Texas Tech University Athletics
Wisniewski tabbed to semifinalist list for top comeback players
December 03, 2025 | Football
Cole Wisniewski was one of 15 semifinalists for Comeback Player of the Year on Wednesday afternoon
LUBBOCK, Texas – Texas Tech senior safety Cole Wisniewski was recognized Wednesday as a semifinalist for the Comeback Player of the Year Award presented by the College Sports Communicators, the Associated Press and the Fiesta Sports Foundation.
Wisniewski was one of 15 semifinalists from across the country and one of four from the Big 12 Conference selected by the award, which has been presented since 2018 to the top student-athlete who has overcome injury, illness or other circumstances. The award is voted on by a panel of college football writers, editors and communications directors across the country with three winners being announced on Dec. 17.
In addition to Wisniewski, the award had Houston quarterback Conner Weigman and linebacker Corey Platt Jr. as well as Iowa State linebacker Caleb Bacon among its list of semifinalists. The list also included South Florida quarterback Byrum Brown, Boston College linebacker Bryce Steele, Miami quarterback Carson Beck, Miami linebacker Mohamed Toure, N.C. State linebacker Caden Fordham, Michigan State defensive back Armorion Smith, Arizona cornerback Treydan Stukes, Liberty cornerback Christian Bodnar, Notre Dame defensive line Boubacar Traore, Alabama linebacker Deontae Lawson and LSU linebacker Harold Perkins Jr.
Wisniewski has been one of the main catalysts behind a much-improved Red Raider defense this season from his safety position. The transfer from North Dakota State has started all 12 games for the Red Raiders, ranking third on the team with 67 tackles, including 5.0 for a loss and 1.0 sack. Wisniewski has also broken up five passes this season to go along with two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery for one of the nation's leaders in takeaways.
Texas Tech enters the Edward Jones Big 12 Championship this Saturday among the nation's defensive leaders after giving up only 11.3 points a game during the regular season. The Red Raiders currently rank third nationally in scoring allowed, sixth for total defense at 258.9 yards given up per game and then 27th for passing yards allowed (190.0), a drastic improvement that has pushed Texas Tech to an 11-1 record and No. 4 ranking by the College Football Playoff selection committee.
This is Wisniewski's first season back on the field after missing the entire 2024 campaign due to a foot injury while at North Dakota State. Wisniewski was previously a consensus first team FCS All-American as a junior with the Bison after leading all Division I players with eight interceptions. He also led NDSU with 92 tackles and five pass breakups to lead the Bison to the semifinal round of the FCS playoffs.
Wisniewski will look to help lead the Red Raiders to their first Big 12 title this Saturday when No. 4 Texas Tech faces No. 11 BYU at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. Kickoff is slated for 11 a.m. CT with coverage provided on ABC and the Texas Tech Sports Network.
