SAN JOSE, Calif. – San José State redshirt senior running back Jabari Bates has been nominated for the 2026 Burlsworth Trophy, the award selection committee announced. The Burlsworth Trophy is awarded annually to the nation’s most outstanding college football player who began his career as a walk-on.
Bates, a native of Compton, Calif., has emerged as a cornerstone of the Spartans' backfield during the 2026 campaign, leading the Mountain West and ranking 11th nationally with 153 carries through eight games.
Now in its 17th year, the award honors the legacy of Brandon Burlsworth, a former University of Arkansas walk-on who worked his way to becoming a first-team All-American offensive lineman and a 1999 NFL Draft selection.
2026 Season Highlights
Workhorse: Leads the Mountain West with 153 carries, racking up 649 rushing yards and a touchdown. He ranks second in the conference and 38th nationally in total rushing yards despite missing the Oct. 17 game at UTEP.
Career Performance vs. Cal Poly (09/12/26): Set a career high with 163 rushing yards on 27 carries.
Back-to-Back Century Mark Games: Posted consecutive 100-yard rushing performances against Eastern Michigan (09/04/26) and Cal Poly, becoming the first Spartan running back to achieve back-to-back 100-yard games since Kairee Robinson in 2023.
Durability: He has logged two games with 27 carries this season, making him the first SJSU running back to carry 27 times in a single game since Tyler Nevens in 2021, and the first Spartan since Tyler Ervin in 2015 to log multiple 27-carry games in the same season.
To be eligible for the award, players must have started their FBS college football careers without any financial assistance from their university's athletic department.
The Burlsworth Trophy Selection Committee will announce the 2026 semifinalists on Nov. 10, followed by the three finalists on Nov. 17. The winner will be honored at the Burlsworth Trophy Award Ceremony on Dec. 8 in Springdale, Ark.
UP NEXT: The Spartans host Northern Illinois on Nov. 7th at 1:00 p.m. on MW+ and NBC Sports California.
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