FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — UTSA place-kicker Michael Petro has been named a nominee for the Burlsworth Trophy, 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.
Petro is one of 65 nominees for the award, which is in its 17th year and 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.
"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."
Petro is in his second season as UTSA’s primary place-kicker. A product of Flower Mound Marcus High School, he has made 12 of 15 field goals and all 32 extra-point attempts this year. He is 4 of 5 from 40-plus yards, and he owns a pair of games with three field goals in 2026. He made three including a career long of 53 yards — the second-longest in program history — in the 16-14 road win over Rice and he followed that with a 3-for-3 performance in the 31-24 home triumph over South Florida.
For his career, Petro has made 29 of 35 field goals (82.9%) and he is a perfect 89 of 89 on PATs. In 2025, he split the uprights on 17 of 20 field-goal attempts and drilled all 56 extra-point tries en route to scoring 107 points, the third-best total in program history. He ranked third in the American Conference and 26th in the FBS in field-goal percentage (.850), and he had a stretch of 10 consecutive makes during the season.
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 Selection Committee will announce semifinalists on Nov. 10 and three finalists on Nov. 17. The 2026 Burlsworth Trophy winner will be announced at the annual Burlsworth Trophy Award Show on December 7 at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas.
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.
Tragically, just 11 days after being selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the 1999 NFL Draft, Brandon was killed in an automobile accident.
Today, his legacy lives on through the Burlsworth Trophy and the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, which supports the physical and spiritual needs of children, particularly those who have limited opportunities.
For more information about the Burlsworth Trophy, visit BurlsworthTrophy.com. For more information about the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, visit brandonburlsworth.org. For more information about the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA), visit ncfaa.org.
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