D'ARIUS CARMOUCHE CONTINUES TO MAKE HIS PRESENCE FELT AT UIW: TWO INTERCEPTIONS HIGHLIGHT DOMINANT PERFORMANCE AGAINST NORTHWESTERN STATE
When it comes to making plays on the football, D'Arius Carmouche is becoming a name opposing quarterbacks should think twice about targeting.
The senior cornerback for the University of the Incarnate Word Cardinals continues to put together an impressive season, showcasing his ball skills, instincts, and ability to change the momentum of a football game. His latest performance against Northwestern State on October 31 provided another example of why his name deserves attention.
Carmouche delivered a standout performance in UIW's 66-14 victory, making his presence felt in the secondary with two interceptions during the contest. Although one of those interceptions was wiped off the stat sheet because of a defensive penalty committed by a teammate, the playmaking ability was unmistakable.
His officially recorded interception was particularly impressive. Carmouche jumped a passing lane, secured the football, and returned it 29 yards for a touchdown, giving the Cardinals an early 14-0 advantage.
It was a momentum-changing play that immediately put Northwestern State on notice and helped establish the tone for the afternoon.
A Season Worth Watching
The performance against Northwestern State is part of a larger body of work that has made Carmouche one of the defensive players worth monitoring at UIW.
Entering the Northwestern State matchup, his season résumé included:
25 total tackles
2 interceptions
6 pass breakups
82.6 overall PFF defensive grade
80.7 PFF coverage grade
Those numbers reflected his ability to contribute in multiple areas of the game, particularly in coverage. His PFF defensive grade also ranked 28th among qualified cornerbacks nationally at the time of its October 30 update. <Cite refs={["turn981475search3"]}/>
More Than Just Statistics
What makes Carmouche particularly interesting is his ability to turn defensive opportunities into game-changing plays. Interceptions, pass breakups, and disciplined coverage are important components of playing cornerback, but the ability to create momentum and put points on the scoreboard separates impactful defensive backs from the rest.
His 29-yard pick-six against Northwestern State demonstrated that playmaking ability.
With UIW continuing its push through the 2026 season, Carmouche's performances are providing another reason to pay attention to the Cardinals' secondary.
The takeaway is simple: D'Arius Carmouche is making plays, creating turnovers, and putting together performances that deserve recognition.
One interception made the official stat sheet. The second was erased by a penalty. Neither changes the fact that Carmouche demonstrated the instincts and ball skills that coaches and evaluators look for in a difference-making defensive back.
His season is one worth keeping on the radar.