OKLAHOMA CITY — BYU cornerback Evan Johnson was today named the Thorpe Award National Defensive Back of the Week for his role in helping No. 25 ranked BYU to a 34-13 victory at East Carolina on Saturday.
The junior cornerback from Monterey, California, recorded two interceptions, including a 4-yard return for his first career touchdown and a crucial end zone takeaway to halt an ECU scoring threat. In addition, Johnson added six tackles, including five solo tackles, and a pass breakup to round out a dominant performance.
The prestigious Jim Thorpe Award is awarded annually to the nation's best defensive back by the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame and Paycom. The award is based on performance on the field, athletic ability and character.
Through three weeks of the 2025 season, Johnson is tied for eighth in the nation in interceptions and is third in the Big 12. In addition to his two interceptions, he has nine tackles and a pass breakup in three games.
Defensive backs Alex McLaughlin of Washington and Chris Johnson of San Diego State received honorable mention Thorpe Award National Defensive Back of the Week honors.
The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award was established in 1986 and is named after one of the nation’s greatest all-around athlete, Jim Thorpe. Thorpe was a two-time collegiate All-American as a running back, passer, kicker and 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.
2025 Thorpe Award National Players of The Week
Week 1: Aug. 30, Preston Zachman, Wisconsin
Week 2: Sep. 6, Aamaris Brown, UNLV
Week 3: Sep. 13, Bray Hubbard, Alabama
Week 4: Sep. 20, Evan Johnson, BYU