30-07-2025
Ohio State football duo named to the 2025 Thorpe preseason watch list
We've got a couple of more Ohio State football players that landed on a preseason watch list on Wednesday, and this time it's the Jim Thorpe Award. The Thorpe Award was first handed out in 1986 and is one of the most prestigious awards in college football. It goes to the best defensive back in college football annually and is voted on by the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame.
The Buckeyes have only had two players take home the Thorpe Award, and it's been a while. Antoine Winfield won the award in 1998, with Malcom Jenkins taking it home a decade later in 2008. You have to like Ohio State's chances in 2025 because one of the players appearing on the preseason watch list is safety Caleb Downs. His accolades speak for themself, but he's widely known as the best defender and defensive back heading into the country.
The other Buckeye appearing on the list of 35 names is cornerback Davison Igbinosun. The 6-foot-2-inch. long and rangy corner will be entering his senior season in Columbus after transferring from Ole Miss after his sophomore season. He's played in all 29 games since coming to the banks of the Olentangy and led the team with 11 passes defended (9 pass breakups and two interceptions).
After being narrowed down to three finalists, the Thorpe Award will be announced on December 12 during the Home Depot College Football Awards show.
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