USC’s King Miller Named Semifinalist for Burlsworth Trophy

USC running back King Miller has been named one of 10 semifinalists for the Burlsworth Trophy.

This trophy is awarded to an outstanding college football player who began his collegiate career as a walk-on. He must have distinguished himself on the gridiron through determination and performance.

Miller established a name for himself during the 2025 season, resulting in being awarded a full scholarship. He has become a starter in the backfield this season.

Through nine games, Miller has rushed for 680 yards and five touchdowns. He recorded three games of 100+ yards rushing, including a season-high 128 yards against Louisiana.

In two seasons at USC, Miller has gained 1,652 yards and scored 13 touchdowns. Last season, Miller rushed for 972 yards and eight touchdowns. 

Against Ohio State, Miller rushed for 78 yards and a touchdown.

Miller needs 320 rushing yards over the final three games to hit the 1,000-yard mark.

If successful, Miller would be the first 1,000-yard rusher for USC since Woody Marks in 2024.

To be eligible for the Burlsworth Trophy, a player must have begun his football career at an NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) program without any financial assistance.

Each FBS head football coach may nominate one player.

The award is named in honor of Brandon Burlsworth, a former University of Arkansas walk-on who beat the odds and was named a first-team All-American offensive lineman.

Further, he was chosen 63rd overall in the 1999 NFL Draft.

Miller and his fellow Trojans are preparing to face off Saturday against the Indiana Hoosiers on the road in Bloomington.

Since 2024, Indiana’s pastime of basketball has been challenged by a tire swing that provides a target for aspiring quarterbacks.

The Hoosiers will make the going tough for Miller and his fellow USC running backs.

Indiana ranks No. 4 nationally in rushing defense, and has allowed just 75 yards and 2.29 yards per carry per game to opposing ball carriers.

In each of their last three games, the Hoosiers have allowed less than 100 yards rushing and zero touchdowns.

Indiana is also adept at forcing negative plays. They are ranked No. 5 in sacks (32) and tackles for loss (76).

They will do everything they can to get into Miller’s face mask before he crosses the line of scrimmage.

Outstanding offensive line play will be paramount for USC, and opening up clear running lanes for Miller will be the order of the day for the Trojans.

Indiana is a -7.5 point home favorite over USC.