OKLAHOMA CITY – Auburn safety Jaylin Simpson has been named a Paycom Jim Thorpe Award semifinalist, the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame (OSHOF) and Jim Thorpe Association announced Tuesday.
The list includes 15 of the nation's best defensive backs, and the Southeastern Conference leads the way with four honorees. A complete list of semifinalists can be found below.
Simpson, who has already been named Midseason All-America and to the Chuck Bednarik Award watchlist, is tied for seventh nationally with four interceptions this season. He returned an interception for a 50-yard touchdown in the season opener against UMass before also hauling in picks against Cal and Samford, becoming the first Tiger with an interception in three straight games since 2007. Simpson's seven career interceptions are tied for third-most among active SEC players.
Along with his career-best four interceptions this season, Simpson has added 25 tackles, including 1.5 tackles for loss, a fumble recovery and two pass breakups.
The best defensive back in football.@jaylinsimp is honored as a 𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 for the @jimthorpeaward 🏆 pic.twitter.com/bIxSQaJH6T
— Auburn Football (@AuburnFootball) October 31, 2023
Presented annually to the best defensive back in college football based on performance on the field, athletic ability and character, the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award will announce its three finalists on Tuesday, Nov. 28. The award winner will then be announced on ESPN's live presentation of The Home Depot College Football Awards on Friday, Dec. 8.
PAYCOM JIM THORPE AWARD 2023 SEMIFINALISTS
Kris Abrams-Draine – Missouri, Jr.
Jahdae Barron – Texas, Sr.
Cole Bishop – Utah, Jr.
Denzel Burke – Ohio State, Jr.
Cooper DeJean – Iowa, Jr.
Renardo Green – Florida State, Sr.
Travis Hunter – Colorado, So.
Kool-Aid McKinstry – Alabama, Jr.
Benjamin Morrison – Notre Dame, So.
Jakob Robinson – BYU, Jr.
Willie Roberts – Louisiana Tech, Sr.
Jaylin Simpson – Auburn, Sr.
Malaki Starks – Georgia, So.
TJ Tampa – Iowa State, Sr.
Trey Taylor – Air Force, Sr.