It has been a disappointing 2025 season for Clemson football fans, but one player is being recognized for his play on the field.
Cornerback Avieon Terrell has been named a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award. The announcement came from the official Clemson Football X account on Tuesday. The junior safety from Atlanta, Georgia, is a three-year (2023-2025) contributor and a two-year starter for the Clemson Tigers.
AV is one of 15 semifinalists for the @jimthorpeaward, honoring the best defensive back in college football. 🐅🔒
— Clemson Football (@ClemsonFB) October 28, 2025
📰: https://t.co/tEpj9t1l3i pic.twitter.com/GWb6DqGRxO
The Jim Thorpe Award is presented to the best defensive back in the country. Texas defensive back Jahdae Barron was the recipient of the 2024 Jim Thorpe Award last season. Other notable winners in the past include Minkah Fitzpatrick (Alabama, 2017), Desmond King (Iowa, 2015), Patrick Peterson (LSU, 2010), and Eric Berry (Tennessee, 2009).
Through seven games in 2025, Terrell has racked up 28 tackles (18 solo tackles), 2.5 tackles for loss, one sack, three forced fumbles, seven pass breakups, and seven passes defensed. Terrell is one of the best defensive backs in the ACC and is one of the best corners in the 2026 draft class.
The 2025 Paycom Jim Thorpe Award has released its 15 semifinalists for the award. Joining Terrell on the list defensive backs Mansoor Delane, Caleb Downs, Bishop Fitzgerald, Elijah Green, Colton Hood, Chris Johnson, Jamel Johson, Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Leonard Moore, Antwan Peek Jr., D’Angelo Ponds, Keionte Scott, Michael Taafe, and Dillon Thieneman conclude the rest of the semifinalists.
On December 12, during the The Home Depot College Football Awards, the Jim Thorpe Award winner will be announced along with several other awards.