University of Houston Athletics
Will James Named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week
11/24/2025 12:30:00 PM | Football
James collected two interceptions while forcing a fumble against TCU
HOUSTON – Following a week where he snagged two interceptions while adding a forced fumble and five tackles, Houston Football sophomore defensive back Will James collected Big 12 Conference Defensive Player of the Week honors, the league announced Monday.
The two-interception game marked the first career multi-interception game for James, who became just the second Big 12 player this season to force three turnovers in a game. He was the first Cougar to post a pair of picks since Jeremiah Wilson grabbed two against Baylor in 2024 and the first Houston player to force three turnovers since Loyce Means did so against Tulsa in 2008.
James earned a 92.0 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus for the week which ranked second among all FBS players with at least 30 snaps. His 91.8 defense grade ranked third among FBS players and second among cornerbacks with at least 30 snaps.
The Grand Bay, Ala., native has an 86.5 defensive grade this season, which places him sixth in the Big 12. He's one of 15 Big 12 players with at least three interceptions on the year and one of two Big 12 sophomores with three interceptions and five pass breakups.
James is the latest Cougar to earn Big 12 weekly honors, bringing Houston's total to eight on the year after collecting a combined five in its first two seasons in the league.
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Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarFB on X, formerly known as Twitter, and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at Houston Cougar Football. Fans can also follow the team on Instagram at uhcougarfb.
The two-interception game marked the first career multi-interception game for James, who became just the second Big 12 player this season to force three turnovers in a game. He was the first Cougar to post a pair of picks since Jeremiah Wilson grabbed two against Baylor in 2024 and the first Houston player to force three turnovers since Loyce Means did so against Tulsa in 2008.
James earned a 92.0 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus for the week which ranked second among all FBS players with at least 30 snaps. His 91.8 defense grade ranked third among FBS players and second among cornerbacks with at least 30 snaps.
The Grand Bay, Ala., native has an 86.5 defensive grade this season, which places him sixth in the Big 12. He's one of 15 Big 12 players with at least three interceptions on the year and one of two Big 12 sophomores with three interceptions and five pass breakups.
James is the latest Cougar to earn Big 12 weekly honors, bringing Houston's total to eight on the year after collecting a combined five in its first two seasons in the league.
SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Football by providing NIL opportunities and by joining The Huddle which provides financial support directly to Houston Football for needs beyond its operating budget.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarFB on X, formerly known as Twitter, and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at Houston Cougar Football. Fans can also follow the team on Instagram at uhcougarfb.
–– UHCougars.com ––
Players Mentioned
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