Football | 10/5/2026 3:30:00 PM

October 5, 2026-For the fourth time in five games Landon Boss has been named the MIAA Football Defensive Player of the Week presented by FieldTurf. The All-American and reigning MIAA Defensive Player of the Year had a career high 4.5 tackles for loss in #10 Emporia State's 34-22 win over Missouri Western. It is his seventh career award in 16 games with the Hornets.

The Osage City, Kan. native finished the game with nine tackles, a sack, 4.5 tackles for loss and a forced fumble as the Hornets held Missouri Western to 17 points under their season average.  His sack came on a third and goal from the Hornet six yard line and limited the Griffons to a field goal.

With ESU leading 24-12 in the second quarter and MWSU again at the Hornet seven yard line, he tackle for loss on second down and a pass break up on third down to again hold the Griffons to a field goal. On Western's next possession, he forced a fumble at the ESU 22 yard line to end another Griffon scoring threat. 

In the fourth quarter with the Hornets leading 34-22 and the Griffons facing fourth and goal he hurried Western quarterback Isaiah Tate into a rushed throw that was caught short of the goal line.

He has 14.0 TFL this season and 32.0 in 16 games as a Hornet to rank 11th on the ESU career chart.  He is leading the nation in tackles for loss, leads the MIAA and is ninth in the nation in forced fumbles and ranks 11th in the nation in total tackles.  

The now #9 Hornets will be on the road this weekend as they take on Missouri Southern on Saturday.  Kick-off from Fred G. Hughes Stadium in Joplin, Mo. is set for 2:00 p.m.