Fotu Named Big 12 Conference Defensive Player of the Week
9/29/2025 12:00:00 PM | Football
Fotu led league in total tackles with 15 against Oregon State
HOUSTON – Houston Football junior linebacker Sione Fotu earned his first career Big 12 Conference Defensive Player of the Week honors after posting 15 tackles, including seven solo stops, against Oregon State on Friday night, the league announced Monday.
Fotu set a new career-high with the 15 stops, the most in the Big 12 in week five and second most by a Big 12 player this season. The mark was the most by a Cougar since A.J. Haulcy also tallied 15 against West Virginia on Oct. 12, 2023.
The Salt Lake City native earned 11 of his tackles in the second half and one in overtime, a key stop on second down to hold Oregon State a yard short of the line to gain.
Fotu is Houston's second Big 12 Player of the Week this season, joining Ethan Sanchez, who picked up Special Teams Player of the Week honors after kicking five field goals against Colorado. The selection also marks the first time Houston has earned conference player of the week honors in consecutive weeks, excluding byes, since Matthew Golden and Parker Jenkins picked up Special Teams and Newcomer Player of the Week honors on Sept. 18 and 25, 2023, respectively.
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Fotu set a new career-high with the 15 stops, the most in the Big 12 in week five and second most by a Big 12 player this season. The mark was the most by a Cougar since A.J. Haulcy also tallied 15 against West Virginia on Oct. 12, 2023.
The Salt Lake City native earned 11 of his tackles in the second half and one in overtime, a key stop on second down to hold Oregon State a yard short of the line to gain.
Fotu is Houston's second Big 12 Player of the Week this season, joining Ethan Sanchez, who picked up Special Teams Player of the Week honors after kicking five field goals against Colorado. The selection also marks the first time Houston has earned conference player of the week honors in consecutive weeks, excluding byes, since Matthew Golden and Parker Jenkins picked up Special Teams and Newcomer Player of the Week honors on Sept. 18 and 25, 2023, respectively.
SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Football by providing NIL opportunities and by joining The Huddle which provides financial support directly to Houston Football for needs beyond its operating budget.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarFB on X, formerly known as Twitter, and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at Houston Cougar Football. Fans can also follow the team on Instagram at uhcougarfb.
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/ FootballHighlights: Houston 27, Oregon State 24 (OT)
Monday, September 29
POSTGAME – at Oregon State (Sept. 26, 2025)
Saturday, September 27
Recap: Houston vs Colorado
Monday, September 15
Postgame Press Conference: Football vs. Colorado
Friday, September 12