Following a three-interception performance in Southern Miss’ season-opening win over Alcorn State, defensive back Kobi Albert is being honored by the Sun Belt.
The conference announced its first slate of weekly awards for the 2026 season, naming Albert as its Defensive Player of the Week. Coastal Carolina quarterback Deuce Bailey was named Offensive Player of the Week, while Louisiana Tech return specialist Dedrick Latulas earned Special Teams Player of the Week honors.
Albert, a redshirt junior, intercepted Alcorn State quarterback Jaylon Tolbert three times in a 49-3 win on Saturday. It marked the second consecutive season the Golden Eagles have had a player record three interceptions in a game, with former defensive back Joshua Moten accomplishing the feat Nov. 8, 2025, against Arkansas State.
Albert also recorded a tackle as Southern Miss’ defense held Alcorn State to 223 yards of total offense, the fewest the Golden Eagles have allowed since 2021.
The performance was especially notable for Albert, as it marked his first career interceptions since his high school days in Birmingham, Ala. Despite registering seven tackles, 1.5 of which was for loss, during previous stops at Kentucky, Mississippi State, and UConn, Albert had never recorded an interception at the college level.
