Sam Houston State defensive back William Davis, who became a Bearkat after transferring from West Virginia following one season with the school, has passed away. He was 22 years old.
Phil Longo, the head coach of Sam Houston State, issued a statement that confirmed Davis‘ death Sunday. (RELATED: All Hell Breaks Loose In Nantes, Toulouse Game After Fans Breach Security, Storm Field)
“It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of Will Davis,” said Longo. “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.”
We are deeply saddened by the passing of William Davis. All of our thoughts and prayers are with the Davis family today. pic.twitter.com/yam9idMERc
— Sam Houston Football (@BearkatsFB) May 18, 2026
Davis began his college career at Virginia Union, playing 19 contests with the university. In total, he racked up five interceptions with one touchdown. Following the 2024 campaign, he transferred to West Virginia. With the Mountaineers, he competed in one game.
Plans were in place for Davis to compete for a spot on the Sam Houston State roster. In 2025, he graduated from West Virginia, doing so with a masters of science in sports management.
“Sam Houston felt like home from the moment I first set foot on campus,” said Davis, 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.”
The cause of Davis’ death has not been revealed.