Ryan Eckley Nominated for Burlsworth Trophy

EAST LANSING, Mich. – Michigan State redshirt junior punter Ryan Eckley has been nominated for the 2025 Burlsworth Trophy, which is yearly given to probably the most excellent soccer participant in America who started his profession as a walk-on and has proven excellent efficiency on the sector. 

Seventy-nine gamers have been nominated from FBS faculties from throughout the nation for the 2025 Burlsworth Trophy. In the award’s sixteenth yr, the Trophy is called in honor of Brandon Burlsworth, former University of Arkansas walk-on and All-American offensive lineman.

Each nominee for the Burlsworth Trophy should have begun his first season of participation with FBS (DI) soccer program with out monetary support of any form from his college’s athletic division.

“Even with all the changes in college football, the walk-on athlete is still enormously impactful,” stated Marty Burlsworth, President and CEO of the Burlsworth Trophy and older brother of Brandon Burlsworth. “All of these nominees have a passion for the game and that passion can spread throughout a team. That’s what makes these guys special. College football is what it is today because of players that had a dream and were willing to put in the work to make their dreams come true.”  

Without one DI scholarship provide, Brandon Burlsworth walked on on the University of Arkansas in 1994. He grew to become a three-year starter and was ultimately named an All-American in 1998. Burlsworth was chosen because the 63rd total decide by the Indianapolis Colts within the 1999 draft however was tragically killed in a automotive accident 11 days later. The Burlsworth Foundation was created in his reminiscence and helps the bodily and non secular wants of kids, notably these youngsters who’ve restricted choices.

Eckley, a Ray Guy Award candidate and preseason All-American, has proven why he is without doubt one of the greatest punters within the nation within the first 9 video games of the season. He presently ranks No. 1 within the FBS along with his 49.7-yard punting common, and in addition ranks first within the Big Ten in 50-yard plus punts (16) and fourth with 12 punts contained in the 20.

The Lithia, Florida, native has dropped seven punts contained in the opponents’ 10-yard line, together with three on the 1 and one on the 2.

He was named the Ray Guy Award National Punter of the Week following his efficiency in opposition to Boston College in Week 2. He had two punts downed on the 1, and all three of his punts have been downed contained in the 20, for 0 return yards. He completed with a 54.7 yards per punt common, beginning his evening with a 60-yarder within the first quarter that was downed on the BC 12, then including a 55-yarder downed on the 1 early within the fourth quarter and topping his punting evening with a 49-yarder downed on the 1 on the second-to-last play of regulation.

Eckley was additionally named to the Ray Guy Award weekly honor roll – “Ray’s 8” – in Week 1 in opposition to Western Michigan (51.3-yard common, 4 punts contained in the 20, 4 punts of 50-plus yards) and Week 9 in opposition to Michigan (47.4-yard common, two punts contained in the 20, three punts of 50-plus yards).

Eckley has a profession punting common of 47.9 yards per punt (132 punts for six,318 yards), which might rank No. 1 in class historical past (present file: Bryce Baringer, 46.0 avg.). That common additionally ranks No. 1 amongst present energetic gamers within the FBS.

The Burlsworth Trophy Award Show to honor the three finalists and to announce the 2025 winner can be on Dec. 8 at 8 p.m. ET at Crystal Bridges Museum in Bentonville, Arkansas. 

MSU All-America defensive finish Kenny Willekes grew to become the primary Spartan to win the Burlsworth Trophy in 2019.