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Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame and Jim Thorpe Association Proudly Reveal the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award 2026 Semifinalists

PAYC
  • The Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame & Jim Thorpe Association released 15 semifinalists for the 2026 Paycom Jim Thorpe Award representing six conferences & one independent university.
  • Semifinalists include 15 defensive backs selected by a screening committee based on performance, athletic ability, & character.
  • The 2026 semifinalist list features Kaleb Beasley (Louisville), KJ Bolden (Georgia), Peyton Bowen (Oklahoma), Austin Brawley (New Mexico), Jordan Castell (Kentucky), Bryce Fitzgerald (Miami), Robert Fitzgerald (Northwestern), Brent Gordon Jr. (Louisiana), Ashton Hampton (Clemson), Ta'Shawn James (UCLA), Kingston Lopa (California), Jalen Mayo (Houston), Jaylen McClain (Ohio State), Leonard Moore (Notre Dame), & Brice Pollock (Texas Tech).
  • Three award finalists will be selected on the Sunday before Thanksgiving & announced during a special ESPN presentation on Nov. 24.
  • The final winner is chosen by a national panel of over 250 sports writers, sportscasters, former players, & coaches.
  • The winner will be announced on Dec. 11 at The Home Depot College Football Awards broadcast by ESPN at 7 p.m. EST.
  • The 2026 Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Banquet honoring the winner will take place in Oklahoma City on Feb. 9, 2027.
  • The award recognizes the best defensive back in college football based on performance, athletic ability, & character & was established in 1986.
  • Paycom Software, Inc. has served as the exclusive sponsor of the award since May 2017.