Gilbert’s Cameron Cooper Earns National Defensive Honor After San Diego State Comeback

By Habari Sports

San Diego State linebacker Cameron Cooper, a Gilbert, Arizona native, earned Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week honors after a blocked field goal and a late interception return for a touchdown helped the Aztecs defeat Texas State 31–29 on Oct. 3.

The Football Writers Association of America announced the recognition Oct. 6, honoring Cooper for his performance in the team’s Pac-12 Conference openers.

The junior transfer finished with a career-high seven tackles, but his two biggest plays directly affected the scoreboard in a game decided by just two points.

A Blocked Kick and a Game-Winning Pick-Six

With San Diego State trailing 17–3, Cooper blocked a 35-yard field-goal attempt with 3:56 remaining in the second quarter, keeping Texas State from extending its lead.

The Aztecs rallied with 21 consecutive points and held a 24–22 advantage when Cooper delivered his second decisive play.

Texas State had possession at its own 30-yard line with approximately three minutes remaining. Cooper deflected a pass, caught the ball before it hit the ground, and returned the interception 32 yards for a touchdown with 2:47 left.

The score became the winning touchdown. Cooper also contributed a quarterback hurry on Texas State’s final drive.

According to the FWAA release, San Diego State became just the sixth team in the past 30 years to win despite being outgained by at least 300 yards. Texas State finished with 565 yards to the Aztecs’ 239.

San Diego State’s defense recorded season highs of nine tackles for loss and three sacks. Entering the game, Texas State had allowed an average of four tackles for loss and one sack per game through September.

From Division II to a National Spotlight

The 6-foot-2, 243-pound Cooper joined San Diego State before the 2026 season after two seasons at Western Colorado, an NCAA Division II program.

He earned Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Freshman Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2024. In 2025, he was a first-team All-RMAC selection after recording 81 tackles, 14 tackles for loss and five sacks.

Through the games covered by the Oct. 6 announcement, Cooper ranked seventh on San Diego State’s team with 22 tackles, including 11 solo stops. He also had one sack and three quarterback hurries.

His performance against Texas State came during his most extensive playing time of the young season, according to the release.

Recognition Adds Cooper to Trophy Watch List

The weekly honor also earned Cooper a place on the Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch list. Players who receive the award are added if they were not included on the preseason list.

Cooper is the third San Diego State player to receive the weekly recognition since its inception in 2001. He is the program’s first recipient since cornerback Kameron Kelly in the third week of the 2017 season.

According to the FWAA, San Diego State has never had a Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner or finalist.

The FWAA and Charlotte Touchdown Club are scheduled to announce four finalists for the 2026 trophy on Nov. 19. The award recognizes college football’s top defensive player, with the winner selected from finalists who are members of the 2026 FWAA All-America Team.

The trophy presentation is scheduled for Dec. 7 at the Charlotte Convention Center. The winner is also scheduled to be announced during ESPN’s live broadcast of The Home Depot College Football Awards on Dec. 11.

Named for Minnesota and Chicago Bears standout Bronko Nagurski, the trophy honors a player whose legacy spans both the College Football and Pro Football Halls of Fame.

For Cooper, the weekly award marks a national breakthrough in his first season with the Aztecs—and recognition for two plays that helped turn a difficult afternoon into a conference-opening victory.

Source: Football Writers Association of America news release, Oct. 6, 2026.