Pitt's Carson Kent Nominated for Burlsworth Trophy

The Pitt tight end, who began his college career as a walk-on, is a candidate for the award given to college football's most outstanding walk-on player.

Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Football

Pitt's Carson Kent Nominated for Burlsworth Trophy

Pitt tight end Carson Kent has been nominated for the Burlsworth Trophy, which is presented annually to college football's most outstanding player who began his career as a walk-on. The Pitt program announced the nomination on X on Wednesday.

Why it matters

The nomination recognizes Kent's path from walk-on wide receiver at Kennesaw State to a key contributor for Pitt this season. It also places the Panthers' program in the conversation for an award previously won by a former Pitt center.

Kent has recorded 317 receiving yards on 30 receptions this season, second on Pitt behind Cataurus "Blue" Hicks. His production has grown from three catches for 26 yards across 13 games at Oklahoma last season.

The players

Carson Kent

Pitt tight end who began his college career as a walk-on wide receiver at Kennesaw State before transferring to Oklahoma and then Pitt.

Pat Narduzzi

Head coach of the Pitt Panthers, who has praised Kent's performance this season.

Jimmy Morrissey

Former Pitt center who won the Burlsworth Trophy in 2020 as a walk-on.

The details

Pitt announced the nomination on X, highlighting Kent's journey from walk-on wide receiver at Kennesaw State to Pitt tight end. Tight ends coach Brent Davis praised Kent's walk-on story in September, and head coach Pat Narduzzi recently praised his play.

Last season: Kent appeared in all 13 games at Oklahoma.
2020: Former Panthers center Jimmy Morrissey won the Burlsworth Trophy.
September: Tight ends coach Brent Davis praised Kent's walk-on story.
Last month: Head coach Pat Narduzzi praised Kent's play.
Wednesday: Pitt announced the nomination on X.

Season Trajectory

Kent's nomination continues a pattern in which Pitt walk-ons earn national recognition, following Jimmy Morrissey's 2020 Burlsworth Trophy. The nomination adds to Pitt's season narrative as Kent's production ranks second on the team in receiving yards and receptions.

Kent's 317 receiving yards and 30 receptions make him a key target in Pitt's passing game for fantasy and season-long roster decisions. Fans following Pitt can track his production as the Panthers move through the rest of the season.

The takeaway

Kent's walk-on path shows how college football recognizes players who earn roles through development rather than recruiting rankings. His nomination underscores the value of perseverance for players who begin outside the traditional recruiting pipeline.