Walker Named MAC’s Sole Selection to Jim Thorpe Award Watch List
8/13/2026 2:05:00 PM | Football
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OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – Ohio safety DJ Walker was one of 35 players named to the 2026 Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Preseason Watch List, as announced by the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame. The award is presented annually to the top defensive back in college football.
Walker (Aliquippa, Pa.) returns after a strong 2025 campaign in which he served as a team captain and started all 13 games for the Bobcats. He finished the season with 61 tackles, including 37 solo stops and six tackles for loss, while recording two interceptions and one pass breakup. Walker recorded his first interception against Bowling Green on Sept. 27 before adding his second in Ohio's Scooter's Coffee Frisco Bowl victory over UNLV on Dec. 23.
Walker was the lone representative from the Mid-American Conference on the 2026 Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Preseason Watch List.
The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award recognizes the nation's top defensive back based on performance on the field, athletic ability and character. Established in 1986, the award is named after legendary all-around athlete Jim Thorpe, who excelled as a running back, passer and kicker while also making an impact as a defensive back.
The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award is regarded as one of the nation's premier individual honors in college football.
2026 Paycom Jime Thorpe Award Preseason Watch ListÂ
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#OUohyeahÂ
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – Ohio safety DJ Walker was one of 35 players named to the 2026 Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Preseason Watch List, as announced by the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame. The award is presented annually to the top defensive back in college football.
Walker (Aliquippa, Pa.) returns after a strong 2025 campaign in which he served as a team captain and started all 13 games for the Bobcats. He finished the season with 61 tackles, including 37 solo stops and six tackles for loss, while recording two interceptions and one pass breakup. Walker recorded his first interception against Bowling Green on Sept. 27 before adding his second in Ohio's Scooter's Coffee Frisco Bowl victory over UNLV on Dec. 23.
Walker was the lone representative from the Mid-American Conference on the 2026 Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Preseason Watch List.
The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award recognizes the nation's top defensive back based on performance on the field, athletic ability and character. Established in 1986, the award is named after legendary all-around athlete Jim Thorpe, who excelled as a running back, passer and kicker while also making an impact as a defensive back.
The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award is regarded as one of the nation's premier individual honors in college football.
2026 Paycom Jime Thorpe Award Preseason Watch ListÂ
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| Conference | Player | School |
|---|---|---|
| ACC | Ashton Hampton | Clemson |
| Bryce Fitzgerald | Miami | |
| Chris Peal | Syracuse | |
| Big 12 | Brice Pollock | Texas Tech |
| Faletau Satuala | BYU | |
| Jamel Johnson | TCU | |
| Big Ten | Amare Ferrell | Indiana |
| Brandon Finney Jr. | Oregon | |
| Jyaire Hill | Michigan | |
| Earl Little Jr. | Ohio State | |
| Koi Perich | Oregon | |
| CUSA | KT Seay | Delaware |
| Shamir Sterlin | FIU | |
| Tre'Quon Fegans | Jacksonville State | |
| Caleb Nix | Jacksonville State | |
| MAC | DJ Walker | Ohio |
| Mountain West | Roger Jones Jr. | Air Force |
| Austin Brawley | New Mexico | |
| Pac-12 | Simeon Harris | Fresno State |
| Jaden Mickey | Boise State | |
| Brevin Hamblin | Utah State | |
| SEC | Zabien Brown | Alabama |
| Bray Hubbard | Alabama | |
| Ellis Robinson IV | Georgia | |
| KJ Bolden | Georgia | |
| Kelley Jones | Mississippi State | |
| Jelani McDonald | Texas | |
| Sun Belt | Mario Easterly | Old Dominion |
| Chance Gamble | Georgia Southern | |
| Brent Gordon Jr. | Louisiana | |
| Daytione Smith | Marshall | |
| Independent | Leonard Moore | Notre Dame |
#OUohyeahÂ
Players Mentioned
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