The Jim Thorpe Award, named in memory of multi-sport legend Jim Thorpe, has been awarded to the top defensive back in college football since 1986.

Honorees:

  • 1986 Thomas Everett, Baylor
  • 1987 Rickey Dixon, Oklahoma; Bennie Blades, Miami (shared)
  • 1988 Deion Sanders, Florida State
  • 1989 Mark Carrier, Southern Cal
  • 1990 Darryll Lewis, Arizona
  • 1991 Terrell Buckley, Florida State
  • 1992 Deon Figures, Colorado
  • 1993 Antonio Langham, Alabama
  • 1994 Chris Hudson, Colorado
  • 1995 Greg Meyers, Colorado State
  • 1996 Lawrence Wright, Florida
  • 1997 Charles Woodson, Michigan
  • 1998 Antoine Winfield, Ohio State
  • 1999 Tyrone Carter, Minnesota
  • 2000 Jamar Fletcher, Wisconsin
  • 2001 Roy Williams, Oklahoma
  • 2002 Terrence Newman, Kansas State
  • 2003 Derrick Strait, Oklahoma