Ohio State defensive end Chase Young didn’t have to wait until the end of November to win his first seasonal honor. On Tuesday, FOX Sports announced Young is the college football midseason Defensive Player of the Year.

There is no denying that this honor is a popularity contest, as fan vote is the only decider, but Young is certainly deserving of such an honor. Through six games, Young already has 21 total tackles, including 9.5 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks. He also has three forced fumbles, one quarterback hurry, and one pass breakup. For good measure, Young has a blocked kick as well.

Sports Betting in Big Ten Country

With the launch coming on January 1, 2023, Ohio sports betting apps are almost here.

FanDuel is now giving users a $100 bonus for Ohio pre-registration. Go pre-register now.

21+ and present in OH. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

RELATED: Former Ohio State QB named starter for XFL’s Washington D.C. team

The only player with more sacks than Young in the entire country is Boise State junior linebacker Curtis Weaver, who leads Young by 0.5 a sack. Baylor junior defensive lineman James Lynch also has 8.5 sacks, but no other player in the nation has more than seven.

If he keeps this up, Young will be one of the favorites to win the Chuck Bednarik Award, which goes to the top defensive player in college football each season.