Stetson Bennett came to the University of Georgia in 2017 without a scholarship. Following a short spell at a junior college, he returned to Georgia. Nevertheless, he was still questioned about whether he had the potential. However, Bennett shut critics up after he led the Bulldogs to two successive national titles in 2022 and 2023.
Baker Mayfield rejected scholarship offers and walked on at Texas Tech in 2013. As a true freshman, he quickly became the starting quarterback. In search of new challenges, the footballer transferred to Oklahoma without a scholarship.
At first, Pass was not even considered by top programs. His hard work earned him the starting spot. In his college career, he reached 14,486 yards passing and 119 touchdowns. He did not score high alone but also set several school records. Falk’s performances were rewarded with an All-Pac-12 selection. He was also awarded the Burlsworth Trophy, which is given to the country’s best former walk-on.
Entering Penn State as a walk-on, Matt McGloin encountered many challenges in the crowded quarterback room. With sheer determination, he progressed from the depth chart to become the Nittany Lions’ starting quarterback. McGloin ended his college career with 6,390 passing yards and 46 touchdowns. He made an unforgettable imprint on the field for the next generation. His walk-on-to-record-setting-quarterback story became the fans’ favorite.
A walk-on at Southern Miss, Austin Davis took the starting quarterback position and never let go. After his career, he established several school records. Among them are career-passing yards and numerous touchdowns. Austin Davis’s performance on the field and leadership skills opened doors for him in the NFL. This points to the possibility of walk-ons achieving professional status through hard work.
Hunter Renfrow’s path is absolutely one of those Hollywood storylines. He was a walk-on at Clemson. Renfrow’s sharp route-running and sure hands soon caught the coaches’ eyes. He was instantly a clutch player. He was noticed most after he caught the game-winning touchdown in the 2017 National Championship against Alabama. Renfrow ended his college life with 186 receptions and was awarded the Burlsworth Trophy in 2018. His story from a forgotten walk-on to a national champion is the best testament to resilience.
Justin Hardy’s rise from walk-on to record-breaker at East Carolina is one of grit. Starting without a scholarship, Hardy’s hard work ethic saw him establish the FBS career receptions record with 355. His consistent tackling on the field earned him national recognition. This also opened up an NFL career with the Atlanta Falcons.
Jared Abbrederis’s journey from walk-on to star receiver at Wisconsin indicates his diligence. He first arrived at the Badgers as a walk-on without a scholarship. Abbrederis’s good route-running and hands made him a starter. He gained over 3,000 receiving yards and was a first-team All-Big Ten selection. Abbrederis’s success at college carried over to an NFL career with the Green Bay Packers. This demonstrated the possibility of walk-ons achieving professional success.
With no Division I scholarship offer, Sean Bedford walked onto the team at Georgia Tech as a defensive lineman. Seeing his potential, coaches switched him to center, where he excelled. Bedford was a two-time first-team All-ACC choice and the first Burlsworth Trophy winner in 2010.
J.J. Watt started college life as a tight end at Central Michigan. Afterward, Watt transferred to Wisconsin on a walk-on defensive end scholarship. His work ethic and raw ability helped him become a dominant defensive player, receiving first-team All-American honors.
