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Timir Hickman-Collins earns ACC honors following his unforgettable performance

Hickman-Collins' incredible performance against UConn earns him ACC weekly honors.
ByNick Delahanty
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Nov 7, 2026; East Hartford, Connecticut, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels defensive lineman David Jackson (94), linebacker Peyton Seelmann (10) and linebacker Timir Hickman-Collins (54) react after a play against the UConn Huskies in the second half at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
Nov 7, 2026; East Hartford, Connecticut, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels defensive lineman David Jackson (94), linebacker Peyton Seelmann (10) and linebacker Timir Hickman-Collins (54) react after a play against the UConn Huskies in the second half at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Timir Hickman-Collins entered Saturday's matchup against UConn with no collegiate interceptions to his name.

By the end of the afternoon, he had not only recorded his first career interception but also turned it into a touchdown, forced a fumble, and recovered another.

Now, he's adding another accomplishment to his growing résumé.

Hickman-Collins has been named ACC Linebacker of the Week after his outstanding performance against the Huskies, a well-deserved honor for a player who seemed involved in just about every significant defensive play.

Considering how his afternoon unfolded, it's hard to imagine a more fitting recipient.

Timir Hickman-Collins put together a performance to remember

The highlight of Hickman-Collins' afternoon came during the first quarter when he intercepted a UConn pass and returned it 62 yards for a touchdown.

It was the first interception of his collegiate career, and he couldn't have picked a better time. The defensive score gave UNC an early spark, showcasing the game-changing ability to shift a contest's momentum.

While the pick-six was nice, Hickman-Collins wasn't finished.

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The Tar Heel linebacker also forced and recovered a fumble, completing an impressive afternoon with three turnover-related contributions.

For a UNC defense that has had its share of struggles this season, a player stepping up to deliver such a dominant performance is encouraging.

It's one thing to make a spectacular play. It's another to consistently put yourself in a position to create opportunities for your team.

Hickman-Collins did both.

His performance also reminds us how valuable opportunistic defenders can be. While tackles and sacks often dominate conversations about linebackers, turnovers can have an even greater impact on a game's outcome.

That's precisely what Hickman-Collins brought to the table against UConn.

For Bill Belichick and the Tar Heels, the hope is that Saturday's performance marks another step forward for a defense seeking greater consistency.

As for Hickman-Collins, he'll certainly have a difficult time topping this particular outing.

Recording your first career interception, a defensive touchdown, multiple turnover contributions, and earning ACC weekly honors for your efforts: that's quite the week!

Now, what does Hickman-Collins have in mind for an encore presentation this upcoming week against Louisville?

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