AMES, Iowa – Iowa State defensive backs Jontez Williams and Jeremiah Cooper have been named to the 2025 Paycom Jim Thorpe Award preseason watch list, awarded annually to the best defensive back in college football based on on-field performance, athletic ability and character.

Iowa State is one of eight teams nationally, and the only in the Big 12, with two players on the watch list. Williams and Cooper are two of the four Big 12 players featured on the list.

Williams, a Second Team All-Big 12 selection a season ago, anchored the defense as a lock down cornerback. He allowed only one touchdown and a 19.6 passer rating in 338 coverage snaps in 2024. Williams is the highest-graded returning corner in the Big 12, per PFF.

The Starke, Florida native led the Cyclones and tied for third in the Big 12 with four interceptions to go along with five pass breakups. All four of his interceptions came in consecutive games which tied for the second-longest streak in school history.

Cooper, an honorable mention All-Big 12 honoree last season, started all 14 games as a key piece of the Cyclone secondary. He led ISU with eight pass breakups, snared two interceptions and finished fourth on the team with 48 tackles.

Cooper’s seven career interceptions are tied for the eighth-most nationally among active players.

Iowa State opens the 2025 season August 23 in Dublin, Ireland against Kansas State in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic. Season tickets are on sale, here.