Defense Double Dip: Porter, Togafau Both Honored By MW
10/11/2026 5:31:00 PM | Football
MWN's @JKurtz_MWN reveals the 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝟲 @old_trapper MW Football Players of the Week @NevadaFootball @wyo_football @unlvfootball #BuiltBold https://t.co/xkD37HwBob
— Mountain West (@MountainWest) October 12, 2026
LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) – First-place UNLV earned a pair of Old Trapper Mountain West honors Monday as sophomore end/linebacker Andre Porter was named Defensive Player of the Week and redshirt rookie defensive lineman Kal-El Togafau (CAL-EL TONGUE-ah-FAHW) was tabbed Freshman of the Week for the second time.
UNLV's defensive efforts on Saturday produced the fewest points by a conference opponent at home since a shutout win over Utah in 2007 as the Rebels downed previously undefeated North Dakota State 13-7. In total, UNLV stuffed both Bison fourth-down attempts, grabbed three interceptions and notched a pair of quarterback sacks in the dominating performance at Allegiant Stadium.
Porter, a hometown product from Liberty High School and the son of former Rebel defender Donnell Porter, is the third different Rebel to earn the MW defensive honor this season, joining safety Tre Fulton and linebacker Cam Santee.
In the first quarter, Porter produced the biggest play of the game when he grabbed a NDSU pass attempt and returned it 23 yards for his team's only touchdown, marking the first time this season that the Bison trailed on the scoreboard. He also came up big in the fourth quarter with a sack that forced a fumble and led to a NDSU punt.
Togafau (Rancho Cucamonga, CA), meanwhile, took his second weekly freshman award after a six-tackle outing that included a tackle-for-loss. The Bison only gained a total of seven net yards on the six plays that ended with Togafau in on the tackle. He also earned this award on Sept. 7 after a win at Hawai'i.
Both Porter and Togafau are currently tied for fifth in the Mountain West with three sacks apiece.
Head coach Dan Mullen's squad returns to action this Saturday at Air Force. UNLV's next home game comes on Halloween vs. NIU. Single-game tickets for the 2026 home schedule are available now by visiting unlvtickets.com or calling (702) 739-FANS (3267).
For information on all-inclusive VIP club seats or suites at Allegiant Stadium, contact the Premium Sales office at premiumseating@unlv.edu or by calling (702) 739-FANS (3267).
Players Mentioned
Thursday, October 01
Friday, September 25
Friday, September 25
Monday, September 21
