TUCSON, Ariz. – Arizona defensive back Tacario Davis has been named a Semifinalist for the 2024 Paycom Jim Thorpe Award, as announced today by the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame and Jim Thorpe Association.
 
Tacario Davis has been selected one of 15 semifinalists for the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award, which honors the nation's best defensive back. Davis is tied for first on the team with five pass breakups, all of which happened in a 23-10 victory over Utah on Sep. 28.
 
Last season, Davis led the Pac-12 with 15 pass breakups and 16 passes defended and this season he is currently tied for sixth in the Big 12 in those categories. He is currently seventh on the team with 29.0 tackles.
 
This list includes 15 of the nation's best defensive backs, representing seven conferences and one independent university. The semifinalists are selected by a screening committee whose members compile a list of up to 15 players based on performance on the field, athletic ability and character.
 
This list is not final, and unlisted players who continually have outstanding performances as the season progresses may be recognized as one of the three finalists.
 
Paycom Jim Thorpe Award 2024 Semifinalists
Jahdae Barron, Texas, Sr.
Jalen Catalon, UNLV , Sr.
Tacario Davis, Arizona, Jr.
Caleb Downs, Ohio State, So.
Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina, Jr.
Travis Hunter, Colorado, Jr.
Will Johnson, Michigan, Jr.
Rayuan Lane III, Navy, Sr.
Jermod McCoy, Tennessee, So.
Jabbar Muhammad, Oregon, Sr.
Xavier Scott, Illinois, Jr.
Terrence Spence, James Madison, Sr.
Malaki Starks, Georgia, Jr.
Xavier Watts, Notre Dame, Gr. Sr.
Nohl Williams, California, Sr.
 
The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Committee will reconvene on the Sunday prior to Thanksgiving to select three award finalists. The award finalists will be announced as part of a special presentation by ESPN on Tuesday, Nov. 26.
 
The award recipient is selected from the three finalists by the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award National Selection Committee, which boasts an Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame in-house award committee, former Paycom Jim Thorpe Award recipients, members of the NCFAA and sports writers and college football journalists throughout the country.
 
The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award is a member of the National College Football Awards Association. Founded in 1997, the NCFAA includes college football's most prestigious awards, and its 24 awards have honored more than 900 recipients dating back to 1935. This season, 13 NCFAA awards will honor national players of the week each Tuesday. For more information about the NCFAA and its award programs, visit NCFAA.org or follow on X at @NCFAA.
 
Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Important Dates
 
Tue., Nov. 26: Finalists Announced
The three finalists are submitted to a national panel of over 250 sports writers, sportscasters, former players and coaches who vote to determine the winner of the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award.
 
Thu., Dec 12: Winner Announced on The Home Depot College Football Awards
The winner will be announced on the ESPN live presentation of The Home Depot College Football Awards. Other recognized NCFAA awards announced include the Bednarik Award, Maxwell Award, Mackey Award, Rimington Trophy, Lou Groza Award, Ray Guy Award, Bronko Nagurski Award, Outland Trophy, Butkus Award, Lombardi Award, Biletnikoff Award, Davey O'Brien Award, Doak Walker Award, Walter Camp Award and others.
 
Tue., Feb. 4, 2025: Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Banquet Honoring the 2024 Winner in Oklahoma City
The official presentation of the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award takes place in Oklahoma City, following The Home Depot College Football Awards. The current winner and all former winners are invited each year to celebrate. Over 600 supporters attend the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Banquet each year, including many celebrities and dignitaries.
 
For more information on the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award and past award recipients, please visit oklahomasportshalloffame.org.