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Owen Long named Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week

The junior linebacker from Arizona State was honored by the FWAA as part of the NCFAA's weekly national honors.

2026-27 Sun Devil Athletics Honors/Awards Opens in a new window FWAA Announcement ASU 24, KU 17 - Game Recap Opens in a new window
Owen Long named Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Player of the WeekOwen Long named Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week

Owen Long tracks the ball carrier during Arizona State's 24-17 win over Kansas at the Union Jack Classic in London.

DALLAS - The Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) announced their 13 NCFAA weekly national honors on Tuesday and Sun Devil Football is represented. 

The Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week is Arizona State linebacker Owen Long. In Arizona State's 24-17 win over Kansas at the Union Jack Classic in London, Long was absolutely dominant. This comes a day after Long was named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week by the league.

Each week during the regular season since 2001, the FWAA has selected a Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week. Long is the first Sun Devil to win the award since linebacker Caleb McCullough earned the distinction following an impressive performance in the win over No. 16 Utah in October of 2024. Overall, Long is just the third Sun Devil to claim this presitigous honor since its inception in 2001. He joins McCullough and 2002 Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner Terrell Suggs on the exclusive list. Suggs claimed the weekly award in October of his historic 2002 campaign after a 6.5 TFL/4.5-sack performance against Washington.

Linebacker

Owen Long

Pat Tillman Leadership Council Member

Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week - Owen Long

  • Sun Devil linebacker Owen Long had one of the best performances by a Sun Devil linebacker in recent memory.
  • He was all over the field in Arizona State’s 24-17 victory over Kansas at the Union Jack Classic in London.
  • The junior stuffed the stat sheet finishing with 12 tackles, an interception, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.
  • It was his first career interception, second forced fumble, and third fumble recovery.
  • After finishing with ten double-digit tackle games in 2025, Long registered his first with Arizona State. He now has 11 games with 10+ tackles in his career.

Bronko Nagurski National Player of the Week winners

Owen Long

Owen Long

2026, Week 3 vs Kansas

Playing the Long Game Opens in a new window
Caleb McCullough

Caleb McCullough

2024, Week 7 vs #16 Utah

Door-to-Door Devil Opens in a new window
Terrell Suggs

Terrell Suggs

2002, Week 8 vs Washington

6.5 TFL + 4.5 sack performance Opens in a new window

Game Highlights | Arizona State 24, Kansas 17

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Owen Long vs Kansas

Tackles12

11th career game with 10+ tackles

Forced Fumbles1

2nd of his career

Fumble Recovery1

3rd of his career

Interception1

1st of his career

Owen Long trophy
Photo Sep 21 2026, 7 22 15 AM
Photo Sep 21 2026, 7 22 15 AM (4)
Photo Sep 21 2026, 7 22 15 AM (1)
Photo Sep 21 2026, 7 22 15 AM (3)
Photo Sep 21 2026, 7 22 15 AM (6)
Photo Sep 21 2026, 7 22 15 AM
Photo Sep 21 2026, 7 22 15 AM (7)

A Long Day for the Kansas offense

  • Long's performance was not only statistically impressive, he came through at important moments of the game.
  • His forced fumble came on first down during a Kansas drive that had reached the ASU 22-yard line early in the fourth quarter, swinging the momentum back in the Sun Devils favor. 
  • The interception was even more timely, as it sealed the game for the Sun Devils with Kansas positioned at the ASU 23-yard line and trailing 24-7 with 9:34 left in the game.
  • He was the leader of a defense that willed the Sun Devils to a victory, their first time winning a game with less than 250 yards of total offense since defeating Michigan State, 10-7, in 2019.
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"People get so wrapped up in size and speed, and all that stuff is really important. You need it. But at the end of the day, when you get it on the football field, some people have the instincts to make plays. He's one of those guys who has the instinct to make plays. He is one of those guys who prepares at such a high level that you know he's a step ahead of everybody. And I think that's showing up."

Kenny Dillingham on Owen Long

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