Football | October 26, 2026

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Austin Peay State University freshman wide receiver and returner Denver Harper has been named United Athletic Conference Freshman of the Week for the week of Oct. 26, 2026. 

Harper hauled in six catches for 98 yards and a score at North Alabama in Austin Peay's 27-21 victory against the Lions on Saturday; he also returned two punts for 21 yards. His 41-yard touchdown reception late in the third quarter proved to be deciding score, putting Austin Peay up 24-21 heading into the final 15 minutes of play. 

Harper has now earned a trio of UAC Freshman of the Week honors this season; he also earned weekly honors for Sept. 14 and Oct. 5, earning UAC Specialist of the Week honors for the Oct. 5 performance as well. He is the first Gov to earn three Freshman of the Week honors in one season since Drae McCray shared the last three Ohio Valley Conference Freshman of the Week awards for the 2021 season. 

A Jerry Rice Award Watch List honoree last week, Harper has 870 all-purpose yards this season and seeks to become the first freshman since McCray in 2021 with more than 1,000 all-purpose yards in his freshman campaign.

Now enjoying the bye week, the Govs are back in action Saturday, Nov. 7 at Fortera Stadium to take on Eastern Kentucky. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. 

Season and single-game tickets are on sale now by calling 931-221-PEAY. For news, updates, and future ticket information, follow Govs football on X (@GovsFB), Instagram (@GovsFootball), and Facebook, or stay tuned here at LetsGoPeay.com.

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