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Miami's Bryce Fitzgerald is getting the recognition that he has deserved for a long time

Bryce Fitzgerald has been named a Jim Thorpe Award semifinalist.
ByPatrick Previty
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Jan 8, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive back Bryce Fitzgerald (13) celebrates after defeating the Mississippi Rebels during the 2026 Fiesta Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Jan 8, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive back Bryce Fitzgerald (13) celebrates after defeating the Mississippi Rebels during the 2026 Fiesta Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Miami sophomore safety Bryce Fitzgerald was named one of 15 semifinalists for the 2026 Paycom Jim Thorpe Award on Tuesday.

The award recognizes the nation's top defensive back based on performance on the field, athletic ability and character. Fitzgerald is one of three ACC players and four sophomores on the list. Three finalists will be announced on Nov. 24, with the winner revealed on Dec. 11.

The last Miami defensive back to win the Jim Thorpe Award was Bennie Blades in 1987.

Fitzgerald's production in 2026

Through seven games this season, the Miami native has recorded 18 tackles (12 solo), one sack, one interception and three pass breakups. He posted a season-high seven tackles (six solo) in Miami's 41-13 road win over Clemson and followed his Florida State interception with four tackles, a sack and a pass breakup in the Hurricanes' 52-23 victory over Pittsburgh.

Fitzgerald has played safety, corner and nickel this season as injuries forced him into multiple roles.

Game-sealing interceptions have become a staple for Fitzgerald

Fitzgerald secured Miami's 2OT victory over Florida State with an interception in the end zone on the game's final play. And that came after he left the game early with a shoulder injury and returned to play.

During Miami's College Football Playoff win at Texas A&M last season, he recorded two interceptions, including one in the end zone with less than two minutes remaining to help seal the 10-3 victory.

At this point, offenses should not feel comfortable throwing the direction of Fitzgerald when the game is on the line.

As a true freshman in 2025, Fitzgerald appeared in all 16 games with four starts, finishing with 16 tackles (10 solo), one tackle for loss, one sack and eight passes defended while leading the ACC and tying for second nationally with six interceptions.

That season earned him Freshman All-America honors and he is looking to add more hardware this year.

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