Johnson Named Semifinalist for Jim Thorpe Award
10/28/2025 12:17:00 PM | Football
The junior from Arlington is among the final 15 for the award.
FORT WORTH – TCU's storied history with the Jim Thorpe Award, given annually to the nation's top defensive back, continued on Tuesday as junior safety Jamel Johnson was named a semifinalist for the award, the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame (OSHOF) and Jim Thorpe Association announced.
Johnson, a junior from Arlington, is among the final 15 to be considered for the honor which has included a pair of Horned Frogs since 2020. Trevon Moehrig became the first Horned Frog to earn the award in 2020, and he was followed by Tre Hodges-Tomlinson in 2022.
This season has been a breakout for Johnson whose four interceptions are second-most nationally. A stalwart in the entire defensive scheme, his 62 total tackles are also the most among players with at least four interceptions, and he is one of only four Power 4 safeties to post 80-plus grades as both a run defender and tackler by Pro Football Focus.
Johnson is one of two Big 12 defensive backs (Antwan Peek Jr., Cincinnati) to be included on the semifinalist list.
The Horned Frogs are on a bye this week after a seven-game run and return to action on Saturday, Nov. 8 when they host Iowa State at 2:30 p.m. from Amon G. Carter Stadium.
Johnson, a junior from Arlington, is among the final 15 to be considered for the honor which has included a pair of Horned Frogs since 2020. Trevon Moehrig became the first Horned Frog to earn the award in 2020, and he was followed by Tre Hodges-Tomlinson in 2022.
This season has been a breakout for Johnson whose four interceptions are second-most nationally. A stalwart in the entire defensive scheme, his 62 total tackles are also the most among players with at least four interceptions, and he is one of only four Power 4 safeties to post 80-plus grades as both a run defender and tackler by Pro Football Focus.
Johnson is one of two Big 12 defensive backs (Antwan Peek Jr., Cincinnati) to be included on the semifinalist list.
The Horned Frogs are on a bye this week after a seven-game run and return to action on Saturday, Nov. 8 when they host Iowa State at 2:30 p.m. from Amon G. Carter Stadium.
Players Mentioned
S
/ FootballTCU FB | 2026 Spring Practices Begin
Tuesday, March 24
TCU FB | 2026 Spring Practices Opening Press Conference
Tuesday, March 24
TCU FOOTBALL | Leadership from the Gridiron to the Classroom
Monday, February 09
TCU Football | Frogs Get Thrilling Victory over #16 USC in 2025 Valero Alamo Bowl
Wednesday, December 31
