Kingston Lopa of the University of California, Berkeley was honored as the Walter Camp National Defensive Player of the Week following his notable performance in Cal’s 21-18 victory over Syracuse on September 12, 2026. This distinction marks Lopa’s third weekly defensive recognition, having also been named ACC Defensive Back of the Week and Bednarik Award Player of the Week.
In the game versus Syracuse, Lopa recorded a career-best three interceptions, including a 24-yard interception return for a touchdown, which was the first pick-six of his career and the first by a Cal player since 2025. He also returned an interception 53 yards and totaled five tackles (four solo, one assisted), with two interceptions coming in the fourth quarter, playing a crucial role in Cal’s victory.
Lopa leads the nation with four total interceptions and averages two interceptions per game after adding an interception against UCLA in Week 1. He is the sixth Golden Bear and the first Cal defensive back to earn a Walter Camp national weekly honor, joining previous Cal recipients such as DeSean Jackson and Jared Goff.
A Sacramento native and Grant High School alumnus, Lopa transferred to Cal this season after two years at Oregon. Ranked the nation’s No. 8 safety in the 2026 transfer portal, he has immediately impacted the California Golden Bears football defense.
CSB Take
Kingston Lopa’s emergence as a defensive leader early in the 2026 season provides a significant boost to the University of California, Berkeley football program. His ability to generate turnovers and defensive touchdowns directly influences Cal’s competitiveness in close contests. Sustaining this level of play will be critical for the Golden Bears as they seek to build momentum and establish a strong defensive identity moving forward.
Source: Original report
