AMES — From a walk-on to one of the nation’s most productive college football running backs, Iowa State Cyclone football standout Aiden Flora has earned a place among 10 semifinalists for the Burlsworth Trophy, the university announced Tuesday, November 10, 2026.
The award recognizes the most outstanding college football player who began his career as a walk-on. Flora, a redshirt sophomore from Adel, Iowa, received an athletic scholarship following head coach Jimmy Rogers’ arrival in December 2025.
Flora has rushed for 1,119 yards and nine touchdowns in 2026 while averaging 124.3 rushing yards per game and 7.13 yards per carry. His rushing total and yards-per-game average both rank fifth nationally, while his yards-per-carry average ranks fourth.
A rare combination of rushing, passing and return touchdowns
The versatile Cyclone has also thrown two touchdown passes and returned a punt 66 yards for a score this season. According to Iowa State, he is the only FBS player dating back to 2000 with a punt-return touchdown, two passing touchdowns and nine rushing touchdowns in the same season.
Flora ranks sixth nationally in both all-purpose yards (1,365) and all-purpose yards per game (151.7), giving the Cyclones production on offense and special teams.
Through the first 10 weeks of the season, he had produced four of the six highest single-game rushing performances in the Big 12, including two games with more than 200 yards. He led the conference in rushing at the time of the announcement.
Adel standout’s rise earns national recognition
The former Adel-De Soto-Minburn High School athlete began his Iowa State career without a scholarship and later became a major contributor as a return specialist and running back.
His big-play ability has already drawn national attention this season. NorthIowaToday.com previously covered Flora’s national honors following a five-touchdown performance.
Flora also received the Doak Walker National Running Back of the Week award after rushing for 221 yards and two touchdowns on 29 carries in Iowa State’s 51-49 victory over Oklahoma State on November 1. His touchdown runs covered 75 and 29 yards.
The Burlsworth Trophy is named for Brandon Burlsworth, who began his career at Arkansas as a walk-on before becoming an All-American offensive lineman.
Cyclones host Cincinnati on November 14
Flora and Iowa State will host Cincinnati on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames. Kickoff is scheduled for 11 a.m.
Further information is available through Iowa State Athletics’ announcement of the Burlsworth Trophy semifinalists.