NEW YORK – Purdue Football tight end George Burhenn has been named to the 2026 Comeback Player of the Year Watch List, announced Thursday afternoon (Aug. 20) by College Sports Communicators, The Associated Press (AP) and the Fiesta Sports Foundation.
Since 2018, the award has recognized college football student-athletes for overcoming injury, illness, or other circumstances. At the conclusion of each season, in a vote by a panel of college football writers, editors, and sports information directors, three college football student-athletes are honored as Comeback Player of the Year Award winners at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl.
Burhenn is ready for his own comeback after the past two seasons were cut short due to injury. The McCordsville, Indiana, native played in 11 games as a true freshman during the 2023, but he was limited to only four games in both the 2024 and 2025 campaigns. A season ago, Burhenn caught nine passes for 94 yards before an injury at Notre Dame ended his year early.
Back for his fourth season in West Lafayette, the two-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree is preparing to make an impact on the field all season long. Burhenn and the Boilermakers begin the 2026 campaign on a Friday night under the lights. Purdue hosts Indiana State at Ross-Ade Stadium with kickoff set for 7 p.m. ET (Sept. 4).
