Bass, Betts Earn Conference Player of the Week Honors

EL DORADO, Kan. – Butler running back Markellus Bass and linebacker Justyce Betts have been named the Jayhawk Conference Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week following standout performances in the Grizzlies' 30–10 road win at Dodge City on Saturday.

The victory improved Butler to 6–3 overall and 4–2 in conference play.

Bass turned in a career day, rushing 17 times for 187 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 11.0 yards per carry. His highlight came on an 81‑yard scoring run in the fourth quarter. The sophomore earned his third Offensive Player of the Week honor this season and continues to lead the nation in rushing yards per game (125.2). Through nine contests, Bass has totaled 1,127 yards and eight touchdowns. Bass is the first 1,000 yard rusher for the Grizzlies since Azhuan Dingle eclipsed 1,195 yards in 2022. 

On the defensive side, Betts, a redshirt freshman from Kansas City, Kan., anchored the Grizzlies with 11 tackles (five solo, six assisted). He added one sack for a six‑yard loss and 2.5 tackles for loss totaling 12 yards. Betts leads the Jayhawk Conference in total tackles (83) and tackles per game (9.2), while ranking sixth nationally in total tackles.

The No. 10 ranked Butler Grizzlies will conclude their regular season this Saturday on the road in Fort Dodge, Iowa to face the No. 8 ranked Iowa Central Tritons, set for a noon kickoff. Tune into 1330 AM to hear Dennis Higgins on the call in Fort Dodge with the pregame show starting at 11:30 a.m.