10/27/2026 11:00:00 AM | Football
Cornerback leads Big 12 defensive backs with a 78.5 PFF coverage grade
HOUSTON – Houston cornerback Jalen Mayo has played just one full Division I football season, he has played seven games in his first FBS season and was named one of 15 Jim Thorpe Award Semifinalists on Tuesday, the award given to the top defensive back in the nation.
Mayo, one of college football's best stories, started his career at Division II Virginia Union before playing the 2025 season at FCS Stephen F. Austin. In his first season at the Power 4 level for the Cougars, Mayo has impressed with six pass breakups and a 78.5 coverage grade on 253 passing plays.
The fifth-year star from Hampton, Va., has recorded 29 tackles, third most on the team, and is one of five Cougars with an interception this year – a one-handed pick at Texas Tech.
Mayo is one of five cornerbacks to be named a semifinalist, and one of two players from Texas and the Big 12 Conference.
2026 Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Semifinalists
Kaleb Beasley, Louisville, Safety, Junior
KJ Bolden, Georgia, Safety, Junior
Peyton Bowen, Oklahoma, Safety, Senior
Austin Brawley, New Mexico, Safety, Senior
Jordan Castell, Kentucky, Safety, Senior
Bryce Fitzgerald, Miami, Safety, Sophomore
Robert Fitzgerald, Northwestern, Safety, Senior
Brent Gordon Jr., Louisiana, Cornerback, Sophomore
Ashton Hampton, Clemson, Cornerback, Junior
Ta'Shawn James, UCLA, Safety, Senior
Kingston Lopa, California, Safety, Sophomore
Jalen Mayo, Houston, Cornerback, Gr. Senior
Jaylen McClain, Ohio State, Safety, Junior
Leonard Moore, Notre Dame, Cornerback, Junior
Brice Pollock, Texas Tech, Cornerback, Senior
The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award is awarded to the best defensive back in college football based on performance on the field, athletic ability and character. The award was established in 1986 and is named after history's greatest all-around athlete, Jim Thorpe. Thorpe excelled as a running back, passer and kicker on the offensive side of the ball, but also stood out as a defensive back. In addition to his legendary performance on the football field, Thorpe played professional baseball and won Olympic gold medals in the decathlon and pentathlon. The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award is universally accepted as one of the nation's top collegiate sports honors.
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Mayo, one of college football's best stories, started his career at Division II Virginia Union before playing the 2025 season at FCS Stephen F. Austin. In his first season at the Power 4 level for the Cougars, Mayo has impressed with six pass breakups and a 78.5 coverage grade on 253 passing plays.
The fifth-year star from Hampton, Va., has recorded 29 tackles, third most on the team, and is one of five Cougars with an interception this year – a one-handed pick at Texas Tech.
Mayo is one of five cornerbacks to be named a semifinalist, and one of two players from Texas and the Big 12 Conference.
2026 Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Semifinalists
Kaleb Beasley, Louisville, Safety, Junior
KJ Bolden, Georgia, Safety, Junior
Peyton Bowen, Oklahoma, Safety, Senior
Austin Brawley, New Mexico, Safety, Senior
Jordan Castell, Kentucky, Safety, Senior
Bryce Fitzgerald, Miami, Safety, Sophomore
Robert Fitzgerald, Northwestern, Safety, Senior
Brent Gordon Jr., Louisiana, Cornerback, Sophomore
Ashton Hampton, Clemson, Cornerback, Junior
Ta'Shawn James, UCLA, Safety, Senior
Kingston Lopa, California, Safety, Sophomore
Jalen Mayo, Houston, Cornerback, Gr. Senior
Jaylen McClain, Ohio State, Safety, Junior
Leonard Moore, Notre Dame, Cornerback, Junior
Brice Pollock, Texas Tech, Cornerback, Senior
The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award is awarded to the best defensive back in college football based on performance on the field, athletic ability and character. The award was established in 1986 and is named after history's greatest all-around athlete, Jim Thorpe. Thorpe excelled as a running back, passer and kicker on the offensive side of the ball, but also stood out as a defensive back. In addition to his legendary performance on the football field, Thorpe played professional baseball and won Olympic gold medals in the decathlon and pentathlon. The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award is universally accepted as one of the nation's top collegiate sports honors.
SINGLE-GAME TICKETS
Don't miss any of the action. Purchase single-game tickets today by clicking here.
SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Football by providing NIL opportunities and by joining The Huddle which provides financial support directly to Houston Football for needs beyond its operating budget.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarFB on X, formerly known as Twitter, and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at Houston Cougar Football. Fans can also follow the team on Instagram at uhcougarfb.
–– UHCougars.com ––
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