Tennessee running backDeSean Bishop was named a semifinalist for the Burlsworth Trophy for a second consecutive season.
Bishop, a senior and Knoxville, Tennessee native, is one of 10 semifinalists for the award, which is presented annually to the most outstanding football player who began his career as a walk-on. He was also a semifinalist for the Burlsworth Trophy in 2025.
After rushing for 109 yards in the Vols' victory over Kentuckyon Nov. 7 at Neyland Stadium, Bishop became the second player in Tennessee history to record consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, joining Johnnie Jones, who accomplished the feat from 1983-84.
Entering Week 11 of the college football season, the Karns High School (Knoxville, Tennessee) graduate is one of four FBS players
with at least 1,000 yards and 13 touchdowns this season. Bishop has scored at least one touchdown in 12 of his last 13 games, dating to 2025. His 13 rushing scores rank second in the SEC and are tied for seventh nationally.
Bishop has recorded six 100-plus rushing performances this season, including five straight entering Saturday's game against Texas A&M. He ranks second in the SEC and 10th in the nation with 1,066 rushing yards in 2026.
The Burlsworth Trophy selection committee will announce finalists on Nov. 17. Finalists and their families will be honored at the annual Burlsworth Trophy Award Show on Dec. 7 at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas, where the 2026 recipient will be announced.
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This article originally appeared on Vols Wire: Tennessee running back named semifinalist for Burlsworth Trophy
