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USC safety Bishop Fitzgerald named Jim Thorpe Award semifinalist

Erik-McKinneyby: Erik McKinney10/28/25ErikTMcKinney
USC safety Bishop Fitzgerald makes a tackle against the Michigan Wolverines
USC safety Bishop Fitzgerald makes a tackle against the Michigan Wolverines (acscottphotography/WeAreSC)

USC Trojans safety Bishop Fitzgerald was named a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, annually presented to college football’s best defensive back.

Fitzgerald is tied for the national lead with five interceptions. Three of those have come inside USC’s defensive end zone and one was returned for a touchdown. His five picks are the most for a USC defender since safety Calen Bullock had five during the 2022 season. The senior safety is tired for second among USC defenders with 40 tackles. Fitzgerald also has two pass breakups and one sack.

He was named the Bronko Nagurski Player of the Week for his performance against Michigan, in which he intercepted two passes and recorded a sack. Fitzgerald has been a bright spot for the Trojans in his one year after coming in as a transfer portal addition from North Carolina State.

Fitzgerald was named to the AP Midseason All-American First Team, Sports Illustrated Midseason All-American First Team and The Athletic Midseason All-American Second Team.

The Thorpe Award has been given annually since 1986 and Fitzgerald is looking to become the third Trojan ever to win it. Safety Mark Carrier won it in 1989 and cornerback Adoree’ Jackson won in 2016. USC is one of eight schools with multiple winners. No school has more than three Thorpe Awards.

The full list of the 15 Jim Thorpe Award semifinalists are:

2025 Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Semifinalists

Mansoor Delane, Cornerback, LSU, Sr.
Caleb Downs, Safety, Ohio State, Jr.
Bishop Fitzgerald, Safety, USC, Sr.
Elijah Green, Cornerback, Tulsa, So.
Colton Hood, Cornerback, Tennessee, So.
Chris Johnson, Cornerback, San Diego State, Sr.
Jamel Johnson, Safety, TCU, Jr.
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Safety, Toledo, Sr.
Leonard Moore, Cornerback, Notre Dame, So.
Antwan Peek Jr., Safety, Cincinnati, Jr.
D’Angelo Ponds, Cornerback, Indiana, Jr.
Keionte Scott, Cornerback, Miami, Sr.
Michael Taaffe, Safety, Texas, Sr.
Avieon Terrell, Cornerback, Clemson, Jr.
Dillon Thieneman, Safety, Oregon, Jr.

The three finalists will be announced as part of a special presentation on ESPN on November 25.

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Garry Paskwietz (1966-2019)

Garry Paskwietz was a pioneer in bringing team-specific sports coverage to the internet. He founded WeAreSC in 1998 and was an Emmy winner for his work with Fox Sports West. Always generous with his time, knowledge, and compassion, he touched the lives of countless USC and high school football fans.

Garry Paskwietz