Big 12 Announces Players of the Week for Week 1

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The Big 12 Conference has announced Player of the Week awards for Week 1, highlighting some exciting performances to start the season. Week 1 brought tons of action in the Big 12, and a few individuals displayed play worthy of note. With the first batch of Players of the Week being announced, fans have a lot to be excited about with the conference talent.

Offensive, defensive, special teams and newcomer players were selected by the Big 12. There were no surprises as the selected players are expected to have major seasons the rest of the year. Here are those players and how they earned those honors.

Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week

WR Tetairoa McMillan (Arizona)

McMillan had a performance for the ages as the No. 21 Arizona Wildcats took on the New Mexico Lobos. Many experts pick McMillan to be one of the country's best wide receivers. He proved himself deserving of the Week 1 honor. McMillan caught 10 passes for 304 yards and 4 touchdowns.

McMillan was efficient and the Lobos had no answer for him on defense. T-Mac and Noah Fifita are regarded as a top quarterback-WR duo. They know each other like the back of their hands. This won't be the last time McMillan gets honored by the Big 12. Expect T-Mac to have an outstanding season.

Defensive Player of the Week

Safety Trey Rucker (Oklahoma State)

Rucker caused a ruckus in Week 1 against a talented FCS squad in the South Dakota State Jackrabbits. The No. 17 Oklahoma State Cowboys are one of the favorites in the Big 12, and Rucker is a huge reason why. Rucker tallied 15 total tackles, including 9 solo tackles.

Rucker looks to be known as one of the best safeties in college football. If he continues this type of play, then he'll gladly take that title. If the Cowboys want to win the Big 12 and get a playoff bid, then Rucker and the rest of the defense will be key from here on out.

Special Teams Player of the Week

Returner Drae McCray (Texas Tech)

McCray was electric in the Texas Tech Red Raiders' Week 1 matchup against the Abilene Christian Wildcats. With three major returns of 75, 65 and 26 yards, there is no better option for a Special Teams Player of the Week award. Last season, McCray had 24 kickoff returns for 668 yards and a touchdown.

Newcomer Player of the Week

QB Brendan Sorsby (Cincinnati)

Sorsby claimed this honor. The former Indiana Hoosiers QB put on quite a show for the Cincinnati Bearcats in Week 1. He put up 383 yards and 2 touchdowns against the Towson Tigers.

In 2023, Sorsby totaled 1,587 yards passing, 15 touchdowns and 5 interceptions. If the Bearcats want to finish higher than the bottom of the conference in 2024, they need their new QB to have more performances like this one.

The season has just begun and there is so much to look forward in the Big 12. Keep checking back at College Football Dawgs for the latest Big 12 news.