LSU Football Cornerback Mansoor Delane Named Finalist for Jim Thorpe Award

Delane makes the cut as one of three finalists for the award, presented annually to top defensive back.

Sep 27, 2025; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin talks with LSU Tigers cornerback Mansoor Delane (4) during the second quarter at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images | Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

BATON ROUGE – LSU senior cornerback Mansoor Delane has been selected as one of three finalists for the Jim Thorpe Award, ESPN and the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame announced on Tuesday.

The Thorpe Award is presented annually to the best defensive back in college football based on performance on the field, athletic ability and character.

Delane is joined on the list of finalists by Ohio State safety Caleb Downs and Notre Dame cornerback Leonard Moore. Past LSU winners of the Thorpe Award include Grant Delpit (2019), Morris Claiborne (2011) and Patrick Peterson (2010).

In his first season with the Tigers after transferring from Virginia Tech, Delane has been a standout on defense, leading the Tigers and ranking No. 2 in the SEC in passes defended with 12. He has two interceptions and 10 pass breakups to his credit despite rarely having the ball thrown in his direction.

In 10 appearances this season, Delane has allowed only 13 receptions for 147 yards and no touchdowns. He’s also given up only two receiving first downs and is holding opponents to a 38.2 completion rate on passes thrown his way.

Courtesy of LSU Tigers Football.

Through 11 games, Delane’s performance has helped the Tigers rank No. 1 in the SEC in pass efficiency defense with a 109.7 rating. The Tiger defense is one of only two in the SEC to have more interceptions (14) than touchdown passes allowed (8).

LSU also leads the SEC in passes defended (61), interceptions (14) and pass breakups (47). LSU ranks No. 10 nationally in interceptions, No. 11 in passes defended and No. 17 in pass breakups.

Delane's Move to LSU:

“I live for that challenge; that’s why I came to LSU. That’s why I grew up playing this game: to thrive in those moments and show up when your name’s called. That’s how you make a name for yourself,” Delane said.

“Nobody’s looking at you, or the game’s not depending on you, but what are you going to do when the game’s on the line and you get to play for your brothers? People are looking for you to step up.”

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