Texas’ Jahdae Barron, Ohio State’s Caleb Downs, and Georgia’s Malaki Starks Named Finalists for 2024 Jim Thorpe Award

The Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame and Jim Thorpe Association announced the three finalists for the 2024 Paycom Jim Thorpe Award, which honors the best defensive back in college football based on performance, athletic ability, and character. Texas senior defensive back Jahdae Barron, Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, and Georgia safety Malaki Starks have been selected as the finalists for this prestigious award.

Jahdae Barron, a fifth-year defensive back from Texas, has had a standout season with 41 tackles, four interceptions, and several key defensive plays that have earned him recognition as the Thorpe Award’s National Player of the Week and the SEC‘s Co-Defensive Player of the Week. He is Texas’ first Thorpe Award finalist since safety DeShon Elliott in 2017 and is also a finalist for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and a semifinalist for the Chuck Bednarik Award.

Caleb Downs, a safety for Ohio State, has been equally impressive. After transferring from Alabama, Downs has continued to excel, collecting 51 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and three pass breakups. He is also a finalist for the Bednarik Award and has made significant contributions as a punt returner, including a 79-yard punt return touchdown against Indiana.

Malaki Starks, the safety from Georgia, rounds out the trio of finalists with 55 tackles and one interception. The selection of these three players underscores their exceptional performance and impact on their respective teams.

The winner of the 2024 Paycom Jim Thorpe Award will be announced during the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards show on December 12. A fan vote, running from November 26 to December 6, will also contribute to the final selection. The official award presentation will take place in Oklahoma City on February 4, 2025.