Saquon Barkley Earns Another Big Ten Player of the Week Honor

Nittany Lion running back and Heisman hopeful Saquon Barkley has received yet another honor – this time it’s Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week!

Barkley was recognized for his unbelievable 97 yard opening kickoff touchdown return against the No. 6 Ohio State Buckeyes on Saturday. The touchdown return was his second kickoff return for a score this season, making Barkley the first Penn State player with multiple kickoff returns for touchdowns since Derrick Williams in 2008.

Barkley also ties the single season school record, and his two kickoff returns for scores this year are tied for fifth in Big Ten history and are the most in a season since 2015. His 34.4 kickoff return average this season ranks second on the season charts in Big Ten history.

With 172 all-purpose yards against Ohio State, Barkley surpassed the 1,500-yard mark for the season, marking the 12th time in program history a player has reached the 1,500-yard mark. Barkley is the third player in program history to accomplish the feat twice, joining the ranks of Curtis Enis and Blair Thomas.

Keep it up, Saquon, and congratulations!