Penn State’s Kevin Winston Jr. Named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week

Penn State safety Kevin Winston Jr. is already catching eyes from within the conference. Winston was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week on Monday for his performance in the Nittany Lions’ 34-12 season-opening win at West Virginia.

Winston had a career-best 12 tackles, a team-high on Saturday, while also forcing a fumble and recording a tackle for loss. He is the first Nittany Lion to win a defensive player of the week honor since safety Ji’Ayir Brown on Sept. 19, 2022. 

Winston’s performance paired nicely alongside fellow defensive back Jaylen Reed, who notched a career-high nine tackles and recovered a fumble in his first game at defensive coordinator Tom Allen’s new ‘Lion’ nickel corner position. 

“All offseason we talked about coming out this year and making this a great year, and showing everybody what we can do,” Winston said postgame. “And, you know, we go to practice every day with that mindset.”

Winston is anticipated to enter the NFL Draft next spring, and be among the first safeties selected. 

“I mean, I don’t have enough adjectives for him,” James Franklin said after practice on Aug. 8. “You look at him physically, he’s beautiful. He’s got a great relationship with the coaches and he’s kind of an extension of the coaching staff. I could go on and on and on. I think he’s gonna have a big year for us, and I think he’s got a very, very special, bright future.”