Northwestern Star Earns Second-Highest Safety Grade in Week 1

Damon Walters wasted no time making his presence felt in his return to the Northwestern secondary.

After being limited to just three games last season because of a season-ending injury, Walters returned to the field Saturday night and delivered one of the biggest defensive performances of Northwestern’s 34-18 win over South Dakota State.

Now, his performance has earned national recognition.

Pro Football Network graded Walters at 99.1, giving him the second-highest grade among all safeties in Week 1. Only Buffalo’s Miles Greer, who received a 99.3 grade, ranked ahead of Walters.

For Northwestern, it was another sign that Walters can be an important piece of the defense moving forward.

Walters entered the season with plenty to prove after an injury cut his 2025 season short.

The fourth-year defensive back appeared in only three games last season and recorded three tackles.

The year before, Walters made an immediate impact as a first-year player, totaling 42 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, two pass breakups, one interception and one fumble recovery while earning All-Big Ten honorable mention recognition. 

His return against South Dakota State looked much more like the player Northwestern saw in 2024.

Walters finished the night with nine tackles, one interception and one pass breakup, providing a steady presence in the secondary throughout the game. But his biggest moment came late in the fourth quarter.

South Dakota State had just scored a touchdown to cut Northwestern’s lead to 20-18 with 8:16 remaining.

Instead of kicking the extra point, the Jackrabbits went for two, giving themselves an opportunity to tie the game.

Walters ended that opportunity.

He intercepted the two-point attempt, keeping Northwestern in front and giving the Wildcats’ offense a chance to respond.

That play proved massive.

Aidan Chiles scored on a 14-yard rushing touchdown on Northwestern’s ensuing drive, extending the lead to 27-18 before Joseph Himon II later put the game away with an 80-yard touchdown run.

Walters’ interception did not show up as another point on the scoreboard, but it completely changed the game’s momentum.

Walters’ performance was part of an aggressive defensive effort that also included two sacks and 13 passes defended.

The Wildcats were not perfect, allowing South Dakota State to gain 432 total yards and create several explosive plays. However, Northwestern repeatedly found ways to make winning plays when the Jackrabbits entered scoring territory, allowing just one touchdown on five red-zone trips. 

Walters was right in the middle of that effort.

His ability to make plays in coverage while also contributing as a tackler gives Northwestern another experienced piece in the back end of its defense.

After missing most of last season, returning with a nine-tackle performance and the second-highest safety grade in the country for Week 1 is an encouraging start.

And perhaps most importantly, Walters showed he can be trusted in the moments when Northwestern needs someone to make a play.

The Wildcats will have a bye week before returning to action against Colorado on Sept. 19. If Walters can continue playing at this level, his return could become one of the biggest boosts to Northwestern’s defense throughout the 2026 season.