Martin, Hensley, Smith Earn Conference Weekly Honors
Three former KMAland athletes were recognized in weekly conference football awards announced Monday.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Football
Cornell College's Joshua Martin was named Midwest Conference Football Defensive Player of the Week after two interceptions and 73 return yards. Boston Hensley of Wayne State and Morningside's Tyler Smith were also honored by their conferences.
Why it matters
The honors highlight standout individual performances across three conferences in the region. Martin's eight interceptions also place him in a tie for the national lead.
Martin's 8 interceptions are tied for the national lead, while Smith accounted for over 300 yards in Morningside's game. Hensley went 7-for-7 on extra points and made his lone field goal attempt in the Wayne State win.
The players
Joshua Martin
A senior defensive back at Cornell College who is a Stanton High School alumnus and leads the nation in interceptions.
Boston Hensley
A Wayne State kicker and Lewis Central High School alumnus who was honored for special teams play.
Tyler Smith
A Morningside quarterback and Sergeant Bluff-Luton High School alumnus who was honored for offensive play.
The details
Martin was named Midwest Conference Defensive Player of the Week after his two-interception performance for Cornell College. Hensley, a Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Special Teams honoree, scored 10 points in Wayne State's win, while Smith threw for 266 yards and four touchdowns for Morningside in Great Plains Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Week recognition.
Timeline
Weekly conference football honors were announced Monday, November 2, 2026.
Season Trajectory
Martin's national-leading interception total places Cornell College's defense among the most productive in Division III football this season. Multiple KMAland players earning conference honors in the same week reflects the depth of talent across the region's small-college programs.
Martin's interception total makes him a notable option for fantasy rosters that score defensive players. Hensley's extra point efficiency and Smith's passing output are worth tracking for teams in the Northern Sun and Great Plains conferences.
The takeaway
Individual conference honors often signal players to watch as seasons progress. Following weekly award announcements is a quick way to track standout performers across smaller college conferences.
Further reading
For more on the region's college teams, see Iowa Football.
Source note: This article includes information reported by MDJOnline.
