Porter and Togafau Earn Mountain West Honors
The Mountain West conference named the pair to weekly honors following the Rebels' win over North Dakota State.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Football
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UNLV defensive players Andre Porter and Kal-El Togafau secured weekly conference awards after a narrow 13-7 victory over North Dakota State. Porter became the third Rebel to earn the defensive award this season following a standout performance that included a pick-six.
Why it matters
The recognition reflects the impact of the Rebels' defensive unit, which successfully halted multiple North Dakota State drives and secured three interceptions to preserve the team's victory. This performance highlights the defense's role in the team's current trajectory as they move through the conference schedule.
The conference recognized three Rebels as defensive players of the week this season, while the team recorded three interceptions and two sacks in their recent 13-7 win. The victory was bolstered by Kal-El Togafau, who finished the game with six tackles.
The players
Andre Porter
UNLV defensive player who was named Mountain West Defensive Player of the Week.
Kal-El Togafau
UNLV football player who was named Mountain West Freshman of the Week.
The details
Andre Porter keyed the defensive effort by recording a sack that forced a fumble and a 23-yard interception return for a touchdown. The defense held firm throughout the game, preventing North Dakota State from converting two crucial fourth-down attempts. These individual honors follow the team's collective defensive success in the low-scoring contest.
Timeline
• October 10, 2026: UNLV played North Dakota State.
• October 12, 2026: The Mountain West announced the weekly football awards.
Beyond the Strip
The Rebels' ability to secure a win against North Dakota State carries historical weight, echoing the 2007 matchup where the Bison shut out Utah at home. This result marks a distinct defensive shift from that well-documented historical precedent.
Fans tracking the Rebels' season can look for continued defensive output from Porter and Togafau in the upcoming conference matchups. Check the official athletic schedule for the next home game date and kickoff time.
The takeaway
The Rebels' defense has proven capable of winning low-scoring games through high-impact plays like Porter's pick-six. Fans should watch for how this defensive intensity carries over into the next conference game.
Further reading
Follow the latest team developments and game coverage on the Las Vegas Football page.
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