Dalton Johnson Earns Back-to-Back Big 12 Defensive Honors After Dominant Territorial Cup Performance
Dalton Johnson is making a habit of showing up when it matters most-and the Big 12 is taking notice.
For the second straight week, the Arizona redshirt senior safety has been named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week. This time, the honor comes on the heels of a statement performance in the Wildcats’ 23-7 win over in-state rival Arizona State at Mountain America Stadium-a victory that not only secured the Territorial Cup, but also capped off a 9-3 regular season for No. 25 Arizona.
Johnson was everywhere in that game. He forced a fumble, picked off a pass, and generally made life miserable for the 20th-ranked Sun Devils. It was a fitting encore after his 18-tackle showcase against Baylor the week prior, which also earned him Defensive Player of the Week recognition.
What Johnson is doing right now isn’t just impressive-it’s historic. He leads all defensive backs in the Big 12 with 97 tackles, good for sixth overall in the conference.
That’s not just volume; that’s impact. And with four interceptions on the year, he’s tied with teammates Treydan Stukes and Jay’Vion Cole for the second-most picks in the conference.
Arizona’s secondary isn’t just solid-it’s playmaking, and Johnson is at the heart of it.
He’s also on track to do something no Arizona safety has done in nearly two decades: lead the team in tackles in back-to-back seasons. The last to do it?
Darrell Brooks in 2004 and 2005. That’s elite company, and Johnson’s consistency, physicality, and football IQ are putting him firmly in that conversation.
He becomes the fourth Wildcat to earn Big 12 weekly honors this season, joining quarterback Noah Fifita-who has won Offensive Player of the Week twice-as well as running backs Ismail Mahdi and Quincy Craig. That kind of recognition across multiple positions speaks to how well-rounded this Arizona team has become in its first Big 12 campaign.
Now, the Wildcats wait to see where they’ll land in the postseason. Bowl selections will be announced Sunday, Dec. 7 at 10 a.m. on ESPN. But wherever they’re headed, one thing’s for sure-Dalton Johnson will be there, anchoring a defense that’s been as tough and opportunistic as any in the conference.
And if he keeps playing like this, more honors could be on the way.