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Jim Thorpe Award announces 2026 preseason watch list
The Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame and the Jim Thorpe Association have announced the 2026 Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Preseason Watch List. The list features 35 of the nation's top defensive backs, representing 10 conferences and one independent university.
Among the notable selections are three representatives from the Big 12 Conference: BYU safety Faletau Satuala, TCU safety Jamel Johnson, and Texas Tech cornerback Brice Pollock. Additionally, Mississippi State cornerback Kelley Jones has been named to the list.
The award, established in 1986, recognizes the best defensive back in college football based on on-field performance, athletic ability, and character. Following the preseason announcement, a screening committee will name semifinalists on October 27 and finalists on November 24. The winner will be announced on December 11.
Entities
Faletau Satuala · Jamel Johnson · Jim Thorpe Association · Kelley Jones · Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 4 SOURCES] The 2026 Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Preseason Watch List has been announced. byucougars.com · gofrogs.com · hailstate.com · texastech.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Semifinalists for the award will be announced on October 27, with finalists named on November 24. hailstate.com · texastech.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Mississippi State cornerback Kelley Jones was named to the Jim Thorpe Award Preseason Watch List. hailstate.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The preseason watch list includes 35 defensive backs representing 10 conferences and one independent university. gofrogs.com · hailstate.com · texastech.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The winner of the Jim Thorpe Award will be announced on December 11. hailstate.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] TCU safety Jamel Johnson was named to the Jim Thorpe Award Preseason Watch List. gofrogs.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] BYU safety Faletau Satuala was named to the Jim Thorpe Award Preseason Watch List. byucougars.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Texas Tech cornerback Brice Pollock was named to the Jim Thorpe Award Preseason Watch List. texastech.com