemaker became the first player in program history to win the award and the first player to win a national individual player award.
"I am incredibly honored to receive the Burlsworth Trophy," Mestemaker said. "Brandon's legacy exemplifies the heart and determination of so many walk-ons. The work ethic, the character, and showing up every single day as the ultimate teammate. To be mentioned in connection with his name is something I'll carry with me for the rest of my life."
A former walk-on who did not make a single varsity start at quarterback in high school, Mestemaker joined the UNT football program in the summer of 2024 and quickly climbed the depth chart. By the start of the 2024 season, Mestemaker earned the backup quarterback job and saw action in four games in the regular season.
The 2025 SERVPRO First Responder Bowl gave Mestemaker his first true chance to shine, and he did so in a big way. Against Texas State, Mestemaker finished with 448 yards of total offense including 393 passing yards while throwing for two touchdowns and rushing for a 70-yard score to explode onto the national scene. The 448 total yards was tied for the most of any FBS player in the 2024 bowl cycle.
This season, Mestemaker has continued to exceed expectations. Despite having made just one start in five years, he finished the 2025 regular season with 4,129 passing yards, setting a school record and leading all FBS quarterbacks by nearly 450 yards. He is also second in the nation in passing touchdowns (31), third in passing efficiency (174.8), and fourth in both yards per completion (14.1) and total offense per game (323.1).
As the team's signal caller, Mestemaker led the Mean Green to one of its best seasons in program history. UNT finished the year with a program record 11 victories and earned a spot in the American Conference Championship game. The success was, in large part, due to an explosive offense that ranked No. 1 in the nation in both scoring and total offense.
The award is another on Mestemaker's ledger after winning American Conference Offensive Player of the Year while also being a finalist for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year and Manning Awards, both of which will be announced later.
"To everyone who ever doubted me, pushed me, coached me, or encouraged me: Thank you," Mestemaker said. "You helped make me into the person I am today.
About the Burlsworth Trophy
The trophy is named in honor of Brandon Burlsworth. Without one D1 scholarship offer, Brandon walked on to the Razorback team in 1994, worked his way to being 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 children who have limited opportunities. For a full narrative of the Foundation's work, visit brandonburlsworth.org.
Mestemaker became the first player in program history to win the award and the first player to win a national individual player award.
"I am incredibly honored to receive the Burlsworth Trophy," Mestemaker said. "Brandon's legacy exemplifies the heart and determination of so many walk-ons. The work ethic, the character, and showing up every single day as the ultimate teammate. To be mentioned in connection with his name is something I'll carry with me for the rest of my life."
A former walk-on who did not make a single varsity start at quarterback in high school, Mestemaker joined the UNT football program in the summer of 2024 and quickly climbed the depth chart. By the start of the 2024 season, Mestemaker earned the backup quarterback job and saw action in four games in the regular season.
The 2025 SERVPRO First Responder Bowl gave Mestemaker his first true chance to shine, and he did so in a big way. Against Texas State, Mestemaker finished with 448 yards of total offense including 393 passing yards while throwing for two touchdowns and rushing for a 70-yard score to explode onto the national scene. The 448 total yards was tied for the most of any FBS player in the 2024 bowl cycle.
This season, Mestemaker has continued to exceed expectations. Despite having made just one start in five years, he finished the 2025 regular season with 4,129 passing yards, setting a school record and leading all FBS quarterbacks by nearly 450 yards. He is also second in the nation in passing touchdowns (31), third in passing efficiency (174.8), and fourth in both yards per completion (14.1) and total offense per game (323.1).
As the team's signal caller, Mestemaker led the Mean Green to one of its best seasons in program history. UNT finished the year with a program record 11 victories and earned a spot in the American Conference Championship game. The success was, in large part, due to an explosive offense that ranked No. 1 in the nation in both scoring and total offense.
The award is another on Mestemaker's ledger after winning American Conference Offensive Player of the Year while also being a finalist for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year and Manning Awards, both of which will be announced later.
"To everyone who ever doubted me, pushed me, coached me, or encouraged me: Thank you," Mestemaker said. "You helped make me into the person I am today.
About the Burlsworth Trophy
The trophy is named in honor of Brandon Burlsworth. Without one D1 scholarship offer, Brandon walked on to the Razorback team in 1994, worked his way to being 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 children who have limited opportunities. For a full narrative of the Foundation's work, visit brandonburlsworth.org.
-- GMG --
Players Mentioned
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