Nov 3, 2026 | Football
FAYETTEVILLE, AR – Redshirt junior punter William Hudlow of Tulane football was named a 2026 nominee for the Burlsworth Trophy on Nov. 3.
Hudlow is one of 65 candidates for the 17th edition of the award, which 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.
The award is named in honor of Brandon Burlsworth, a former University of Arkansas walk-on who defied the odds to become a First Team All-American offensive lineman and the 63rd selection in the 1999 NFL draft.
"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 financial assistance of any kind from the university's athletic department. Each FBS head football coach may nominate one player.
This season, Hudlow has averaged 47.0 yards per punt, with 11 of his 38 attempts (29 percent) landing inside the 20 and 18 traveling 50 or more yards (47 percent). Hudlow currently leads the conference and is seventh nationally in punting average during his first year as the team's primary punter.
The Burlsworth Trophy Selection Committee will announce semifinalists on Nov. 10 and three finalists on Nov. 17.
Next, Tulane returns home to host Tulsa (4-4, 1-3 American) on Saturday, Nov. 7, at 11 a.m. in the Homecoming game.
TICKETS
Tickets for the football, volleyball and the men's and women's basketball seasons can be purchased by calling 504-861-WAVE (9283), logging on to TulaneTix.com or visiting the ticket office at the James W. Wilson Jr. Center.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Follow Tulane football on Twitter and Facebook and Instagram. Follow Tulane Athletics on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Green Wave Club
Giving to the Green Wave Club provides Tulane Athletics with the resources student‑athletes need to excel in competition and in the classroom. Your support directly improves the lives of current and future Green Wave student‑athletes and enhances Tulane's competitiveness in intercollegiate athletics. Make a gift today by calling (504) 865‑5356, emailing greenwaveclub@tulane.edu, or visiting greenwaveclub.com.
- TulaneGreenWave -
Hudlow is one of 65 candidates for the 17th edition of the award, which 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.
The award is named in honor of Brandon Burlsworth, a former University of Arkansas walk-on who defied the odds to become a First Team All-American offensive lineman and the 63rd selection in the 1999 NFL draft.
"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 financial assistance of any kind from the university's athletic department. Each FBS head football coach may nominate one player.
This season, Hudlow has averaged 47.0 yards per punt, with 11 of his 38 attempts (29 percent) landing inside the 20 and 18 traveling 50 or more yards (47 percent). Hudlow currently leads the conference and is seventh nationally in punting average during his first year as the team's primary punter.
The Burlsworth Trophy Selection Committee will announce semifinalists on Nov. 10 and three finalists on Nov. 17.
Next, Tulane returns home to host Tulsa (4-4, 1-3 American) on Saturday, Nov. 7, at 11 a.m. in the Homecoming game.
TICKETS
Tickets for the football, volleyball and the men's and women's basketball seasons can be purchased by calling 504-861-WAVE (9283), logging on to TulaneTix.com or visiting the ticket office at the James W. Wilson Jr. Center.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Follow Tulane football on Twitter and Facebook and Instagram. Follow Tulane Athletics on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Green Wave Club
Giving to the Green Wave Club provides Tulane Athletics with the resources student‑athletes need to excel in competition and in the classroom. Your support directly improves the lives of current and future Green Wave student‑athletes and enhances Tulane's competitiveness in intercollegiate athletics. Make a gift today by calling (504) 865‑5356, emailing greenwaveclub@tulane.edu, or visiting greenwaveclub.com.
- TulaneGreenWave -
Players Mentioned
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