Fisher Tabbed to Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Watch List
7/30/2025 11:00:00 AM | Football
The award is given annually to the best defensive back in college football
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – UNT senior cornerback David Fisher was named to the 2025 Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Preseason Watch List on Wednesday.
The award is given annually to the best defensive back in college football based on performance on the field, athletic ability and character. Fisher is one of 35 defensive backs from around the nation, and one of three from the American Conference to be represented on the watch list.
A senior transfer from Sam Houston, Fisher played in 33 games with 28 starts during his time with the Bearkats. He posted the best statistical season of his career in 2024 with 37 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, six pass breakups and two interceptions. As a result, Fisher earned Third Team All-CUSA honors from College Football News and Fourth Team accolades by Athlon Sports.
The watch list marks another preseason honor for Fisher, following earlier selections to the Athlon Sports and CFN Preseason All-American Conference First Team and the Dave Campbell's Texas Football Preseason Second Team All-Texas List. The Houston, Texas, native will be relied upon to provide a veteran presence in the secondary for a revamped Mean Green defense led by former Sam Houston defensive coordinator Skyler Cassity.
The semifinalists for the Jim Thorpe Award will be announced on Oct. 28, while the three finalists will be unveiled on Nov. 25. The winner will be announced on the ESPN live presentation of The Home Depot College Football Awards on Dec. 12. The official presentation of the award takes place in Oklahoma City on Feb. 10, 2026, at the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Banquet.
Season tickets for the 2025 season remain on sale. Season ticket holders receive additional benefits including guaranteed seat locations when hosting The American Championship Game along with VIP presale opportunities for away games, bowl games and other events hosted at the stadium. Patrons are encouraged to visit MeanGreenTickets.com for more information on any of the above options and to purchase tickets. Fans can also call the UNT Athletics Ticket Office during normal business hours at 940-565-2527 or email ticketoffice@unt.edu.
The award is given annually to the best defensive back in college football based on performance on the field, athletic ability and character. Fisher is one of 35 defensive backs from around the nation, and one of three from the American Conference to be represented on the watch list.
A senior transfer from Sam Houston, Fisher played in 33 games with 28 starts during his time with the Bearkats. He posted the best statistical season of his career in 2024 with 37 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, six pass breakups and two interceptions. As a result, Fisher earned Third Team All-CUSA honors from College Football News and Fourth Team accolades by Athlon Sports.
The watch list marks another preseason honor for Fisher, following earlier selections to the Athlon Sports and CFN Preseason All-American Conference First Team and the Dave Campbell's Texas Football Preseason Second Team All-Texas List. The Houston, Texas, native will be relied upon to provide a veteran presence in the secondary for a revamped Mean Green defense led by former Sam Houston defensive coordinator Skyler Cassity.
The semifinalists for the Jim Thorpe Award will be announced on Oct. 28, while the three finalists will be unveiled on Nov. 25. The winner will be announced on the ESPN live presentation of The Home Depot College Football Awards on Dec. 12. The official presentation of the award takes place in Oklahoma City on Feb. 10, 2026, at the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Banquet.
Season tickets for the 2025 season remain on sale. Season ticket holders receive additional benefits including guaranteed seat locations when hosting The American Championship Game along with VIP presale opportunities for away games, bowl games and other events hosted at the stadium. Patrons are encouraged to visit MeanGreenTickets.com for more information on any of the above options and to purchase tickets. Fans can also call the UNT Athletics Ticket Office during normal business hours at 940-565-2527 or email ticketoffice@unt.edu.
Players Mentioned
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