California Golden Bears football safety Kingston Lopa earned the Bednarik Award National Player of the Week honor announced by the Maxwell Football Club on September 15, 2026. The award followed Lopa’s outstanding performance in Cal’s 21-18 victory over Syracuse on September 12.
Lopa recorded three interceptions in that game, a career-best and the first three-interception game by a California player since Jaylinn Hawkins’ feat in the 2018 Cheez-It Bowl. He returned one interception 24 yards for a touchdown, the first pick-six of his career and the first by a Cal player since Nohl Williams in 2025.
With four total interceptions through two games, Lopa leads the nation in interceptions overall and per game. Against Syracuse, he also added five tackles, including four solo stops. A Sacramento native who attended Grant High School, Lopa transferred to Cal in 2026 after two years at Oregon, having been rated the nation’s No. 8 safety and No. 145 overall player in the transfer portal.
CSB Take
Kingston Lopa’s standout early-season performance demonstrates his immediate impact on the California Golden Bears’ defense and highlights a successful transition from Oregon. His playmaking ability, including multiple interceptions and a touchdown return, was critical in a narrow win over Syracuse. Lopa’s strong start positions him as a defensive standout to watch throughout the 2026 season.
Source: Original report
