TOLEDO, Ohio - Junior cornerback Quinyon Mitchell was named to the Jim Thorpe Award preseason watch list today. The award is given annually to the nation's best defensive back.

Mitchell is one of only two players from the Mid-American Conference to be on the Thorpe Award watch list. He is also on the Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch list. That award is presented annually to college football's national defensive player of the year. 

Mitchell led the nation with 25 passes defended (five interceptions, 20 breakups) in 2022, and was named second-team All-America by Walter Camp, Phil Steele and Pro Football Focus, and third-team All-America by the Associated Press. A first-team All-MAC selection in 2022, gained national prominence after he collected four interceptions and two pick sixes in a 52-32 victory over Northern Illinois on Oct. 8. He was named to the 2023 Walter Camp Preseason All-America Team, the only player from the Mid-American Conference and one of only three Group of Five conference players on the team.

A screening committee will narrow the field to up to 15 semifinalists on Oct. 31. Three finalists will be announced on Nov. 28. The winner will be announced on ESPN's live presentation of The Home Depot College Football Awards at a date to be announced. The official presentation of the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award takes place in Oklahoma City on Feb. 6, 2024.

So far this season, a school-record eight Rockets have been named to 11 spots on preseason national award watch lists. Toledo also had eight players on preseason watch lists in 2016 and 2021.

Allstate AFCA Good Works Team (Athletics/Academics/Community)
Daniel Bolden, Jr., LB

Biletnikoff Award (Top Receiver)
Jerjuan Newton, Jr., WR

Bronko Naguarki Trophy (Top Defensive Player)
Maxen Hook, Jr., Safety
Quinyon Mitchell, Jr., CB

Butkus Award (Top Linebacker)
Dallas Gant, Sr., LB

Davey O'Brien Award (Top Quarterback)
Dequan Finn, Jr, QB

Jim Thorpe Award (Top Defensive Back)
Quinyon Mitchell, Jr., CB

Maxwell Award (Player of the Year)
Dequan Finn, Jr, QB

Outland Trophy (Top Lineman)
Nick Rosi, Jr., OL

Paul Hornung Award (Most Versatile)
Jacquez Stuart, Jr., RB

Wuerffel Trophy (Community Service)
Dallas Gant, Sr., LB

The defending MAC Champion Rockets open their season at Illinois on Sept. 2 before debuting at home with "Toledo's Biggest Party" on Saturday, Sept. 9 in a 3:30 p.m. matchup with Texas Southern. To order tickets or for more information, please visit this link or call/text 419.530.GOLD (4653) or stop by the Rocket Ticket Office located in the Sullivan Athletic Complex at Savage Arena during office hours.