PRINCETON, N.J.—Columbia senior defensive back Ben Mathiasmeier was named the Ivy League Football Defensive Player of the Week, the conference office announced Monday morning.
 
In Columbia's 35-24 win over Georgetown on Saturday, Mathiasmeier intercepted a career-high two passes, made six tackles and broke up a pass. With Georgetown driving down the field, Mathiasmeier picked off a pass and returned it 68 yards to the Georgetown eight-yard line in the third quarter, where the Lions scored on a 1-yard run by quarterback Ty Lenhart. It marked Mathiasmeier's fourth career interception and longest return of his career. Then, later in the game, he intercepted another pass, his fifth career interception to seal the game. The last time Columbia had a player intercept two passes in a game was Justin Woodley on Oct. 4, 2017 vs. Penn.
 
On Sunday, Mathiasmeier was also named the College Sports Madness Ivy League Defensive Player of the Week.
 
An All-Ivy League safety and team captain, Mathiasmeier ranks second on the team in tackles with 12 (10 solo), registered 1.0 tackle for loss, two interceptions, and a pass breakup in 2021. In his four-year, 32-game career, he has made 109 tackles (68 solo), intercepted five passes, totaled 5.5 tackles for loss, and recovered two fumbles. Should Mathiasmeier see action in all 10 games in 2021, he would tie a school-record for most games played in a career with 40. Only six players in school history have played in 40 games at Columbia.
 
Columbia (2-0, 0-0 Ivy League) begins Ivy League play when it travels to Princeton (2-0, 0-0 Ivy League) for a Saturday contest at Princeton Stadium. Kickoff is at 1 p.m. ET for game that will be televised live on SNY, ESPN+ and NBC Sports Philly.