DB Demari Henderson Tabbed Big 12 Defensive Player of the WeekDB Demari Henderson Tabbed Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week

DB Demari Henderson Tabbed Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week

by Ken Landis

ORLANDO – After recording two fourth quarter interceptions, UCF football defensive back Demari Henderson has been named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week, the conference announced Monday afternoon.

UCF took a 34-27 lead over Georgia State late in the third quarter. The ensuing Panthers’ drive leaked into the early stages of the fourth quarter. On the fifth play of the drive, a pass over the middle was tipped downfield, giving Henderson time to range over and make a diving catch for his first interception of the evening and fifth of his career. The turnover turned into three points for the Black and Gold, cashing in on a field goal try to make it 37-27 with 8:42 to play.

A last-second heave to the endzone by Georgia State saw Henderson snag his second interception on the night and sixth of his career, sealing the deal on UCF’s final non-conference contest of 2026. It marked the second time that Henderson collected two interceptions in a single game, the other coming against then-No. 15 Oklahoma State Nov. 11, 2023.

Henderson’s pair of picks puts him in rare company, becoming one of four players to have two multi-interception games. The last player to do it was in 2008 when Sha’reff Rashad snagged two interceptions on Oct. 11 and Nov. 15 of the same season. Joe Burnett had his pair of two pick games Oct. 21, 2005 and Nov. 17, 2007. The first Knight to accomplish the feat was Keith Evans, who did so Oct. 25, 1986 and Sept. 2, 1988.

Henderson is one of two Knights to earn Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week honors in UCF’s time with the conference. The Sanford, Fla. native earned the honor back in 2023 for his first career two-interception game. Phillip Dunnam was the other Knight to earn the weekly defensive nod, doing so for his three interception game Nov. 7, 2025. The only other member of the Black and Gold to earn multiple Big 12 weekly honors is RJ Harvey, who was tabbed as Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week twice, once in 2023 and then again in 2024.

UP NEXT
The Knights open Big 12 Conference play Saturday, Sept. 26 as they welcome TCU to the Bounce House for the first time. UCF opens Big 12 play in Orlando for the first time as the Black and Gold embark on their fourth venture through a power conference slate.

SEASON TICKETS
Season tickets for the 2026 campaign are on sale and can be purchased here! Be sure to be a part of all the action as the Knights play their 20th season in Acrisure Bounce House.

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.