Austin Peay Quarterback Chris Parson Named Tri-Star CFB Player of the Week
Photo Credit: @GovsFB
Austin Peay Quarterback Chris Parson has been named the Tri-Star Network's College Football Player of the Week following a dominant performance in the Governors' 63-7 victory over Morehead State.
Parson completed 12 of his 15 passes for 260 yards and three touchdowns, averaging an explosive 21.7 yards per completion. The Brentwood native needed only two quarters to lead Austin Peay to a 49-7 lead over the Eagles.
Morehead State actually struck first, completing an 11-play, 75-yard touchdown drive to take an early 7-0 lead over the Governors. That advantage almost instantly evaporated.
On Austin Peay's first offensive snap, Parson connected with wide receiver Denver Harper on a touch pass that was taken 72 yards for a touchdown. It was the beginning of an offensive avalanche as the Governors scored 63 unanswered points and carried a 49-7 lead into halftime, ending Parson's day early.
Parson's final two touchdowns were both in the second quarter. The first came on a quick three-play drive that resulted in a 1-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Jaden Robinson. He then reconnected with Harper for a 31-yard score, marking the fourth touchdown connection between the quarterback-receiver duo through just three games.
While Austin Peay's entire offense produced explosive plays, Parson was the one directing the attack. The performance was a perfect response following the Governors' 28-9 loss to Vanderbilt one week earlier. Austin Peay managed only 178 total yards against the much larger Commodores, with Parson limited to 116 passing yards while facing consistent pressure.
Parson entered 2026 as the United Athletic Conference Preseason Offensive Player of the Year. Last season Parson held a 63.2% completion rate, throwing for over 3,000 yards and 23 touchdowns with just five interceptions. The two years prior to that? Parson was at Mississippi State.
During his time in Starkville, Parson had the chance to face elite SEC competition. This experience is showcased every time Parson is behind center. While his Vanderbilt performance wasn't anything to write home about, not once did he look nervous or intimidated. This was especially evident on the Governors' first offensive drive, when Parson connected with Denver Harper for a 24-yard touchdown pass that gave Austin Peay an early 6-3 lead over the Commodores.
On Saturday, that experience and composure were paired with overwhelming production. Parson's accuracy, explosiveness, and command of the offense made him the clear choice for this week's Tri-Star honor.
For leading Austin Peay's 49-point first-half performance with 260 passing yards and three touchdowns, Chris Parson is the Tri-Star CFB Player of the Week.