Emmanuel McNeil-Warren is the only player from the Mid-American Conference to be chosen as a semifinalist for the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award.
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren Named Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Watch Semifinalist
10/28/2025 12:00:00 PM | Football
Senior safety one of just 15 defensive backs in the country to make the list
TOLEDO, Ohio – Toledo senior safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren was named a semifinalist for the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award on Tuesday. McNeil-Warren is the first Rocket to be named a Thorpe semifinalist since Barry Church in 2009 and the first MAC defensive back to be named a semifinalist since Shawun Lurry of Northern Illinois in 2015.
McNeil-Warren is one of only 15 defensive backs in the country to be named a semifinalist. He is the only player from the Mid-American Conference on the list one of only three from "Group of 5" schools. Through eight games this season, he has 50 tackles, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. McNeil-Warren also has one interception, a pick-six vs. Western Kentucky.Â
The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award is awarded 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 one of 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.
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Three finalists for the award will be announced on Nov. 25 and the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award will be presented at the Home Depot College Football Awards on Dec. 12. The official presentation of the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award will take place in Oklahoma City on Feb. 10, 2026.
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McNeil-Warren is one of only 15 defensive backs in the country to be named a semifinalist. He is the only player from the Mid-American Conference on the list one of only three from "Group of 5" schools. Through eight games this season, he has 50 tackles, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. McNeil-Warren also has one interception, a pick-six vs. Western Kentucky.Â
The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award is awarded 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 one of 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.
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Three finalists for the award will be announced on Nov. 25 and the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award will be presented at the Home Depot College Football Awards on Dec. 12. The official presentation of the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award will take place in Oklahoma City on Feb. 10, 2026.
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