COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio State third-year safety Lathan Ransom is a semifinalist for the 2022 Paycom Jim Thorpe Award, awarded to the best defensive back in college football. The announcement was made on Monday afternoon by the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame.

Ransom is one of 12 players nationwide to earn the honor. He’s joined by two other players from the Big Ten conference: Penn State’s Joey Porter Jr. and Devon Witherspoon of Illinois.

The Thorpe Award selection committee will select three award finalists at the conclusion of the regular season. The award finalists will be announced as part of a special presentation by ESPN on Tuesday, November 29th. The winner will be announced Thursday, December 8th, live on The Home Depot College Football Awards. Ohio State’s last Thorpe Award finalist was CB Jeffrey Okudah in 2019. Two Buckeyes have won the award: Malcolm Jenkins in 2008 and Antoine Winfield in 1998.

Ransom, from Tucson, Ariz. and Salpointe Catholic High School, is currently third on the team in total tackles (29). He’s added an interception, pass breakup, two quarterback hurries, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery in the six games that he’s played in.

With Ransom’s help, the Buckeyes currently rank in the top five nationally in three key defensive statistics: total defense (second – 239.9 yards/game), scoring defense (fifth – 14.9 points/game) and passing defense (third – 149.0 yards/game). The Buckeyes have allowed just 10 offensive touchdowns through seven games.

COURTESY OSU ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS