Skip to content

Ad Disclosure

Aidan O’Connell named finalist for 2022 Burlsworth Trophy

Ginny Boulton

By Ginny Boulton

Published:

Aidan O’Connell, Purdue QB, was named one of three finalists for the Burlsworth Trophy the trust announced on Tuesday.

The Burlsworth Trophy is awarded to the most outstanding college football player in America but is limited to those players that began their careers as a walk-on. 10 semifinalists were named last week, narrowed down from 81 different schools that had submitted nominations.

O’Connell joins Troy University Linebacker Carlton Martial and University of Georgia Quarterback Stetson Bennett as the three finalists for the prize.

After joining Purdue as a walk-on in 2017, O’Connell didn’t play until 2019, when he started three games. The QB was named the starter for the 2020 season but suffered a season-ending injury during Week 3.

Although O’Connell started 2021 as a backup, he eventually earned the starting nod, racking up 315 of 440 passes for 3,712 yards with 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions on the season. O’Connell returned to Purdue this year in favor of entering the 2022 NFL Draft.

Ginny Boulton