Army’s Matteson Earns Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week Honor

West Point, NY– Army West Point senior safety Collin Matteson has been named the Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week by the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA), following his game-clinching performance in the Black Knights’ stunning 24-21 upset victory over Kansas State.

Game-Changing Performance

Matteson’s heroics came at the most crucial moment, intercepting a Kansas State pass on the Wildcats’ final drive with 1:35 remaining to seal Army’s first victory over a Big 12 opponent since 2006. The 6-0, 195-pound senior from Edmond, Oklahoma, capped off a stellar defensive display that held Kansas State to just 246 total yards and 13 first downs.

“Matteson was instrumental in coverage, limiting Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson to a 5.2 passer rating when targeted,” according to Pro Football Focus analytics. The senior earned an impressive 84.0 overall grade from PFF, including an 88.9 coverage grade that ranked among the nation’s top defensive backs in Week 2.

Statistical Dominance

Matteson’s stat line tells the story of a complete defensive performance:

• 5 tackles
• 3 pass breakups
• 1 game-clinching interception
• Knocked away a deep pass in the Army end zone moments before his decisive pick

The Black Knights’ defense was particularly dominant in the second half, holding Kansas State to just 48 total yards and only five rushing yards. Army’s ball-control offense contributed by maintaining possession for 26:59 compared to Kansas State’s 3:01 in the final two quarters.

Army West Point News:

• Army Rallies Past Kansas State 24-21 Behind Hellums’ Historic Performance
• Second-Half Meltdown: Dewayne Coleman and the Army Offense Crumbles to FCS Tarleton State
• Tarleton State Stuns Army 30-27 in Double Overtime Thriller

Historic Victory

The victory marked several significant milestones for Army:

• First win over a Big 12 opponent since 2006
• First power-conference victory in a true road game since 2016
• Comeback from a 21-14 deficit, with Kansas State’s only second-half points coming via kickoff return

Award Recognition

This marks Matteson’s addition to the Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch list, joining the hunt for college football’s most prestigious defensive honor. Army’s only previous Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner was guard Joe Steffy in 1947.

The FWAA has selected a weekly defensive standout since 2001, with finalists for the 2025 Bronko Nagurski Trophy to be announced on November 20. The winner will be presented with the award at the Charlotte Convention Center on December 8.

Looking Ahead

Matteson also earned American Conference Defensive Player of the Week honors for his performance. The Black Knights are idle this week before hosting North Texas in their American Conference opener on September 20 at noon, broadcast on CBS Sports Network.

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