University of Louisiana at Lafayette Athletics
10/27/2026 12:18:00 PM | Football
Breaux Bridge native one of 15 players named to award honoring nation's top defensive back
OKLAHOMA CITY – Louisiana defensive back Brent Gordon Jr. was one of 15 players nationally named as a semifinalist for the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award, the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame and Jim Thorpe Association announced on Tuesday.
Gordon, a Breaux Bridge, La., native and former Cecilia High product, has recorded 46 tackles on the season with 5.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions, 12 pass breakups, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery through eight games for the Ragin' Cajuns.
The list includes 15 of the nation's best defensive backs, representing six conferences and one independent university. The semifinalists are selected by a screening committee whose members compile a list of up to 15 players based on performance on the field, athletic ability and character. This list is not final, and unlisted players who continually have outstanding performances as the season progresses may be recognized as one of the three finalists.
The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Committee will reconvene on the Sunday before Thanksgiving to select three award finalists. The award finalists will be announced as part of a special presentation Nov. 24 by ESPN.
The award recipient is selected from the three finalists by the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award National Selection Committee, which boasts an Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame in-house award committee, former Paycom Jim Thorpe Award recipients, members of the NCFAA and sports writers and college football journalists throughout the country.
ABOUT THE PAYCOM JIM THORPE AWARD
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 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.
Fans are encouraged to stay connected with Louisiana Football by downloading the official #GeauxCajuns App — click here for iOS and here for Android — and by following the Ragin' Cajuns on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram (@RaginCajunsFB).
Gordon, a Breaux Bridge, La., native and former Cecilia High product, has recorded 46 tackles on the season with 5.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions, 12 pass breakups, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery through eight games for the Ragin' Cajuns.
The list includes 15 of the nation's best defensive backs, representing six conferences and one independent university. The semifinalists are selected by a screening committee whose members compile a list of up to 15 players based on performance on the field, athletic ability and character. This list is not final, and unlisted players who continually have outstanding performances as the season progresses may be recognized as one of the three finalists.
The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Committee will reconvene on the Sunday before Thanksgiving to select three award finalists. The award finalists will be announced as part of a special presentation Nov. 24 by ESPN.
The award recipient is selected from the three finalists by the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award National Selection Committee, which boasts an Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame in-house award committee, former Paycom Jim Thorpe Award recipients, members of the NCFAA and sports writers and college football journalists throughout the country.
ABOUT THE PAYCOM JIM THORPE AWARD
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 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.
Fans are encouraged to stay connected with Louisiana Football by downloading the official #GeauxCajuns App — click here for iOS and here for Android — and by following the Ragin' Cajuns on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram (@RaginCajunsFB).
Players Mentioned
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