Gamecocks Land Two on Thorpe List
8/12/2026 11:01:00 AM | Football
OKLAHOMA CITY—Jax State had two players named to the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award 2026 Preseason Watch List, released this afternoon by the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame.
Seniors Caleb Nix and Tre'Quon Fegans were named to the 35-player list for the award that is presented annually to the best defensive back in college football based on performance on the field, athletic ability and character. The award was established in 1986 and is named after history's greatest all-around athlete, Jim Thorpe.
Nix was a First-Team All-Conference USA selection in 2025 after tying for third on the team in total tackles with 64 and was the league's co-leader in interceptions with four. His 191 return yards which yielded two touchdowns set a new single season program record. The Phenix City native was the Conference USA Defensive Player of the Week in back-to-back weeks after recording a pair of interceptions in a win over Kennesaw State and a 93-yard interception return for a touchdown the following week.
Fegans graded out as one of the top cover corners in the Group of 6 according to Pro Football Focus after being targeted 39 times and yielding just 14 receptions. The Anniston native made 27 tackles with 1.5 for loss, an interception, and broke up nine passes in 12 games.
Georgia, Alabama, Oregon, and Tulsa joined Jax State with multiple players on the list.
The Gamecocks open the 2026 season on August 29th at North Dakota State on CBS Sports Network.
Seniors Caleb Nix and Tre'Quon Fegans were named to the 35-player list for the award that is presented annually to the best defensive back in college football based on performance on the field, athletic ability and character. The award was established in 1986 and is named after history's greatest all-around athlete, Jim Thorpe.
Nix was a First-Team All-Conference USA selection in 2025 after tying for third on the team in total tackles with 64 and was the league's co-leader in interceptions with four. His 191 return yards which yielded two touchdowns set a new single season program record. The Phenix City native was the Conference USA Defensive Player of the Week in back-to-back weeks after recording a pair of interceptions in a win over Kennesaw State and a 93-yard interception return for a touchdown the following week.
Fegans graded out as one of the top cover corners in the Group of 6 according to Pro Football Focus after being targeted 39 times and yielding just 14 receptions. The Anniston native made 27 tackles with 1.5 for loss, an interception, and broke up nine passes in 12 games.
Georgia, Alabama, Oregon, and Tulsa joined Jax State with multiple players on the list.
The Gamecocks open the 2026 season on August 29th at North Dakota State on CBS Sports Network.
Players Mentioned
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Friday, August 07
Thursday, August 06
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