Northwestern’s Brus Brings Home Lott IMPACT® Trophy Player of the Week Honors for Week 5
Brus’ interception and sack, among his team best 9 tackles, lifted the Wildcats past Penn State in first game in their new home stadium
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. — Oct. 7, 2026 — The Lott IMPACT Trophy presented by Allied Universal® announced today Braydon Brus, a linebacker from Northwestern University, has been named Player of the Week for Week 5 of the 2026 college football season.
Brus christened the new Ryan Field with nine tackles, one sack, one interception and one pass breakup in the Wildcats 34-13 victory over Penn State.
The senior from Glendora, Ca., returns as a starting linebacker at Northwestern where he was an Academic All-Big Ten selection each of the last two seasons.
Player of the Week winners are determined by an internal vote of former players, coaches and Lott IMPACT Trophy board members, in conjunction with a fan vote on social media.
The winner of the 2026 Lott IMPACT Trophy presented by Allied Universal will be announced on December 9, in Newport Beach, Calif.
Other nominees for the Lott IMPACT Trophy, presented by Allied Universal, Player of the Week in Week 5.
- Popo Aguirre, NC State, SR, LB- Recovered three fumbles, all leading to scores (2 TD, 1 FG), to go with six tackles, in the Wolfpacks 31-28 win over Louisville.
- Dejuan Lane, Tennessee, JR, S- Had two sacks, among his nine total tackles (six solo), including 2.5 tackles for a loss, to go with an interception in the Volunteers 24-14 victory over Auburn.
- Nicholas Rodriguez, Missouri, JR, LB- 11 tackles, 5 solo, to go with 1.5 for a loss in the Tigers upset of Florida 45-17