Football | 10/19/2026 3:00:00 PM

October 19, 2026-Emporia State's Jake Tucker earned the MIAA Defensive Player of the Week award presented by FieldTurf for the first time this season following the #8 Hornets 23-16 win over Central Oklahoma. In his first career start Tucker had career highs of eight tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks along with a forced fumble and a blocked punt as Emporia State remained undefeated on the season.  

With the Hornets trailing 9-7 at the half, Tucker flipped the game in the first five minutes of the third quarter, recording a sack, 2.5 tackles for loss and a forced fumble that was returned for a touchdown to give ESU the lead for good. On the Bronchos second drive of the quarter, he was in on a tackle for loss of two yards to put UCO behind the chains. On the next play he forced a fumble on a play three yards behind the line of scrimmage that Carson Sippel scooped and scored to put Emporia State up 13-9. On the next series after forcing a three and out he got a hand on the punt that ended up only going 26 yards. ESU scored two plays later to take a 20-9 lead with 9:19 left.

For the game the Hornets held the Bronchos to their lowest rushing total against a D2 team this season and below 17 points for just the second time this year.

The #8 Hornets return to action on Saturday, October 24 when they play host to Central Missouri on Homecoming. Kick-off from Blackcreek Diesel Field at Welch Stadium is set for 7:00 p.m.

NOTE:
This is the sixth time in seven games that a Hornet has won the MIAA Defensive Player of the Week honor.