John Nestor earns Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week for three turnover performance
Minnesota Golden Gophers cornerback John Nestor has earned Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week honors for recording three turnovers against the Wisconsin Badgers this past Saturday.
Nestor’s historic performance
In a 17-7 win over rival Wisconsin, Nestor recorded a career high nine tackles, two tackles for loss, as well as his two interceptions and one fumble recovery. He’s the first player in the FBS since at least 1995 to record such a stat line or better.
The sophomore corner who joined the program last spring after transferring from Iowa was by far the Gophers’ best transfer portal pickup last offseason, recording 47 tackles, including six tackles for loss and five interceptions, which was tied for the lead in the Big Ten. He also had six pass deflections.
Nestor is the only Gopher to be named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week this season, and the first since safety Koi Perich earned the honor for his performance on October 12, 2024, when he recorded two tackles and two interceptions, including the game-clinching interception against the UCLA Bruins.
The Golden Gophers finished their 2025 regular season with a 7-5 record and await their bowl destination.
Join Gophers Nation for ELITE Minnesota coverage for 50% off!
GophersNation.com provides everything that passionate Minnesota fans expect and want: Wall-to-wall coverage of Gophers athletics and recruiting.
Join the Gophers Nation community and receive all the benefits that come with it:
- Elite team and recruiting coverage of the program you love.
- Interact with other passionate Gophers fans on our Inside Gophers Nation board
- Exclusive access to the Gophers Nation staff, who are always ready to answer your questions.
- Access to the premier network in college athletics (On3 + Rivals)
- Plus much more!
SIGN UP: Join GophersNation’s Minnesota community today for 50% off
