There’s little argument to be made that Penn State would’ve claimed a 33-30 win at USC without tight end Tyler Warren and placekicker Ryan Barker. The Big Ten, understanding of their importance in Saturday’s victory, rightfully acknowledged the pair among its weekly award winners on Monday.
Warren, who tied an FBS tight end record with 17 receptions and set a Big Ten record with 224 receiving yards, was named the conference’s co-offensive player of the week alongside Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel. Barker, a walk-on who hit all four of his field-goal attempts including the walk-off winner in overtime, earned freshman of the week honors.
Warren was also named the Associated Press national player of the week for his record-setting performance against the Trojans, a game in which he took snaps at center, quarterback and tight end.
This is Barker’s first-career award. He has so far made all six of his field-goal attempts since replacing Sander Sahaydak as the Nittany Lions’ primary placekicker prior to a 27-11 win over UCLA on Oct. 5.
Warren is the first Penn State player to earn Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week honors since quarterback Drew Allar on Sept. 5, 2023.
Warren and Barker join defensive end Abdul Carter and safety Kevin Winston Jr. — who have each been named the conference’s defensive player of the week — on the list of Nittany Lions awarded weekly recognition by the conference this season.
