OKLAHOMA CITY - Ohio safety DJ Walker was one of 35 selections to the 2026 Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Preseason Watch List, as announced by the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame. The award is given annually to the best defensive back in college football. 

DJ Walker started all 13 games for Ohio in 2025 and served as one of two defensive team captains. He recorded 61 tackles, including 37 solo stops and six tackles for loss, while adding two interceptions and one pass breakup. Walker recorded his first interception against Bowling Green on Sept. 27 before adding another against UNLV in the Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl on Dec. 23.

The preseason watch list is selected by a screening committee whose members compile a list of up to 50 players based on previous performance in NCAA Division I college football and preseason All-America lists. This list is not final, and players who have outstanding seasons may be added to the semifinalists and finalists lists as the season progresses.

The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award is awarded to Image removed by sender.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 honor. 

#MACtion on 2026 Preseason Watchlists
Maxwell Award
Jordan Gant, Akron
Broc Lowry, Western Michigan
Jalen Buckley, Western Michigan

Outland Trophy
Evan Malcore, Miami
Chad Schuster, Western Michigan

Bronko Nagurski
Bryce Llewellyn, Eastern Michigan
Josh Franklin, Western Michigan

John Mackey Award
Terik Mulder, Kent State
Joshua Long, Eastern Michigan

Rimington Trophy
Nicholas Gallegos, Eastern Michigan

Paul Hornung Award
Keith Reynolds, Miami

Wuerffel Trophy
Caden Britton, Ball State 
Stevie Bracey, Buffalo 
Angel Flores, Central Michigan 
Dennis Strey Jr., Eastern Michigan 
Wayne Harris, Kent State 
Riley Bloch, UMass 
DJ Walker, Ohio 
Derek Houston, Sacramento State
Matt Hofer, Toledo
Dakari Frazier, Western Michigan 

Lombardi Award
Chad Schuster, Western Michigan

Jim Thorpe Award
DJ Walker, Ohio