Butler's Okemdi Eze has been named the Stats Perform FCS National Defensive Player of the Week. 
 
In a matchup of two of the three first-place teams in the Pioneer Football League, Eze was dominating as Butler downed St. Thomas 41-14. He set career highs in total tackles (nine), solo stops (eight) and tackles for loss (4.5), which included 1.5 sacks. 
 
He had two takeaways with a fumble recovery and an interception, and he forced another fumble and added a QB hurry that resulted in an incomplete pass. The interception was the first of his collegiate career and the ninth of the season for Butler.
 
The last time a Butler player was recognized nationally by Stats Perform was the 2022 season when Bret Bushka earned honorable mention following Butler's win over Dayton. 
 
The Bulldogs will now travel to Poughkeepsie, N.Y., this weekend to face the Marist Red Foxes. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m., with the game streaming live on ESPN+. The matchup marks Butler's final road contest of the season before the Bulldogs return home to close out the regular season on Nov. 21 against Morehead State. The Dawgs will celebrate Senior Day prior to kickoff.