Texas Longhorns DB Jahdae Barron Named Jim Thorpe Award Semifinalist

Barron has been exceptional for the Longhorns' secondary in 2023.

Texas Longhorns defensive back Jahdae Barron continues to garner national recognition for his on-field play in Austin. 

Barron was named one of 15 semifinalists for the Jim Thorpe Award, the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame announced on Tuesday. The Thorpe is given annually to the best defensive back in college football. 

A vocal leader and physical defender against the run, Barron has become a staple of the Longhorns' defense in 2023. In eight games, the senior has recorded 42 total tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, a fumble recovery, one interception, and a pass breakup.

Barron might not be a full-time starter, but he's a full-time enforcer. He ranks fourth in tackles for loss and second in tackles, trailing only potential Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year Jaylan Ford. 

Building off last season, Barron moved inside to replace Anthony Cook at the nickel spot. Results have been promising, especially in conference play. His best performance came against Oklahoma in the Red River Showdown, where he totaled a season-high 13 tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss.

Texas Longhorns celebrate a sack / © Ricardo B. Brazziell, Austin American-Statesman

Barron also was influential in helping the No. 7 Longhorns (7-1, 4-1 Big 12) secure the 34-24 win over Alabama on the road in Week 2, intercepting Jalen Milroe in the first quarter, which eventually led to a 22-yard field goal from Bert Auburn. 

Texas has won the Thorpe Award in back-to-back in the early 2000s. Michael Huff became the first Longhorn to win the Thorpe Award in 2005, while Aaron Ross took home the honors in 2006. Quentin Jammer, Earl Thomas, and DeShon Elliott were all finalists for the title in 2001, 2009, and 2017, respectively. 

Barron is one of three Big 12 defensive backs named a semifinalist. Others include BYU's Jakob Robinson and Iowa State's TJ Tampa. 

Other prominent semifinalists include Iowa's Cooper DeJean, Alabama's Kool-Aid McKinstry, Colorado's Travis Hunter and Georgia's Malaki Starks. 

The three finalists will be announced by the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame on Tuesday, November 28. The winner will be announced during the Home Depot College Football Awards on December 7.

The Longhorns take on No. 25 Kansas State on Saturday at DRK. Kickoff is scheduled for 11 a.m.