Photo by: Mississippi State Athletics
Will Whitson Named SEC Defensive Player of the Week
September 01, 2025 | Football
STARKVILLE — Mississippi State defensive lineman Will Whitson was named the Co-SEC Defensive Player of the Week after an impressive debut in the Bulldogs' season-opening victory at Southern Miss.
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Whitson, who transferred to State in the spring, had a strong debut with four total tackles, a sack, 2.5 tackles for loss and four QB hurries. He led the team in both sacks and TFLs and provided constant pressure along the defensive line.
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He was also named to the Pro Football Focus National Team of the Week after earning a PFF defensive grade of 89.7, the highest grade of his career. His 89.7 defensive grade was the 21st best among all FBS edge players, the 17th best among all Power 4 teams, and the sixth best in the SEC.
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This was Whitson's first career player of the week honor and the first honor for a State player since Nathaniel Watson was named defensive player of the week in November of 2023.
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Whitson and the Bulldogs will host No. 11 Arizona State on Saturday, September 6, at 6:30 p.m. and will debut their new all-black uniforms. Fans in attendance will be able to see, for the first time, all the significant gameday enhancements at Davis Wade Stadium. For more information on the enhancements, please click HERE.
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For the most up-to-date information on the Bulldogs, follow MSU football on X, like them on Facebook and join them on Instagram by searching for "HailStateFB."
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Whitson, who transferred to State in the spring, had a strong debut with four total tackles, a sack, 2.5 tackles for loss and four QB hurries. He led the team in both sacks and TFLs and provided constant pressure along the defensive line.
Â
He was also named to the Pro Football Focus National Team of the Week after earning a PFF defensive grade of 89.7, the highest grade of his career. His 89.7 defensive grade was the 21st best among all FBS edge players, the 17th best among all Power 4 teams, and the sixth best in the SEC.
Â
This was Whitson's first career player of the week honor and the first honor for a State player since Nathaniel Watson was named defensive player of the week in November of 2023.
Â
Whitson and the Bulldogs will host No. 11 Arizona State on Saturday, September 6, at 6:30 p.m. and will debut their new all-black uniforms. Fans in attendance will be able to see, for the first time, all the significant gameday enhancements at Davis Wade Stadium. For more information on the enhancements, please click HERE.
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For the most up-to-date information on the Bulldogs, follow MSU football on X, like them on Facebook and join them on Instagram by searching for "HailStateFB."
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– HailState.com –
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