William Davis, a defensive back for Sam Houston State University, passed away on Saturday, May 17, 2026. He was 22 years old.
The cause of death has not been announced. The university confirmed the news to multiple outlets, and tributes began pouring in from coaches, teammates, and fans across college football.
Davis had only recently joined the Bearkats after a journey through several programs, but in the short time he was in Huntsville, he had already made a lasting impression on everyone around him.
Sam Houston State head football coach Phil Longo addressed the loss in a statement released by the school.
“It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of Will Davis,” Longo said. “Will was a beloved member of our Bearkat football family here at Sam Houston who touched the lives of everyone he knew. Will was an upbeat, positive, passionate young man who will be sincerely missed. Tanya, the kids and I are praying for Will’s family during this difficult time.”
Davis grew up in South Boston, Virginia, and spent the early part of his college career at Virginia Union University, a Division II HBCU program competing in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association.
He played three seasons there from 2022 through 2024, becoming one of the most dependable and productive players in the conference. His final season at Virginia Union was arguably his best.
He recorded 56 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions, and one sack, which earned him all-conference recognition and put him on the radar of programs at higher levels of competition.
He then transferred to West Virginia for the 2025 season, but his time with the Mountaineers was brief. He appeared in just one game, the season opener against Robert Morris, before deciding to move on.
In January 2026, Davis committed to Sam Houston State, where he hoped to find a fresh start and make his mark in the Football Championship Subdivision.
When he made his commitment public, Davis spoke warmly about why he chose SHSU.
“Sam Houston felt like home from the moment I first set foot on campus,” he said. “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 would play somewhere where I fit seamlessly into the culture if I was going to be so distant geographically. My leadership and football IQ will help me be an anchor for our secondary throughout this upcoming season.”
He joined the Bearkats for spring practices in April and was preparing for the upcoming season when news of his passing spread across social media Sunday afternoon.
High school coaches, college coaches, and representatives from Nilson Sports, the NIL agency that represented Davis, all shared their condolences online.
Davis earned his bachelor’s degree in entrepreneurial management from Virginia Union in 2024. He was more than a football player. He was a young man with a future full of promise.
Sam Houston State says it plans to honor Davis during the 2026 season. Details have not yet been announced. He was 22 years old. Rest in peace, Will.
