In the big scheme of college football, scholarship players tend to share the spotlight. They bask in the fame of media glamour and fanatical support. There are, however, the less-heralded heroes—walk-ons. Let’s talk briefly about the tales of 10 top stars who walked on and left behind stardom.
10 Walk-Ons Who Were College Football Stars
1. Stetson Bennett — Georgia | Quarterback
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.
During the 2023 title match against TCU, he performed a masterclass. The ace player passed 18 of 25 times for 304 yards and four touchdowns. In the process, he led Georgia to an impressive 65-7 win. Speaking in an interview at some point, she reminisced about his career path and stated,
“It’s been a long road, but every step was worth it to stand here today.”
2. Baker Mayfield — Texas Tech, Oklahoma | Quarterback
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.
In 2017, he threw 71% of his passes for 4,340 yards and 41 touchdowns. If that was not enough, he even won the coveted Heisman Trophy. His passer efficiency rating of 203.8 has also broken an NCAA record. Mayfield’s rise from a forgotten walk-on to the first overall selection in the 2018 NFL Draft was a lasting inspiration.
3. Luke Falk — Washington State | Quarterback
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.
4. Matt McGloin — Penn State | Quarterback
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.
5. Austin Davis — Southern Mississippi | Quarterback
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.
6. Hunter Renfrow — Clemson | Wide Receiver
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.
7. Justin Hardy — East Carolina | Wide Receiver
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.
8. Jared Abbrederis — Wisconsin | Wide Receiver
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.
9. Sean Bedford — Georgia Tech | Center
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.
10. J.J. Watt — Wisconsin | Defensive End
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. Watt’s college success paved the way for a glorious NFL career, where he was a multiple-time Defensive Player of the Year. Recalling his career, Watt said:
“Each time we do something, we know we’re speaking for Wisconsin. We’re very proud of where we come from.”
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