Texas Longhorns wide receiver Xavier Worthy has been named the Big 12 Conference Special Teams Player of the Week for his outstanding performance against the BYU Cougars on Saturday. The conference office made the announcement on Monday, recognizing Worthy's exceptional contributions to the game. This is Worthy's first weekly conference award of the 2023 season and his second recognition throughout his college career.
Previously, Worthy received the Big 12 Newcomer of the Week award in September of 2021, further solidifying his impact on the field. Now, his incredible skills have once again been acknowledged by the conference.
In the game against the Cougars, the Texas Longhorns dominated with a resounding 35-6 victory at DKR Stadium in Austin. Worthy played a pivotal role in securing the win, making a remarkable 74-yard punt return for a touchdown in the first quarter.
This electrifying run not only put the Longhorns on the scoreboard but also marked the first punt return for a touchdown by a Longhorn since 2018. It now stands as the 10th-longest punt return yardage in the history of the Texas football program. Prior to this game, BYU had not allowed a punt return for a score since 2019, making Worthy's achievement even more impressive.
Aside from his special teams heroics, Worthy showcased his versatility as a receiver. Hailing from Fresno, California, he recorded four catches for a total of 27 yards. This further adds to his growing reputation as a reliable target in the Longhorns' offensive arsenal.
Worthy's performance against BYU extends his remarkable streak of catching completed passes to 33 consecutive games. This streak now stands as the fourth-longest in the history of the Texas Longhorn football program, cementing his status as a standout player.
Looking ahead, the Longhorns face a crucial challenge this upcoming weekend. They will be hosting the Kansas State Wildcats, the previous Big 12 champions, at DKR Stadium on Saturday morning. With the importance of conference wins in securing a spot in Arlington at the end of the season, both the Longhorns and the Wildcats will be vying for victory.
