Wisconsin Safety Preston Zachman Named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week
MADISON, Wis. — Following his two-interception performance in Thursday’s 17-0 win over Miami (OH), Wisconsin safety Preston Zachman was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week on Monday. Zachman recorded a pair of picks off Redhawks quarterback Dequan Finn in the fourth quarter to help secure the season-opening victory. Zachman also notched 2.0 tackles.
“Both of them were pretty much straight off of his eyes,” said Zachman. “As soon as he snaps the ball, I kind of had a tell that wherever he looks right away, that’s where he’s going with the ball. I was able to get a good jump on both of them.”
Zachman’s first interception was returned inside the 5-yard line and set up a 1-yard rushing touchdown for sophomore quarterback Danny O’Neil, giving Wisconsin a 17-0 lead. His second pick came on Miami’s final drive of the game to seal the victory.
“I don’t know if I’ve ever had two in a game, but it’s obviously a good feeling,” said Zachman. “Once again, it’s a credit to the guys up front. Pressuring the quarterback, making him make bad decisions. It’s all a credit to them.”
On the Badger Red Zone Podcast, former Wisconsin safety Collin Wilder had this to say about his time with Zachman:
Becoming the second Badger since 2023 (Ricardo Hallman) to record multiple interceptions in a game, Zachman now owns seven career picks. Through Sunday, Zachman is the only Power-Four player with multiple interceptions this season. He’s also the first UW player to earn Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week honors since Hunter Wohler in 2023 (Sept. 18, 2023).
