Kansas’ Laith Marjan Nominated for Burlsworth Trophy
11/5/2025 9:59:00 AM | Football
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LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas redshirt senior kicker Laith Marjan has been announced as one of 79 players nominated for the 2025 Burlsworth Trophy. Now in its 16th year, the Burlsworth Trophy is presented to the most outstanding player in FBS football who began his career as a walk-on.
The trophy is named in honor of Brandon Burlsworth, the former University of Arkansas walk-on and All-American offensive lineman. Without one Division I scholarship offer, Burlsworth walked on at the Arkansas in 1994, became a three-year starter and was eventually named an All-American in 1998. Burlsworth was selected as the 63rd overall pick by the Indianapolis Colts in the 1999 NFL Draft but was tragically killed in a car accident 11 days later. The Burlsworth Foundation was created in his memory and supports the physical and spiritual needs of children, in particular those children who have limited opportunities.
Marjan began his career as a walk on at East Carolina, where he played from 2021-23, playing in 15 career games. Marjan transferred to South Alabama in 2024, where he was 16-of-17 on field goals and was named a semifinalist for the Lou Groza Award.
Marjan transferred to Kansas in 2025 and has continued to impress, converting on 12-of-12 on field goals this season including a career-long 55-yard field goal at Texas Tech. Marjan's 12 consecutive field goals made are the most consecutive made in school history, topping Dodge Schwartzburg's 11 consecutive field goals made in 1984.
Prior to the 2025 season, Marjan was named to the Lou Groza Award Watch List. Marjan is one of 11 nominees for the Burlsworth Trophy from the Big 12 Conference.
The Burlsworth Trophy Award Show to honor the three finalists and to announce the 2025 winner will be on December 8, at 7:00 p.m. CST at Crystal Bridges Museum in Bentonville, Arkansas.