11/11/2026 8:00:00 AM | Football
Top offensive lineman named a “walk-on of the year” award semifinalist
HOUSTON – Houston offensive lineman Anthony Boswell became Houston's second-ever Burslworth Trophy semifinalist this week following a strong start to the 2026 Cougars Football season.
The Burlsworth Trophy is an annual college football award given to the most outstanding FBS player who began his career as a walk-on. Boswell is one of four Big 12 players to be named a semifinalist and one of two offensive linemen.
Boswell started his career as a walk-on at Purdue before transferring to Toledo, where he was a Freshman All-American in 2025, before joining the Cougars this season. The third-year center is the first Cougar semifinalist for the Burlsworth Trophy since Patrick Edwards in 2011 (finalist).
The Indianapolis, Ind., native is currently the second highest graded offensive lineman in the country, the highest graded run block player in the country and the 13th highest graded pass block player in the country (min 350 snaps played).
Boswell has been a pillar in Houston's offensive line which has graded as one of the top units in the country and was named to the Joe Moore Award Midseason Honor Roll in October. He is the highest graded center in the country (90.9), 6.1 points higher than any other center (84.8), while his run-block grade (90.3) is 4+ points better than the next best run-blocking center (83.5). Boswell's pass-block grade ranks fifth among qualifying centers.
2026 BURLSWORTH TROPHY SEMIFINALISTS
School Player Class Position
Baylor Gavin Freeman RS-SR WR
Florida Atlantic Easton Messer RS- SR WR/PR
Houston Anthony Boswell RS- Soph OL
Indiana Drew Evans RS-SR OL
Iowa State Aiden Flora Soph RB/KR/PR
North Carolina Xavier Lewis Soph DL
Notre Dame Jordan Faison SR WR
Oklahoma State Drew Mestemaker RS- Soph QB
USC King Miller RS- Soph RB
Tennessee DeSean Bishop SR RB
ABOUT THE BURSLWORTH TROPHY
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.
The Burlsworth Trophy was established in 2010 to honor the legacy of Brandon Burlsworth and recognize the extraordinary achievements of walk-on athletes. Burlsworth arrived at the University of Arkansas in 1994 without a single Division I scholarship offer. Through an unmatched work ethic, determination and commitment to excellence, he earned a scholarship, became a three-year starter and ultimately achieved All-American status.
SINGLE-GAME TICKETS
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SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Football by providing NIL opportunities and by joining The Huddle which provides financial support directly to Houston Football for needs beyond its operating budget.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarFB on X, formerly known as Twitter, and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at Houston Cougar Football. Fans can also follow the team on Instagram at uhcougarfb.
–– UHCougars.com ––
The Burlsworth Trophy is an annual college football award given to the most outstanding FBS player who began his career as a walk-on. Boswell is one of four Big 12 players to be named a semifinalist and one of two offensive linemen.
Boswell started his career as a walk-on at Purdue before transferring to Toledo, where he was a Freshman All-American in 2025, before joining the Cougars this season. The third-year center is the first Cougar semifinalist for the Burlsworth Trophy since Patrick Edwards in 2011 (finalist).
The Indianapolis, Ind., native is currently the second highest graded offensive lineman in the country, the highest graded run block player in the country and the 13th highest graded pass block player in the country (min 350 snaps played).
Boswell has been a pillar in Houston's offensive line which has graded as one of the top units in the country and was named to the Joe Moore Award Midseason Honor Roll in October. He is the highest graded center in the country (90.9), 6.1 points higher than any other center (84.8), while his run-block grade (90.3) is 4+ points better than the next best run-blocking center (83.5). Boswell's pass-block grade ranks fifth among qualifying centers.
2026 BURLSWORTH TROPHY SEMIFINALISTS
School Player Class Position
Baylor Gavin Freeman RS-SR WR
Florida Atlantic Easton Messer RS- SR WR/PR
Houston Anthony Boswell RS- Soph OL
Indiana Drew Evans RS-SR OL
Iowa State Aiden Flora Soph RB/KR/PR
North Carolina Xavier Lewis Soph DL
Notre Dame Jordan Faison SR WR
Oklahoma State Drew Mestemaker RS- Soph QB
USC King Miller RS- Soph RB
Tennessee DeSean Bishop SR RB
ABOUT THE BURSLWORTH TROPHY
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.
The Burlsworth Trophy was established in 2010 to honor the legacy of Brandon Burlsworth and recognize the extraordinary achievements of walk-on athletes. Burlsworth arrived at the University of Arkansas in 1994 without a single Division I scholarship offer. Through an unmatched work ethic, determination and commitment to excellence, he earned a scholarship, became a three-year starter and ultimately achieved All-American status.
SINGLE-GAME TICKETS
Don't miss any of the action. Purchase single-game tickets today by clicking here.
SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Football by providing NIL opportunities and by joining The Huddle which provides financial support directly to Houston Football for needs beyond its operating budget.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarFB on X, formerly known as Twitter, and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at Houston Cougar Football. Fans can also follow the team on Instagram at uhcougarfb.
–– UHCougars.com ––
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