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The semifinalists for the Jim Thorpe Award have been announced, and the list includes 4 SEC stars.
A total of 15 players earned recognition as semifinalists on Tuesday. This award is given out annually to the nation’s top defensive back.
Texas’s Jahdae Barron, South Carolina’s Nick Emmanwori, Tennessee’s Jermod McCoy and Georgia’s Malaki Starks all made the cut.
Here’s the official announcement:
THEY CAME TO DOMINATE 🏆 15 of the nation’s best defensive backs named @Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Semifinalists #thorpeaward The field is wide open, so play on.
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Jahdae Barron @TexasFootball , Jalen Catalon @unlvfootball , Tacario Davis @ArizonaFBall , Caleb Downs @OhioStateFB… pic.twitter.com/nNmdsVsu0B— Paycom Jim Thorpe Award (@jimthorpeaward) October 29, 2024
Barron so far this season has 3 interceptions, 6 pass deflections and a fumble recovery. He’s been one of the most disruptive defenders on a Texas stop unit that ranks No. 1 nationally in yards per play allowed.
Emmanwori has an SEC-best 4 interceptions so far this season. It’s been a breakout campaign for the junior DB in that regard, as Emmanwori entered the season with just 2 career picks. Of his 4 interceptions so far in 2024, 2 have been returned for touchdowns.
McCoy is in his first season at Tennessee and he’s already had a big impact on the Vols. He has 2 interceptions so far this season, including one of the most consequential picks in any SEC game so far this year. He picked off Jalen Milroe in the end zone in Tennessee’s win over Alabama earlier this month. McCoy has also registered 5 pass deflections.
Starks has long been considered one of the best defensive backs in college football. A 2023 All-American, Starks has 1 interception and 3 tackles for loss this season for a Georgia defense that ranks 25th in yards per play allowed.
Last season, Air Force’s Trey Taylor took home the honor. An SEC player has not won the Thorpe Award since LSU’s Grant Delpit in 2019.
Three finalists for this award will be announced on Nov. 26. The winner will be announced on Dec. 12.
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
