LOS ANGELES—USC running back King Miller has been selected as semifinalist for the 2026 Burlsworth Trophy. The Burlsworth Trophy recognizes outstanding college football players from across the country who began their careers as walk-ons and have distinguished themselves through their performance, determination and perseverance.
This year’s 10 semifinalists were selected from 65 nominees representing Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) programs across the country.
Miller, who began his collegiate career as a walk-on, had a breakout season in 2025, and has continued to produce for the Trojans in 2026, securing a starting role in the USC lineup. He was placed on scholarship following the 2025 season.
In 2026, Miller has tallied 681 rushing yards on 138 carries (4.9 avg.) with 5 TDs. He’s also recorded 9 receptions for 49 yards (5.4 avg.). He has recorded three 100-yard rushing games: 128 yards against Louisiana and 102 yards each against Rutgers and Penn State. Miller has surpassed 1,600 career rushing yards and 13 career rushing touchdowns.
He had a stellar debut in 2025 and made national headlines as America’s most recognized walk-on. Miller rushed for 972 yards on 156 carries (6.2 avg.) with 8 TDs while appearing in all 13 games with 7 starts. He also recorded a successful two-point conversion and tallied 16 receptions for 11 yards. On special teams, he served as a kick returner, collecting 2 returns for 45 yards (22.5 avg.) with a long of 25. He was named a 2025 All-Big Ten Honorable Mention and was selected to The Athletic Freshman All-American Second Team. Miller was a Burlsworth Trophy Semifinalist, and he was also honored throughout the season as the Big Ten Freshman Player of the Week, Burlsworth Trophy Walk-On of the Week, Paul Hornung National Player of the Week and Shaun Alexander Freshman Player of the Week.
In its 17th year, the Burlsworth Trophy honors the most outstanding player in college football who began his career as a walk-on. The award is named in honor of Brandon Burlsworth, the former University of Arkansas walk-on who defied the odds to become a first-team All-American offensive lineman and the 63rd overall selection in the 1999 NFL Draft. Burlsworth’s life is also the subject of a major motion picture, “GREATER”, which was released in 2016.
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 selection committee will announce three finalists on Nov. 17. The finalists and their families will be honored at the annual Burlsworth Trophy Award Show on Monday, Dec. 7, at 7 p.m. CST at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas, where the 2026 recipient will be announced.