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Boise State Athletics
Benefield, McCoy Featured on Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Watch List
7/30/2025 10:00:00 AM | Football
BOISE, Idaho – Boise State defensive backs Ty Benefield and A'Marion McCoy were named to the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Watch List, the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame announced.
The award is presented annually to the nation's top defensive back. Benefield and McCoy are two of 35 players on the list, with Boise State being one of six teams with multiple selections.
The 2025 Jim Thorpe Watch List includes 19 cornerbacks and 16 safeties. The MW is represented by Benefield, McCoy and Fresno State cornerback Al'zillion Hamilton. Boise State, Iowa State, Kennesaw State, Ohio, Ohio State and Texas are the six teams with multiple players included, with the Broncos and Buckeyes the only programs garnering multiple selections in back-to-back years. McCoy and Seyi Oladipo were featured on the 2024 watch list.
Benefield led Boise State in total tackles (82), solo tackles (59), interceptions (2), total snaps (1,070) and defensive snaps (899) while tying for the team-high in fumble recoveries (2), a mark that topped the Mountain West. The safety added 5.0 tackles for loss, five pass breakups and a forced fumble, garnering All-MW Honorable Mention. He was a 2024 Cornish Trophy Finalist. A native of Altadena, California, Benefield was named Preseason All-MW and earned Preseason All-MW First Team honors from Athlon Sports and Phil Steele.
McCoy forced an FBS-high 19 incompletions and tied for second in the country with 11 pass breakups. He was targeted 101 times, limiting opponents to 51 completions for a 50.5 completion percentage. He made 60 tackles, including 53 solo and 1.5 for loss. The cornerback scored on a 35-yard interception return against San Diego State and was named All-America Honorable Mention by College Football Network. He was also tabbed Preseason All-MW and secured Preseason All-MW First Team honors from Athlon Sports and Phil Steele.
Semifinalists for the award will be announced Tuesday, October 28. Three finalists will be selected and announced Tuesday, November 25. The winner of the 40th Paycom Jim Thorpe Award will be announced as part of the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show held on Thursday, December 11. The award will be officially presented at a banquet in Oklahoma City on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
Broncos on 2025 Watch Lists
S Ty Benefield (Paycom Jim Thorpe Award)
OL Kage Casey (Outland Trophy)
QB Maddux Madsen (Maxwell Award)
CB A'Marion McCoy (Paycom Jim Thorpe Award)
EDGE Jayden Virgin-Morgan (Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Lott IMPACT Trophy)
--BroncoSports.com--
The award is presented annually to the nation's top defensive back. Benefield and McCoy are two of 35 players on the list, with Boise State being one of six teams with multiple selections.
The 2025 Jim Thorpe Watch List includes 19 cornerbacks and 16 safeties. The MW is represented by Benefield, McCoy and Fresno State cornerback Al'zillion Hamilton. Boise State, Iowa State, Kennesaw State, Ohio, Ohio State and Texas are the six teams with multiple players included, with the Broncos and Buckeyes the only programs garnering multiple selections in back-to-back years. McCoy and Seyi Oladipo were featured on the 2024 watch list.
Benefield led Boise State in total tackles (82), solo tackles (59), interceptions (2), total snaps (1,070) and defensive snaps (899) while tying for the team-high in fumble recoveries (2), a mark that topped the Mountain West. The safety added 5.0 tackles for loss, five pass breakups and a forced fumble, garnering All-MW Honorable Mention. He was a 2024 Cornish Trophy Finalist. A native of Altadena, California, Benefield was named Preseason All-MW and earned Preseason All-MW First Team honors from Athlon Sports and Phil Steele.
McCoy forced an FBS-high 19 incompletions and tied for second in the country with 11 pass breakups. He was targeted 101 times, limiting opponents to 51 completions for a 50.5 completion percentage. He made 60 tackles, including 53 solo and 1.5 for loss. The cornerback scored on a 35-yard interception return against San Diego State and was named All-America Honorable Mention by College Football Network. He was also tabbed Preseason All-MW and secured Preseason All-MW First Team honors from Athlon Sports and Phil Steele.
Semifinalists for the award will be announced Tuesday, October 28. Three finalists will be selected and announced Tuesday, November 25. The winner of the 40th Paycom Jim Thorpe Award will be announced as part of the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show held on Thursday, December 11. The award will be officially presented at a banquet in Oklahoma City on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
Broncos on 2025 Watch Lists
S Ty Benefield (Paycom Jim Thorpe Award)
OL Kage Casey (Outland Trophy)
QB Maddux Madsen (Maxwell Award)
CB A'Marion McCoy (Paycom Jim Thorpe Award)
EDGE Jayden Virgin-Morgan (Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Lott IMPACT Trophy)
--BroncoSports.com--
Players Mentioned
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