Will Davis, a defensive back who recently transferred to Sam Houston State University, has passed away at the age of 22.
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According to the Houston Chronicle, the school confirmed that Davis passed away on Saturday. They did not provide a cause of death.
Sam Houston standout DB Will Davis tragically passed away on Saturday night.
Davis had just transferred to Sam Houston from West Virginia this past January.
Our condolences go out to Davis’ family, coaches, teammates, and friends during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/vXLcvBFK2d
— Football Forever (@fballforeverhq) May 17, 2026
A Virginia native, Davis started his college career with Division II HBCU program Virginia Union. He played for the team in 2022-2024 before transferring to West Virginia last season.
It was during his time with Virginia Union that he earned all-conference honors for the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association.
He achieved this with a standout 2024 campaign featuring 56 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, one sack, one forced fumble, and two interceptions. He returned one of these interceptions for 98 yards against Bluefield State.
The 91-0 win over Bluefield State served as Davis' best performance of the 2024 season. He tallied 10 tackles and his interception return for a touchdown.
He earned a bachelor's degree in entrepreneurial management at Virginia Union before transferring to West Virginia. He only appeared in one game for the Mountaineers, a 45-3 season-opening win over Robert Morris.
Davis then transferred to Sam Houston State University over the offseason. He had joined the team for April's spring practices while preparing for the 2026 college football season.
According to the Houston Chronicle, the Sam Houston State University football team will honor Davis' memory during the 2026 season. The team has not revealed these plans just yet.
"It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of Will Davis," Sam Houston coach Phil Longo said in a statement. "Will was a beloved member of our Bearkat football family here at Sam Houston who touched the lives of everyone he knew.
"Will was an upbeat, positive, passionate young man who will be sincerely missed. Tanya, the kids and I are praying for Will's family during this difficult time."
