Sam Houston State defensive back William Davis, a transfer from West Virginia who was preparing to compete for a spot with the Bearkats, has died. He was 22.
Head coach Phil Longo confirmed Davis’ death in a statement released Sunday. The cause of death had not been disclosed as of late Monday.
“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.”
West Virginia Football is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Mountaineer William Davis. He brought a positive light to those around him and was a great teammate.
Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/gUvdq5nigP
— West Virginia Football (@WVUfootball) May 18, 2026
Davis began his college career at Virginia Union, where he played in 19 games and totaled five interceptions, returning one for a touchdown. After the 2024 season, he transferred to West Virginia and appeared in one game for the Mountaineers.
He graduated from West Virginia in 2025 with a master’s of science in sports management, and later said Sam Houston felt like the right fit, even though it meant moving far from home.
“Sam Houston felt like home from the moment I first set foot on campus,” Davis said, per Nilson Sports. “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.
“The ability to play for Coach Dovonte Edwards, someone with experience playing in the NFL that can show me the blueprint of what it looks like to become the type of player who can achieve success at the highest level, was a motivating factor for me as well.”
Sam Houston did not immediately release additional details Monday. Plans for services were not announced.
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