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Jersey Number 5
Cole Wisniewski
- Position:
- Safety
- Height:
- 6-4
- Weight:
- 220
- Class:
- Senior
- Hometown:
- Sparta, Wis.
- High School:
- Sparta
CAREER AWARDS & HONORS
2025 SEASON (SIXTH-YEAR SENIOR)
PRIOR TO TEXAS TECH
HIGH SCHOOL
PERSONAL
- All-Big 12 Honorable Mention (2025, S-Sr.)
- Comeback Player of the Year Award Semifinalist (2025, S-Sr.)
- Shrine Bowl 1000 (2025, S-Sr.)
- Preseason DCTF All-Texas College second team (2025, S-Sr.)
- Preseason Phil Steele All-Big 12 second team (2025, S-Sr.)
- Preseason Athlon All-Big 12 second team (2025, S-Sr.)
- Phil Steele FCS Preseason All-America First Team (2024, S-Sr.)
- FCS Athletic Directors Association All-America Team (2023, Sr.)
- AFCA FCS All-America First Team (2023, Sr.)
- Stats Perform FCS All-America First Team (2023, Sr.)
- AP FCS All-America First Team (2023, Sr.)
- Phil Steele FCS All-America First Team (2023, Sr.)
- Walter Camp FCS All-America Team (2023, Sr.)
- All-MVFC First Team (2023, Sr.)
- Two-Time NCAA Elite 90 Award Winner (2022-23, Jr./Sr.)
- CSC Academic All-America First Team (2023, Sr.)
- MVFC Scholar-Athlete of the Year (2023, Sr.)
- Two-Time MVFC Commissioner's Academic Excellence Award (2021-22, So./Jr.)
2025 SEASON (SIXTH-YEAR SENIOR)
- Veteran presence for the Red Raiders in the secondary during his lone season at Texas Tech … praised by the Texas Tech staff for his ability to prevent explosive plays and his tackling ability … completed bounce back from 2024 injury at North Dakota State by starting in all 14 games at safety during his lone season as a Red Raider … was one of eight Red Raiders on the defensive side of the ball to start in all 14 games and one of 15 players on the team to do so.
- Finished as Texas Tech’s third-leading tackler with 78 stops (38 solo), which led all defensive backs and only trailed linebackers Jacob Rodriguez (128) and Ben Roberts (90) … one of four Red Raiders with 70-plus tackles on the season, marking the first time Texas Tech has do so since 2015 … the Red Raiders were joined by Arizona as the only Big 12 programs with four or more players with 70-plus tackles and one of 17 schools nationally to do so.
- Well regarded for ability to contribute to the rush defense with 6.0 tackles for loss and 1.0 sack … marked the most tackles for loss in a season during his collegiate career … part of a Red Raider defense that ultimately led the country with only 68.1 rushing yards allowed per game.
- Broke up six passes in the secondary, all against Big 12 opponents … contributed to Texas Tech’s FBS-leading 32 takeaways with two forced fumbles on the year and a fumble recovery … his six pass breakups on the season were a career high … was also the first time in his career to combine for three forced fumbles or fumble recoveries.
- Recorded at least one tackle in all 14 games and had multiple stops in 13 of those contests … eclipsed five or more stops 10 times, with all but one coming against Big 12 foes or in the Capital One Orange Bowl versus Oregon … averaged 7.1 tackles per game during Big 12 play alone with one double-digit performance in the regular-season win over BYU.
- Received an 83.9 overall grade by Pro Football Focus, which featured an 87.3 grade in rush defense and an 80.6 grade in coverage … among the highest-rated safeties in the country, ranking 19th for his overall PFF grade and tied for 12th for his rush defense grade (min. 500 defensive snaps) … credited with 808 defensive snaps by PFF, easily the most in his career … publication listed him with 27 “stop” tackles that result in a failed play for the offense … was tied for fifth on the team for “stop” tackles and led all defensive backs.
- AWARDS AND HONORS: an honorable mention All-Big 12 selection by the conference coaches … tabbed a semifinalist for the Comeback Player of the Year Award presented by the College Sports Communicators (CSC) … recognized for his potential at the pro level as a member of the Shrine Bowl 1,000 list prior to the season.
- SEASON HIGHLIGHTS:
- Combined for three tackles in the two blowout wins to start the season with one stop and a forced fumble versus Arkansas-Pine Bluff (8/30) and two tackles against Kent State (9/6) … forced fumble against Pine Bluff came on a key fourth-down stop midway through the second quarter that was recovered by the Golden Lions but still resulted in a turnover on downs … one of his two tackles versus Kent State went for a 1-yard loss on final play before halftime.
- Recorded eight tackles in back-to-back games against Oregon State (9/13) and at Utah (9/20) in the Big 12 opener … performance versus the Beavers include his lone sack of the season, which came on a third-down stop to close the third quarter … part of 1.5 tackles for loss in the win after previously sharing a tackle for loss with Dontae Balfour late in the second quarter … combined with Brendan Jordan for a key fourth-down stop on Utah’s second drive of the game.
- Followed with four tackles in the win at Houston (10/4) and then five versus Kansas (10/11) … the win over th Jayhawks began a streak of four-consecutive games with a pass breakup, following with one at Arizona (10/18) and Kansas State (11/1) and two versus Oklahoma State (10/25) … pass breakup on a deep pass to Jaylon Tyson led to a third-down stop and an Arizona State field goal for an early 6-0 lead … first of his two pass breakups versus Oklahoma State led to a third-down stop to start the second quarter … combined with Jayden Cofield to stop the Cowboys’ fourth-down attempt the following play.
- Added his second forced fumble of the year in the win over Oklahoma State as well, knocking loose a rushing attempt that was recovered by Charles Esters III midway through the third quarter … forced fumble was part of seven tackles in Texas Tech’s first of two shutout wins during Big 12 play.
- Performance was sandwiched around two six-tackle outings on the road at Arizona State and Kansas State … recorded one tackle for loss against the Sun Devils and then a career high 2.0 in the win over the Wildcats … also recovered a key fumble against Kansas State, which came via a punchout from Jacob Rodriguez on the Wildcats’ first drive of the second half … the Red Raiders took over near midfield, finding the end zone three plays later for a 19-7 lead.
- Set a season high with 10 tackles in the regular-season win over BYU (11/8) … finished one stop shy of his career high that was set three times previously while at North Dakota State … combined for that same total over the final two games of the regular season with seven tackles in the Senior Day win over UCF (11/15) and three at West Virginia (11/29).
- Catalyst for a strong defensive performance in the Edward Jones Big 12 Championship with five tackles and a pass breakup against BYU (12/6) … pass breakup on third down forced a BYU punt late in the third quarter, which followed Texas Tech’s one-play touchdown drive for a 21-7 lead … closed the season with six tackles, including one for a loss, in the Capital One Orange Bowl versus Oregon (1/1).
- POSTSEASON ALL-STAR GAMES: one of two Red Raiders to participate in the East-West Shrine Bowl, taking part in the weeklong practice sessions in front of NFL personnel … started at safety for the East squad, finishing with a tackle and a game-high two pass breakups … was the safety selection to the All-Practice Team selected for the East squad.
PRIOR TO TEXAS TECH
- Arrived at Texas Tech following five years at FCS powerhouse North Dakota State … member of Bison's roster during 2021 and 2024 national championship seasons ... enters his sixth season as a collegiate athlete after starting his career as a linebacker for NDSU in 2020 before moving to a safety after the 2022 season … extended collegiate career initially into 2024 by utilizing the 2020 blanket waiver from COVID … missed the entire 2024 season after suffering a foot injury during summer workouts … retained season of eligibility having never utilized a redshirt previously.
- Participated in 47 games with 19 starts throughout four seasons (2020-23) on the field for the Bison ... made 194 tackles (114 solo) over his career, including 5.5 that went for a loss and 1.0 sack … recorded at least 20 tackles in each of his four seasons, finishing with a career-high 92 stops during his 2023 FCS All-America campaign … built a reputation as a ballhawk during his NDSU career with eight interceptions to go along with three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.
- Among the most-decorated players in program history as a consensus FCS All-American in 2023 … garnered All-Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC) accolades that season as well … recognized for his work in the classroom as well as a member of the CSC Academic All-America first team in 2023 and a two-time recipient of the prestigious NCAA Elite 90 Award.
- Credited with appearing in 1,479 defensive snaps by Pro Football Focus during his career with the Bison … was among the publication’s top performing safeties each of the last three seasons, grading at 76.0 or higher overall, including a 93.0 grade in 2023 that led the FCS … created 20 pressures over his career with one sack, nine quarterback hits and 20 additional hurries per PFF … also a regular on special teams with 326 snaps over his career with experience on all five teams.
- 2024 SEASON (FIFTH-YEAR SENIOR at NDSU): redshirt season … missed the entire season after suffering a foot injury during summer workouts … garnered FCS preseason All-America honors by multiple outlets (Phil Steele, Stats Perform) as well as preseason All-MVFC first team honors.
- 2023 SEASON (SENIOR at NDSU): tabbed a consensus first team FCS All-American in his first year playing safety for the Bison … earned first team All-MVFC honors after starting and playing in 14 of 15 games, missing only a home date with Western Illinois (10/21) due to injury midway through the season … helped push NDSU to the semifinal round of the NCAA FCS playoffs where the Bison fell to No. 2 Montana in double overtime.
- Led all Division I players with eight interceptions, tying the Missouri Valley Football Conference and NDSU single-season records ... matched the NDSU school record that was previously set by Frank Esposito in 1953 … also led NDSU with 92 tackles (49 solo) and five pass breakups … total included 2.0 tackles for loss and one forced fumble.
- Recorded multiple stops in 13 of 14 games overall and was in double digits in four different contests for tackles … notched a career-high 11 tackles in the season opener against Eastern Washington (9/2) at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis to earn MVFC Defensive Player of the Week honors … matched that total two more times on the season at South Dakota State (11/4) and in the FCS semifinal round at Montana (12/16) … posted 10 tackles and had a 75-yard interception return for a touchdown in a key road win over Northern Iowa (11/18) in the regular season finale … earned MVFC Defensive Player of the Week honors after both the Eastern Washington and Northern Iowa games.
- Performance against Eastern Washington also included his first career interception, which was returned 39 yards to end the first half … followed with two interceptions the next week versus Maine (9/9) … matched that total with two interceptions at South Dakota (12/9) in the FCS playoffs to tie the MVFC and NDSU single-season records … other two interceptions on the year outside the one returned for a touchdown against Northern Iowa came at Missouri State (10/7) and Montana State (12/2) … went 64 into Missouri State territory on his interception in the red zone late in the third quarter.
- Considered the highest-graded defensive player at the FCS level with a 93.0 overall grade from Pro Football Focus … publication lauded his performance with an 88.4 grade in rush defense, an 80.5 grade as a tackler and an impressive 91.8 grade in coverage … credited with 688 defensive snaps and an additional 90 on special teams … targeted 40 times in the passing game with only 19 of those resulting in a completion.
- Voted the MVFC Scholar-Athlete of the Year in addition to earning MVFC Scholar-Athlete first team honors ... was a finalist for the Doris Robinson Award, presented annually to the FCS Scholar-Athlete of the Year ... selected to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-America® Division I football first team ... named to the FCS Athletic Directors Association Academic All-Star Team ... tabbed a finalist for one of two FCS ADA postgraduate scholarships.
- 2022 SEASON (JUNIOR at NDSU): limited to only eight games as a junior after missing the first seven contests due to injury … played a significant role over the final eight games, making one start, which came in the FCS national championship game against South Dakota State … marked the fewest games played in a season over his tenure at NDSU.
- Recorded 27 tackles (14 solo) on the season to go along with a fumble recovery … best performance of the year came with eight stops and a fumble recovery in the FCS second round win over Montana (12/3) … fumble recovery came in the endzone for a touchdown, giving NDSU a 21-10 lead with less than a minute remaining before halftime … was one of seven games with multiple stops on the year.
- Named the NCAA Elite 90 award winner for the second-consecutive year after boasting the highest GPA of all the participants in the 2023 NCAA Division I Football Championship Game ... named to the MVFC Commissioner's Academic Excellence Award list and MVFC Honor Roll for third-consecutive season.
- 2021 SEASON (SOPHOMORE at NDSU): played in all 15 games with two starts as a sophomore, ranking fourth on the team with 53 total tackles, including 2.5 for a loss and the lone sack of his NDSU career … added two forced fumbles and two pass breakups as well … made his two starts against Valparaiso (9/11) early in the regular season and against Southern Illinois (12/4) in the second round of the FCS playoffs.
- Made at least one tackle in all 15 contests with multiple stops in 11 different games … finished tied for second on the team with six tackles on special teams … recorded a season-high eight tackles midway through the season against Missouri State (10/23) … previously had six stops, including his first career sack, a few weeks earlier against Northern Iowa (10/9) … forced two fumbles late in the season at Youngstown State (11/13) and against Southern Illinois (12/4), finishing with four stops in both games.
- Recognized as the NCAA Elite 90 award winner with the highest GPA at the 2022 NCAA Division I Football Championship Game ... also honored for his work in the classroom as part of the MVFC Honor Roll for the second-consecutive season … earned the MVFC Commissioner's Academic Excellence Award and MVFC All-Academic honorable mention accolades.
- 2020 SEASON (FRESHMAN at NDSU): played in all 10 games as a true freshman in season that was extended into the spring of 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic ... started both NCAA playoff games against Eastern Washington (4/24) and Sam Houston (5/2) in place of injured teammate James Kaczor ... made a career-high nine tackles in the win over EWU ... followed that performance with six tackles in the quarterfinal loss at Sam Houston ... finished the year with 22 total tackles, including one for a loss ... led NDSU with seven special teams tackles, including five stops on kickoff coverage ... named to the Missouri Valley Football Conference Honor Roll.
HIGH SCHOOL
- Attended Sparta High School in his hometown of Sparta, Wisc. … was a three-year starter at the prep level and a team captain his senior year … two-way player as a quarterback and safety for coach Adam Dow … led the Spartans to their first playoff win in school history during prep career.
- Named the Defensive Player of the Year for his conference and an honorable mention All-State defensive back as a senior with 75 total tackles, two sacks, two interceptions and a pair of forced fumbles and recoveries ... a three-time All-Conference quarterback, earning first-team honors his final two seasons ... accounted for 68 total touchdowns and 5,400 all-purpose yards in his career ... set school records for rushing yards and rushing touchdowns, single-season and career total touchdowns and single-season completion percentage ...
- Multi-sport athlete as a member of the basketball and track and field programs … voted a team captain for the basketball program in addition to football.
PERSONAL
- Cole Wisniewski ... married his wife Keely Wisniewski in September 2023 ... son of Tom Wisniewski and Corina Koch ... has an older brother, Ryan, who played wide receiver at D-III Wisconsin-Whitewater and was a NFF Campbell Trophy semifinalist.
- Earned bachelor's degree in business administration from North Dakota State ... enrolled in post-baccalaureate courses at Texas Tech.
What's Next! With Joey McGuire: Episode 36
Tuesday, March 17
I Am: Austin Romaine
Monday, March 16
Joey McGuire Media Session
Tuesday, March 10
Ben Roberts Media Session
Tuesday, March 10
