Oct 14, 2023; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers safety Preston Zachman (14) during the game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Wisconsin Badgers defensive leader recognized for exceptional Week 1 performance

Originally posted on Wisconsin Badgers on SI
By Cam Wilhorn | Last updated Sep 1, 2025 2:09 PM ET

Wisconsin's defense delivered its first shutout of the Luke Fickell era, dominating Miami Ohio's offense for all 60 minutes of Thursday's 17-0 season-opening victory

Safety Preston Zachman was at the center of the Badgers defensive attack, coming up with a pair of fourth quarter interceptions. He was targeted three times in the game and didn't allow a single catch.

His efforts were enough to be named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week. Per a release, Zachman is the only Power 4 player with multiple interceptions this season as of Sunday, Aug. 31.

Preston Zachman is the B1G Defensive Player of the Week!@ZachmanPreston x #OnWisconsin pic.twitter.com/wAf9uVbIzc
— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) September 1, 2025

Zachman becomes the first Badgers player to earn the honor since safety Hunter Wohler in 2023.

His first interception came with eight minutes in the fourth quarter, when Zachman jumped in front of an in-breaking route by Deion Colzie to pick off Dequan Finn's pass.

He nearly returned it for a score, but he was ruled out of bounds at the two yard line. The turnover set up a score by Danny O'Neil on a QB sneak to extend the lead to 17-0.

The second pick secured the win, ranging all the way over to the left sideline to intercept a pass that would have put the Redhawks inside of the 10 yard line if completed.

Wisconsin #Badgers safety Preston Zachman has been named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week after his 2-INT game vs. Miami (OH). pic.twitter.com/AR9SqYigyA
— Dillon Graff (@DillonGraff) September 1, 2025

With one FBS game left to play, Zachman is the eighth highest graded defensive player from Week 1, according to Pro Football Focus.

His 93.7 grade was second at the safety position.

Wisconsin Safety Preston Zachman in Week 1:

24 Coverage Snaps
Zero Catches Allowed (3 Targets)
2 Interceptions
92.3 Coverage Grade@BadgerFootball pic.twitter.com/wSJwmy0Md3
— PFF College (@PFF_College) August 29, 2025

Zachman, entering his sixth collegiate season, started in all 12 of the Badgers' games last season. He finished the year with two interceptions, the same number of interceptions he tallied in 2023.

With two interceptions in Week 1, he is on pace to shatter his previous best in the category. Thursday's win also marked his first game with multiple interceptions.