Penn State safety Kevin Winston Jr. named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week

It was quite the first game for Penn State who defeated West Virginia 34-12 , Saturday afternoon. One of the stars of the contest was Nittany Lions’ safety Kevin Winston Jr. who was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week for his performance against the Mountaineers.

Winston had a career-high 12 tackles helping No. 9 Penn State to the win. It was his first career Big Ten weekly award and he became the first Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week since Ji’Ayir Brown on September 19, 2022.

Saturday marked the Columbia, Md. native’s third career game with double-digit tackles and his first career forced fumble. Through one week, Winston ranks 16th in the nation in tackles (12) and 22nd in solo tackles.

His play helped Penn State hold WVU to only 85 rushing yards and 161 passing yards. The Penn State safety was named to the Bednarik Award Watch List this preseason given annually  to the best defensive player in the country.

Penn State will host Bowling Green this Saturday with kickoff set for noon on the Big Ten Network.

Follow Charlie Strella on X , Threads , and Instagram .

Follow Nittany Lions Wire on X , Facebook , and Threads .