The Maxwell Football Club on Wednesday morning announced that UCLA senior linebacker Sammy Omosigho has been named the Bednarik Award National Player of the Week after his standout performance in the Bruins’ season-opening 45-24 win at California on Sept. 5.

The Bednarik Award is handed out annually to the college defensive football player of the year, while the weekly award recognizes the top performance across the country every week.

Making his UCLA debut, Omosigho collected 14 tackles (seven solo), 2.0 tackles for loss (TFL), 1.0 sack, and one forced fumble.

The Crandall, Texas native nearly doubled his previous career high of eight tackles, collecting nine in the first half alone. His 14 stops paced the Bruins.

In addition, his 2.0 TFLs matched a career high. One of those tackles came on a strip sack late in the first half that allowed the Bruins to take over possession at the Cal 37-yard line.

Omosigho is second Bruin to earn major recognition after UCLA’s Week 1 triumph in Berkeley, joining senior safety Ta’Shawn James who was named the Big Ten Co-Defensive Player of the Week after his two-interception, eight-tackle performance.

UCLA returns to action this Saturday, Sept. 12, hosting San Diego State at the Rose Bowl in the team’s 2026 home opener. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:15 p.m. PT on Big Ten Network.