Sam Houston State University in Texas has confirmed the passing of one of its newly transferred football players. The tragic news was shared by the university on Saturday.
The death of 22-year-old defensive back William Davis was officially announced by the team’s head coach, Phil Longo, in a press release on Sunday.
“With profound sadness, we grieve the loss of Will Davis,” Longo expressed in the statement.
He described Davis as a cherished member of the Bearkat football team at Sam Houston, noting the positive impact Davis had on everyone around him. “Will was a vibrant, optimistic, and passionate individual who left a lasting impression and will be greatly missed,” Longo added.
Longo also mentioned that he and his family extend their thoughts and prayers to Davis’ family and friends during this challenging period.
No cause of death has been released.
Davis had transferred to Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, about an hour north of Houston, earlier this year after playing three seasons at Virginia Union University from 2022 through 2024, Chron reported.
He earned all-conference honors in the CIAA in 2024 after a standout season that saw him rack up 56 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions and one sack, the outlet added.
Davis then transferred to West Virginia for the 2025 season but appeared in just one game before heading to Sam Houston State University in January.
The young defensive back joined the Bearkats for spring workouts in Huntsville in April and was preparing for the upcoming season with his new program.
“Sam Houston felt like home from the moment I first set foot on campus,” the Virginia native told Chron after his commitment to SHSU.
“As a Virginia kid that had played every snap of football in my life within driving distance of home, it was important to me that I’d play somewhere where I fit seamlessly into the culture if I was going to be so distant geographically,” he added.
“My leadership and football IQ will help me be an anchor for our secondary throughout this upcoming season.”
Outside of his college football career, Davis earned a bachelor’s degree in entrepreneurial management from Virginia Union in 2024, Chron reported.
SHSU said it will honor Davis during the 2026 season, though specific plans have not yet been announced.