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A Game Saving Block Earns Blake Herold an Award
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- A Game Saving Block Earns Blake Herold an Award
(IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Kansas Jayhawks defensive tackle Blake Herold is receiving recognition across the Big 12 after delivering one of the biggest plays of the team's season. Herold was named the conference's Special Teams Player of the Week on Monday after blocking a potential game-winning field goal in Kansas' 25-24 victory over Baylor on Saturday.
The honor marks the first Big 12 Player of the Week award of Herold's career. His crucial play helped Kansas secure its first victory over Baylor since 2007, ending a 14-game losing streak against the Bears and giving the Jayhawks their first conference win of the 2026 season.
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According to the official Kansas Athletics announcement , Herold blocked Baylor kicker Rhett Armstrong's 45-yard field-goal attempt with 22 seconds remaining. The kick would have potentially given Baylor the lead, but Herold's effort preserved Kansas' one-point advantage and sealed a memorable Homecoming victory.
The moment capped a dramatic fourth quarter for the Jayhawks, who entered the final period trailing 21-10. Kansas scored 15 points in the fourth quarter, including quarterback Isaiah Marshall's 15-yard touchdown run with 1:13 remaining, to take a 25-24 lead.
Baylor still had an opportunity to steal the game. The Bears moved down the field and positioned themselves for Armstrong's long field-goal attempt, putting the outcome in the hands of Kansas' special teams unit.
Herold came through when the pressure was highest.
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The defensive tackle had already been involved in two earlier extra-point attempts, with the ball striking him before eventually going through the uprights. Rather than allowing those moments to discourage him, Herold remained aggressive and delivered when the game was on the line.
The Big 12 Conference's weekly awards announcement recognized Herold alongside Oklahoma State kicker Sam Keltner as the conference's Special Teams Players of the Week.
Kansas' performance on special teams has been an important part of its season. The Jayhawks have blocked four field goals in 2026, the second-highest total nationally, and their most in a single season since 2013.
Herold's recognition also highlights the importance of contributions beyond traditional defensive statistics. While defensive linemen often receive attention for sacks and tackles, his game-saving block demonstrated how one special teams play can determine the outcome of a rivalry matchup.
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The KU Sports recap detailed how Herold's persistence helped deliver the dramatic finish.
Kansas will now look to carry that momentum into its next Big 12 matchup against TCU on Saturday, Oct. 31. After helping secure one of the Jayhawks' most memorable victories of the season, Herold has earned recognition as one of the conference's standout performers.
