Porter and Togafau Earn Mountain West Honors
The Mountain West conference named the UNLV standouts as Defensive and Freshman of the Week following their recent victory.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Football
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UNLV defensive players Andre Porter and Kal-El Togafau secured weekly conference honors after a hard-fought 13-7 win against North Dakota State. Porter was recognized for his standout defensive performance, while Togafau earned the Freshman of the Week title.
Why it matters
The recognition highlights the pivotal role of the UNLV defense in securing a narrow victory against a program historically known for high-caliber play. The team’s ability to stifle North Dakota State was essential to maintaining their win in a low-scoring, defensive-focused matchup.
UNLV recorded three interceptions and two sacks in their 13-7 win over North Dakota State. Andre Porter contributed a 23-yard interception return for a touchdown, while Kal-El Togafau tallied six tackles, including one for a loss.
The players
Andre Porter
He is a defensive player for the UNLV football team who earned the Mountain West Defensive Player of the Week honor.
Kal-El Togafau
He is a freshman player for the UNLV football team who was recognized as the Mountain West Freshman of the Week.
UNLV
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas is a public research university that fields the Rebels football team.
North Dakota State
The university fields a competitive collegiate football program that plays in the Missouri Valley Football Conference.
The details
The UNLV defense played a crucial role in the victory, successfully preventing North Dakota State from converting two key fourth-down attempts. Porter further cemented his defensive impact by recording a sack that forced a fumble.
Timeline
2007: Utah was shutout by North Dakota State at home.
September 7, 2026: Kal-El Togafau won Freshman of the Week.
October 10, 2026: UNLV played North Dakota State.
October 12, 2026: Mountain West announced weekly football awards.
Season Trajectory
This defensive win positions UNLV as a formidable competitor within the Mountain West conference. It shifts the team's momentum as they prove capable of neutralising opponents with established championship-level programs.
The defensive success against North Dakota State proves the Rebels' ability to hold opponents under double digits despite offensive challenges. This victory keeps UNLV's defensive unit in a favorable position for future conference power rankings.
The takeaway
UNLV's ability to capitalize on defensive turnovers proved to be the difference-maker in a narrow victory. Success in low-scoring games requires discipline and timely defensive plays to swing the outcome in favor of the underdog.
Further reading
For more on the current season, visit the Football section.
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