Fesili Named FCS National Defensive Player of Week

Idaho State freshman Trehsyn Fesili earns STATS Perform FCS National Defensive Player of the Week honors after a standout performance in a 34-27 win at Utah Tech.

Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Football

Fesili Named FCS National Defensive Player of Week

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STATS Perform named Idaho State freshman Trehsyn Fesili FCS National Defensive Player of the Week, and the Big Sky Conference also honored him as Defensive Player of the Week for the second time this season. Fesili recorded six tackles, a sack, a forced fumble and an interception returned for a touchdown in the final minute of the Bengals' 34-27 victory at Utah Tech.

Why it matters

The recognition highlights Fesili's emergence as one of the top defensive contributors in the FCS as Idaho State pushes for a stronger finish in Big Sky play. The honors come as the Bengals sit at 3-3 in conference action and prepare for a home game against a highly ranked Montana State team.

Fesili leads Idaho State with six sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss this season, and ranks third on the team with 47 tackles. The stats reflect his role as the team's primary disruptor on defense.

The players

Trehsyn Fesili

Idaho State freshman defensive player whose multi-position disruption helped earn him national and conference defensive honors.

STATS Perform

Sports data and analytics company that publishes the FCS Top 25 rankings and national weekly awards.

Big Sky Conference

NCAA Division I FCS conference that includes Idaho State and Montana State and presents weekly player honors.

The details

Fesili strip-sacked Utah Tech quarterback Bronson Barben in the second quarter, and Bronson Childs recovered the fumble inside Utah Tech territory. Late in the game, he intercepted a pass and returned it for a touchdown, his second interception of the season, while Zion To'oto'o added a 32-yard scoop-and-score touchdown in the fourth quarter as Idaho State outscored Utah Tech 14-3 in the final period.

- 2018: Idaho State last beat Montana State.
- Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026: Idaho State defeated Utah Tech 34-27.
- Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026: Idaho State hosts Montana State at 4 p.m.

Season Trajectory

Idaho State sits at 22nd on the STATS Perform FCS Top 25, and its 3-3 Big Sky record leaves the Bengals still in the conference race. Fesili's honors add to the case that the defense is a key factor in whether the team can climb the standings down the stretch.

Fesili's season totals of six sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss make him a player to watch for fantasy and defensive-stat trackers as Idaho State enters a home game against a top-three opponent. Fans following the Big Sky race can track how the Bengals' defense performs against Montana State this Saturday.

The takeaway

Fesili's breakout season shows how quickly a freshman can become a defensive anchor in the FCS. Idaho State's next test against Montana State will show whether that impact can carry the team into a stronger late-season push.