15 College Defenders Named Thorpe Semifinalists

The Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame and Jim Thorpe Association named 15 players semifinalists for the 2026 Paycom Jim Thorpe Award, which honors college football’s top defensive back. Among them are Miami sophomore Bryce Fitzgerald, Ohio State safety Jaylen McClain and UCLA senior Ta’Shawn James. Fitzgerald has an interception, three pass breakups and 18 tackles in seven games, including a game-ending interception against Florida State; McClain has two interceptions and 32 tackles as Ohio State leads the nation in passing yards allowed per attempt; and James leads the Big Ten with four interceptions while recording 36 tackles. The semifinalists were selected based on on-field performance, athletic ability and character, and players not on the list remain eligible to become finalists. ESPN is scheduled to announce three finalists Nov. 24, with the winner to be revealed Dec. 11.