FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. --- Cade Keith, who leads UNM in receptions and receiving yards, is one of 65 student-athletes named nominees for the 2026 Burlsworth Trophy. The Burlsworth Trophy recoginizes 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.
n its 17th year, the Burlsworth Trophy honors the most outstanding player in college football who began his career as a walk-on. The award honors 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.
Keith started his career as a walk-on at TCU in 2024, redshirting the season. After the 2024 season, which included a trip to the Isleta New Mexico Bowl, Keith transferred to UNM under head coach Jason Eck, and after a season as the No. 2 tight end on the squad, Keith has taken center stage in 2026.
Cade is one of five FBS tight ends who lead their teams in receptions and yards, and his acrobatic, leaping 20-yard touchdown catch on Saturday at San Jose State turned out to be the winning points.
Keith is one of four Mountain West players on the list, which also includes Josh Sagapolutele of Hawai'i, Jabari Bates of San Jose State, and Charlie Coenen of Wyoming.
"Even with all the changes in college football, the walk-on athlete continues to play an incredibly important role in this game," said Marty Burlsworth, President and CEO of the Burlsworth Trophy and Brandon's older brother. "These young men understand what it means to work for an opportunity, overcome obstacles, and make the most of every chance they are given. Their journeys are what this award is all about. Brandon's story is a reminder that where you start does not determine where you can finish."
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 any financial assistance from the university's athletic department. Each FBS head football coach may nominate one player.