Will James Earns Bednarik Award Watch List Nod
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Houston defensive back Will James was named to the Preseason Bednarik Award watch list on August 21. This award is given to the top defensive player after the season ends in December.
This carries added weight because the award is not only for defensive backs, but for all positions on the defensive side of the ball.
Here's what it means for Houston.
Accolades
James is coming off a season in which he was named to the All-Big 12 Second Team and led the Cougars in interceptions with three while also having two forced fumbles. He was also named to the Panini Senior Bowl Top 300 and the Bronko Nagurski Watch List.
His best performance earned him Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week against TCU, where he had five tackles, a forced fumble and two interceptions. In his second game as a Cougar, he intercepted a pass and returned it for a 37-yard touchdown.
Finally, James finished with a PFF defensive grade of 77.8 and a 78.1 coverage grade, both ranking third on the team.
Why it Matters for Houston
James is coming back for another season with the Cougars, alongside defensive backs Jordan Allen and Kentrell Webb. They return as anchors and proven performers at their positions.
Houston won 10 of its 13 games because it had the edge against other teams defensively and stayed ahead throughout the entire game. However, those three losses came when the defense couldn't force turnovers.
Teams such as Texas Tech, Utah and UCF boast explosive and dangerous offenses heading into 2026, making games decided by defenses and their ability to generate turnovers. James has proven that he can take the ball away from those teams.
He is entering his second year with Houston and already knows the system that defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong runs. Fall camp is a time for him to refine his technique rather than understand the system.
Going into 2026, James has opposing teams watching him closely. Having a defensive back that can fit anywhere on the field gives Armstrong more flexibility and trust in James.
That freedom allows the Cougars to disguise coverages and send pressure without leaving anything exposed. Few teams in the Big 12 have the kind of flexibility Houston has.
Houston has its first game on September 5 against Oregon State at home, when James can build a case for himself that he belongs on the watch list.
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Micah Clay is a staff writer for the Houston Cougars on SI. He is currently a freshman at the University of Houston and majoring in Sports Administration. He also works for The Cougar organization. You can find Clay on his Instagram(@mcjosh_btw_podcast)