Utah State defensive tackle Carson Tujague is one of 65 nominees for the 2026 Burlsworth Trophy, which recognizes college football’s top player who began his career as a walk-on. Tujague has made an impact on both sides of the defense, leading the Aggies in quarterback hurries and pass breakups while ranking third on the team in tackles for loss and sacks.

By the Numbers
  • 31 tackles, 4.0 tackles for loss and 2.0 sacks this season.
  • Team-high 4 quarterback hurries and 5 pass breakups; his pass-breakup total is tied for second nationally among defensive linemen.
  • 72 tackles last season, a school single-season record for a defensive tackle.
  • 65 players nominated for the 2026 award.
Yes, But

A nomination is not the award: the Burlsworth Trophy goes to the most outstanding player in college football who started at an FBS school without athletic-department financial aid.

State of Play
  • Tujague is a sophomore from Crozet, Virginia, and is listed at 6 feet, 3 inches and 280 pounds.
  • Utah State is 3-5 overall and 2-2 in Pac-12 play.
What’s Next

Utah State hosts Fresno State on Saturday, Nov. 7, at 7:30 p.m. Mountain Time. The game will air on USA Network.

Bottom Line

Tujague’s nomination recognizes both his current production and his walk-on path, with his team-leading disruption and record-setting prior season strengthening his case.