Bryson Hammer Selected as Burlsworth Trophy Nominee

Bryson Hammer has the second-best punt return average in the Mid-American Conference.

Bryson Hammer Selected as Burlsworth Trophy Nominee

11/6/2025 4:00:00 PM | Football

Former walk-on ranks second in MAC in punt returns

By: Sam Morris

TOLEDO, Ohio - Toledo punt returner/wide receiver Bryson Hammer has been nominated for the Burlsworth Trophy, an annual award presented to the best FBS player who started playing college football as a walk-on.

Hammer, a sophomore, has played in 22 games in his Rockets career. In his 2024 redshirt freshman season, Hammer was strictly a punt returner in all 13 games. This season, Hammer has branched out to play in nine games as a punt returner, kick returner and wide receiver.

A native of Fremont, Ohio, Hammer is a game-changer on special teams, currently ranking second in the MAC in punt return average with 11.0 yards per return. Hammer has 498 punt return yards in his career, including three returns of 40 yards or more.

Hammer was selected to the Burlsworth Trophy nominee list among 79 student-athletes. The three finalists and trophy winner will be announced on Dec. 8 at 8:00 p.m. at the Crystal Bridges Museum in Bentonville, Ark.