Photo by: David Beach
Awe Nominated for Burlsworth Trophy
11/5/2025 12:51:00 PM | Football
Honors top FBS player who was a walk-on
Rice senior linebacker Andrew Awe is one of 79 players from the FBS level who have been nominated for the 2025 Burlsworth Trophy, which honors the most outstanding walk-on player. The 16th winner of the award will be announced on December 8.
Awe originally came to Rice as a walk-on cornerback before moving to safety and eventually linebacker. He leads the Owls and ranks second in the American Conference with a career-high 71 tackles this season, including a career-best 12 last Friday night vs. #25 Memphis.
After redshirt season in 2021, Awe made his collegiate debut with a start against USC in Los Angeles and made his primary mark on special teams, leading the team with eight special teams tackles. He made three starts in 2023 and then became a fixture in 2024, starting 10 of 11 games.
He is the Owls' active leader with 165 tackles.
Created in 2010, the Burlsworth Trophy honors the memory of Brandon Burlsworth, who walked on at the University of Arkansas in 1994. He became 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 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 who have limited options.
For more information about the Burlsworth Trophy, visit burlsworthtrophy.com.
For more information about the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA), visit ncfaa.org.
Awe and the Owls will be back in action on Saturday when they host UAB for Rice's 105th Homecoming. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. with coverage on EPSN+. Single-game tickets for Saturday's game with UAB, as well as the home season finale vs. North Texas on November 22, are still available.
Awe originally came to Rice as a walk-on cornerback before moving to safety and eventually linebacker. He leads the Owls and ranks second in the American Conference with a career-high 71 tackles this season, including a career-best 12 last Friday night vs. #25 Memphis.
After redshirt season in 2021, Awe made his collegiate debut with a start against USC in Los Angeles and made his primary mark on special teams, leading the team with eight special teams tackles. He made three starts in 2023 and then became a fixture in 2024, starting 10 of 11 games.
He is the Owls' active leader with 165 tackles.
Created in 2010, the Burlsworth Trophy honors the memory of Brandon Burlsworth, who walked on at the University of Arkansas in 1994. He became 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 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 who have limited options.
For more information about the Burlsworth Trophy, visit burlsworthtrophy.com.
For more information about the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA), visit ncfaa.org.
Awe and the Owls will be back in action on Saturday when they host UAB for Rice's 105th Homecoming. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. with coverage on EPSN+. Single-game tickets for Saturday's game with UAB, as well as the home season finale vs. North Texas on November 22, are still available.
Players Mentioned
LB
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