Hairston Named Burlsworth Trophy Nominee
Virginia Tech tight end Ja'Ricous Hairston is among the nominees for the award honoring college football players who began as walk-ons.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Football
Virginia Tech tight end Ja'Ricous Hairston has been named a Burlsworth Trophy nominee, recognizing the most outstanding college football player who began his career as a walk-on. University of Virginia punter Daniel Sparks was also named a nominee.
Why it matters
The award honors former University of Arkansas walk-on and All-American offensive lineman Brandon Burlsworth, giving walk-on players national recognition. Hairston's nomination reflects a growing role for him across successive coaching staffs in Blacksburg.
Hairston has 6 catches for 81 yards and two touchdowns this season, according to the extraction. The finalists and winner have not yet been determined, with finalists scheduled for announcement Nov. 17.
The players
Ja'Ricous Hairston
Hairston is a senior tight end for Virginia Tech from Bassett who has grown into a larger role across successive coaching staffs.
Brandon Burlsworth
Burlsworth was a University of Arkansas walk-on and All-American offensive lineman whose legacy is honored by the trophy bearing his name.
The details
Hairston, a 6-foot-2 senior from Bassett, has seen his role increase steadily from the Brent Pry era into the James Franklin era at Virginia Tech. The Burlsworth Trophy is presented annually by the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation.
Timeline
Nov. 17, 2026: Burlsworth Trophy finalists are scheduled to be announced.
Dec. 7, 2026: The winner is scheduled to be revealed in Bentonville, Arkansas.
Roadmap
The Burlsworth Trophy was created to honor the walk-on path that Brandon Burlsworth followed at the University of Arkansas before his All-American career. Hairston's nomination places a Virginia Tech walk-on within that lineage of college football players rising from non-scholarship roles.
Fantasy and roster watchers tracking Hairston can note his 6 catches, 81 yards and two touchdowns this season as the award process moves toward its November finalist announcement. The nomination does not change his current role, but it adds a national spotlight to the Hokies tight end group.
The takeaway
Walk-on players continue to earn national recognition when their development is tracked season to season. Following the November finalist announcement will show whether Hairston advances in the Burlsworth field.
What happens next
Burlsworth Trophy finalists are scheduled to be announced Nov. 17, with the winner revealed Dec. 7 in Bentonville, Arkansas.
Further reading
Explore more Virginia Tech coverage in our football section for the program's latest developments.
