Sam Houston State defensive back William Davis, who joined the Bearkats in the spring, died, the university announced.
Davis, 22, died Saturday, May 16. No cause of death or location of where he died was given.
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“It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of Will Davis. Will was a beloved member of our Bearkat football family here at Sam Houston who touched the lives of everyone he knew,” coach Phil Longo said in a statement. “Will was an upbeat, positive, passionate young man who will be sincerely missed.”
The senior from South Boston, Virginia was set for his seventh college season after transferring to Sam Houston for the 2026 season. He started his career at Division II Virginia Union in 2020, although he did not play in his first two seasons. From 2022-24, he played in 36 games for the Panthers with 20 career starts, finishing with 115 tackles, including 25 tackles for loss, four sacks and nine interceptions.
Davis transferred to West Virginia for the 2025 season, playing one game for the Mountaineers in the season-opening win against Robert Morris.
He announced his transfer to Sam Houston in January and was a participant in spring practice.
“We lost a member of our Bearkat family this weekend and everyone is in pain today,” said athletic director Bobby Williams. “My heart hurts right now for the family, friends, coaches and teammates of William Davis. We are never prepared when we lose someone suddenly in our lives and it’s especially tough when it is someone so young and still has a full life in front of them. I want to express my sincerest condolences to Will’s family and everyone whose lives he touched.”
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Sam Houston football DB William Davis dies at 22
