DALLAS — New Mexico safety Austin Brawley earned Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week honors after his fourth-quarter interception return for a touchdown helped the Lobos defeat North Dakota State, 21–16.
The Football Writers Association of America announced the recognition on October 27 for Brawley’s performance during the weekend of October 24. He became the first New Mexico player to receive the weekly honor since the award began in 2001.
A Fourth-Quarter Play That Made the Difference
With 10:57 remaining, Brawley intercepted a North Dakota State pass along the sideline, stayed inbounds, and worked his way into the end zone. His second interception-return touchdown of the season extended New Mexico’s lead to 21–9.
Those points proved decisive when the Bison rallied to narrow the final margin to five.
Brawley also recorded three tackles, including a half-tackle for loss on the opening play. New Mexico held North Dakota State to 251 total yards, its lowest offensive output of the season and 111 yards below its season average, according to the FWAA release.
The victory improved the Lobos to 6–1 overall, and 3–0 in Mountain West play. The announced crowd of 34,794 was New Mexico’s largest since 2005 for a game against an opponent other than New Mexico State.
Making an Impact on Defense and Special Teams
Brawley, a fifth-year safety from Massillon, Ohio, has produced six interceptions in his first 12 games with New Mexico, returning two for touchdowns.
At the time of the announcement, he was one of four FBS players with two interception-return touchdowns this season. He also became one of only three Lobos over the past 50 years to accomplish that feat in a single season.
His scoring contributions have extended beyond defense. Against UTEP, Brawley blocked a punt out of the end zone for a safety, delivering New Mexico’s first blocked punt in 17 seasons and earning Mountain West Special Teams Player of the Week recognition.
He also received Mountain West Defensive Player of the Week honors for the third time in his career following the North Dakota State game.
Recognition After an Injury-Shortened Season
Brawley transferred to New Mexico for the 2025 season after spending three seasons at Ohio. A broken bone in his foot sidelined him for eight games during his first year with the Lobos.
He earned Mountain West All-Academic recognition in 2025 and was named a Mountain West Scholar-Athlete for 2025–26.
The national weekly award also adds Brawley to the Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch list. Weekly honorees who were not already on the preseason list are added when selected.
Bronko Nagurski Trophy Selection Ahead
The FWAA and Charlotte Touchdown Club are scheduled to announce the 2026 Bronko Nagurski Trophy finalists November 19.
The national defensive player of the year will receive the trophy at the December 7 awards banquet at the Charlotte Convention Center. The winner will also be announced during The Home Depot College Football Awards on ESPN on December 11, according to the release.
Named for the former Minnesota and Chicago Bears standout, the trophy recognizes college football’s top defensive player. It is part of the National College Football Awards Association.
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