HOUSTON – Houston Football cornerback Will James was named to the Preseason Bednarik Award Watch List, the award given to the top defensive back at the end of each year.

James is coming off a 2025 season where he earned All-Big 12 Second Team accolades after leading the Cougars with three interceptions, four turnovers gained and two forced fumbles. He has also pulled in Panini Senior Bowl Top 300 and Bronco Nagurski Watch List recognition this preseason.

The Grand Bay, Ala., native earned PFF National Team of the Week and Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week honors following his performance against TCU when he tied his career-high with five tackles, posted a career high two interceptions and forced a fumble.

In his second game as a Cougars, James intercepted a tipped pass for a 37-yard pick-six at Rice to help the Cougars retain the Bayou Bucket.

Entering his second season with Houston, James' 77.8 PFF defense grade ranked third on the team and his eight pass breakups ranked second on the squad.