Phillip Dunnam Named Big 12 Defensive Player of the WeekPhillip Dunnam Named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week

Phillip Dunnam Named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week

by Ken Landis

ORLANDO – After snagging three interceptions in a single game for the first time in program history, UCF football defensive back Phillip Dunnam has been named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week.

Entering the contest, Houston quarterback Connor Weigman had only thrown four interceptions all season. Dunnam nearly doubled the opposing quarterback’s tally, snagging a trio of picks in UCF’s Space Game.

Dunnam’s first interception of the evening put an end to a Houston drive that reached the UCF 28-yard line, keeping the Cougars off the board in the first quarter. His second pick resulted in points for the Knights, returning the interception for 43 yards and a touchdown, putting UCF up 24-14 near the end of the first half.

At halftime, Dunnam had become the first player to earn multiple interceptions in a single game since Demari Henderson did so in the 2023 Space Game against Oklahoma State. Dunnam wasn’t done just yet though. After Houston tied the game at 24-24 and got the ball back, the senior defensive back etched his name in the record books by snaring his third interception towards the end of the third quarter. His third pick resulted in three points for the Knights, putting them back up 27-24.

Dunnam is one of 13 instances that a Big 12 player has tallied three interceptions in a single game since 1996. He’s one of three players to earn a trio of picks this season and the only one to earn a pick-six.

Dunnam is one of four weekly Big 12 honors the Knights have garnered this season. Jaden Nixon was named the Offensive Player of the Week after his week two performance against North Carolina A&T, the offensive line earned Offensive Line of the Week honors in week four after surrendering zero sacks against North Carolina and the line on the other side of the ball earned Defensive Line of the Week following the 45-13 victory over West Virginia in which UCF defense chalked up eight sacks.

About UCF Athletics
UCF is a proud member of the Big 12 Conference. Our mission is to positively transform the lives of our students academically, athletically, and personally through a nationally competitive intercollegiate athletics program that enhances the reputation and visibility of the University. We strive to be Florida's preeminent athletic program representing UCF and our community with distinction on the national stage as "Orlando's Hometown Team". To learn more about UCF and Athletics, please visit our websites at www.ucf.edu and www.ucfknights.com.