DALLAS (FWAA) — Texas' Trevor Goosby is the first weekly nominee for 2026 Capital One Orange Bowl-FWAA Courage Award. Goosby, a fourth-year left tackle, has overcome open-heart surgery as a teenager, along with multiple other injuries, to become a leader for the now top-ranked Longhorns.
"Now that I have this platform, I just want to be able to bring awareness to this," Goosby told the Austin American-Statesman this summer. "I feel like it's something that's not talked about often and just be a pillar for these kids that are going through it and be a pillar for the confidence of these kids, just knowing they're not alone in this journey."
Goosby underwent open-heart surgery as a 16-year-old after doctors noticed a heart murmur during a physical for athletes who had previously had COVID-19. Further testing uncovered Atrium Septal Defect, a birth condition in which a hole separates the heart’s upper chambers. Goosby had previously shown no known signs of the condition outside of fatigue during basketball games.
At SEC Media Days in Tampa, Fla., this summer, Goosby wore a pin lapel that said “Every 15 minutes,” calling attention to the fact that a child is born with a heart condition every 15 minutes in America. Goosby hosted a football camp this year with proceeds going to the Children’s Heart Foundation.
Goosby has experienced other bumps and bruises along the way. He had surgery in August 2025 to repair a broken finger, never missing a game. He ended that 2025 campaign the same way he started it: by undergoing another surgery, this time to repair a shoulder injury that he suffered in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl win against Michigan. Once again, he did not miss any game time.
Goosby also suffered a bone bruise in his left knee during fall camp ahead of this season, and he once suffered a detached triceps as well.
The 6-foot-7, 325-pound Goosby turned in a standout performance in this past Saturday’s comeback win over then-No. 1 Ohio State, earning Outland Trophy National Player of the Week honors from the FWAA. The Melissa, Texas native graded out as the Longhorns’ top lineman by PFF, earning an 87.0 pass block grade and allowing just one pressure.
The Courage Award was first presented by the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) in 2002. A select group of writers from the FWAA vote on the winner each year. The requirements for nomination include displaying courage on or off the field, including overcoming an injury or physical handicap, preventing a disaster or living through hardship. The winner of the award will be included in festivities during Capital One Orange Bowl week and receive his trophy at an on-field presentation.
About Orange Bowl
Orange Bowl is a primarily volunteer non-profit sports organization with more than 400 members that promotes and serves the South Florida community. With its primary mission since being created in 1935 to bring tourism to South Florida through an annual football game and events, it has also maintained a legacy of charitable contributions and community outreach. Orange Bowl’s community outreach is embodied by the four pillars of its Orange Bowl Cares program: Youth Sports, Education, Community Engagement, and Legacy Programs. Orange Bowl features a year-round schedule of events culminating with the 2026 CFP Semifinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl on Jan. 14, 2027. For more information about Orange Bowl events, including promotional inquiries and volunteer opportunities through the Ambassador Program, visit orangebowl.org or follow @OrangeBowl on social media
Founded in 1941, the Football Writers Association of America consists of journalists, broadcasters, publicists, photographers and key executives in all areas of college football. The FWAA works to govern media access and gameday operations while presenting awards and honors, including an annual All-America team. For more information about the FWAA and its programs and initiatives, contact Executive Director Steve Richardson at 214-870-6516 or tiger@fwaa.com.
All-Time FWAA Courage Award Recipients
2025 Alex McPherson, Auburn
2024 Tylee Craft, North Carolina
2023 Mike Hollins, Virginia
2022 Cam McCormick, Oregon
2021 Utah Team
2020 Alex Charlton, Arkansas State
2019 Blake Anderson, Arkansas State
2018 Kyle Richard, SUNY-Cortland
2017 D'Cota Dixon, Wisconsin
2016 James Conner, Pitt
2015 Hunter Knighton, Miami
2014 Laken Tomlinson, Duke
2013 Anthony Larceval, San Jose State
2012 Daniel Rodriguez, Clemson
2011 Arthur Ray Jr., Michigan State
2010 Eric LeGrand, Rutgers
2009 Connecticut Team
2008 Wilson Holloway, Tulsa
2007 Zerbin Singleton, Navy
2006 Ray Ray McElrathbey, Clemson
2005 Tulane Team
2004 Haracio Colen, Memphis
2003 Neil Parry, San Jose State
2002 William Bratton, Toledo
To submit a nomination for the 2026 Capital One Orange Bowl-FWAA Courage Award, contact Matt Fortuna at matt.fortuna@gmail.com.