Scott Named to Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Preseason Watch List

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Illinois’ Xavier Scott has been named to the preseason watch list for the 2025 Paycom Jim Thorpe Award, released Wednesday by the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame (OSHOF) and Jim Thorpe Association.

Scott, who was also named to the Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch list on Tuesday, is listed among 35 of the nation’s top defensive backs entering the 2025 campaign. He is one of three standouts on the watch list to return after being selected as a semifinalist for the prestigious Thorpe Award last season, along with Caleb Downs (Ohio State) and Jermod McCoy (Tennessee).

PAYCOM JIM THORPE AWARD

The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award is presented 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. Thorpe excelled as a running back, passer, and kicker on the offensive side of the ball, but also stood out as a defensive back. In addition to his legendary performance on the football field, Thorpe played professional baseball and won Olympic gold medals in the decathlon and pentathlon. The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award is universally accepted as one of the nation’s top collegiate sports honors.

• Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Website
• Last three winners:

  • 2024: Jahdae Barron, DB, Texas
  • 2023: Trey Taylor, FS, Air Force
  • 2022: Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson, CB, TCU

XAVIER SCOTT

• 2025 Athlon Preseason All-America Fourth Team
• 2025 Bronko Nagurski Trophy Preseason Watch List
• 2025 Athlon Preseason All-Big Ten First Team
• 2025 Phil Steele Preseason All-Big Ten First Team
• No. 139 overall player in college football according to CBS.com’s spring rankings
• 2024 Phil Steele All-America Honorable Mention
• 2024 All-Big Ten First Team (Media)
• 2024 All-Big Ten Second Team (Coaches)
• 2024 AP All-Big Ten First Team
• 2024 Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Semifinalist as one of the top 15 defensive backs in college football
• Started all 13 games at defensive back in 2024, recording 49 tackles (43 solo), 2.0 tackles for loss, 1.0 sack, one forced fumble, four interceptions, and six pass breakups
• Tied for second in the Big Ten and 15th in the nation in interceptions (4) during the 2024 regular season
• Led Big Ten cornerbacks in snaps played (792)
• No….