Big Ten football is handing out its weekly honors following all of the action from Week 2. On Monday, the league announced its Players of the Week on offense, defense, special teams and a freshman standout.

Offensive Player of the Week

  • QB Noah Kim, Michigan State

Kim was efficient in his second start of the season, completing 18-of-22 passes for 292 yards and 3 touchdowns. It sets a new career-high mark for Kim, one week removed from his previous high of 279 passing yards in Week 1.

Through 2 games, Kim has thrown 5 touchdowns without an interception. He’s the first Spartan to win the weekly honor since Kenneth Walker III in 2021.

Defensive Player of the Week

  • DB Sebastian Castro, Iowa

Castro recorded his first interception during Iowa’s Cy-Hawk win. He returned that interception all the way for a 30-yard pick-6, providing enough cushion in the 20-13 win. He also added 4 tackles and a pass breakup.

Special Teams Player of the Week

  • K Jai Patel, Rutgers

Patel went 3-for-3 on field goals during Week 2, including a 51-yard try that tied the mark for the 7th-longest field goal in Rutgers history. Finished with 12 total points in the 36-7 win over Temple.

Freshman of the Week

  • RB Darius Taylor, Minnesota

Taylor finished the Week 2 win over Eastern Michigan with 193 rushing yards on 33 carries. That production is the 2nd-most in Minnesota history for a true freshman, trailing only Darrell Thompson who rushed for 205 yards in 1986. With 13 receiving yards, Taylor finished with 206 all-purpose yards for his first weekly honor.