Hailey
In one of the most exciting games lately, Emporia State’s linebacker Landon Boss made waves with a dominating performance.
His plays were so impressive that he earned both conference and national honors. In this article, we’ll break down what he did, why it matters, and how his season is shaping up—all in simple, clear English.
Who Is Landon Boss?
Landon Boss hails from Osage City and plays linebacker for Emporia State University. In a recent game against Missouri Southern, he didn’t just play well—he stood out. His performance turned heads and won awards across the country.
Awards and Honors He Received
Conference Recognition
On Monday after the game, Boss was named MIAA Defensive Player of the Week, a conference-level honor showing he was the best defensive player that week in his league.
National Honors
He didn’t stop there. Boss also got national awards from several sources:
- D2Football.com
- Wayne Cavadi at NCAA.com
- Walter Camp Gridiron1880
He became the first Emporia State Hornet to earn the National Defensive Player of the Week award from D2Football.com since Jace McDown did it in 2018.
The Performance That Earned the Awards
Here’s a breakdown of what Boss did in that game against Missouri Southern:
| Stat | Number | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Tackles | 11 | Stopped many plays |
| Sacks | 4 | Broke through the offense line |
| Interceptions | 1 | Gave his team possession |
| Forced Fumbles | 1 | Created turnover chance |
| Opponent Rushing Yards | 47 | Helped his team hold them back |
- His first sack came at the end of the first half on third down. That stop forced Missouri Southern into attempting a 54-yard field goal—and they missed.
- His interception came in the third quarter, which energized Emporia State and led to a touchdown, pushing the lead to 28–7.
- Thanks to efforts like his, the Hornets defense held Missouri Southern to just 47 rushing yards all game.
Records and Rankings
Tying a School Record
The four sacks by Boss in that one game matched a school record from the Division II era. That mark was first set by Patrick Cook in 1995 and later tied by Gerard Clemons in 1997.
Leading in Key Stats
Right now, Boss is leading the MIAA in:
- Sacks
- Tackles for loss
- Solo tackles
He also ranks in the top ten nationally in those same categories. That consistency shows he’s not just having one great game—he’s having a great season.
What’s Next for Emporia State
The Hornets are not slowing down. Their next game is on Saturday, October 25, when they travel to face Central Oklahoma. The match will be at Richison Stadium in Edmond, Oklahoma, with kick-off at 7:00 p.m..
This is a big test. Opponents will know to watch out for Boss. Fans will wonder: Can he repeat a performance like that? Will the Hornet defense keep dominating?
Landon Boss’s performance against Missouri Southern was nothing short of spectacular. He recorded 11 tackles, 4 sacks, an interception, and a forced fumble—numbers that earned him both conference and national honors.
By tying a school record and dominating defensive stats, he has firmly established himself as one of the top defensive players in his league and among the best in the country.
With the next game coming up soon, all eyes will be on him to see if he can maintain this high standard. His rise shows what hard work, skill, and determination can bring in college sports.