Davis, a graduate senior from South Boston, Virginia, joined Sam Houston after previous stops at Virginia Union and West Virginia.
HUNTSVILLE, Texas — Sam Houston football is mourning the sudden passing of defensive back Will Davis, a graduate senior from South Boston, Virginia, who joined the Bearkats before spring practice.
Davis died Saturday, according to reporting from the Houston Chronicle. He was 22. Sam Houston State officials say the program plans to honor Davis during the 2026 season, though details have not yet been announced. The cause of death had not been announced as of Sunday evening.
Statement from Head Football Coach Phil Longo on the sudden passing of defensive back Will Davis.
"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. 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, a graduate senior from South Boston, Virginia, joined the Sam Houston program prior to spring practice, having previously played at West Virginia and Virginia Union.
Davis came to Sam Houston after a college football journey that reflected both perseverance and growth. West Virginia listed him as a nickel/safety who had played in 36 career games, including 20 starts, before joining the Mountaineers. He played three seasons at Virginia Union after redshirting in 2021 and not seeing action during the 2020 COVID season.
At Virginia Union, Davis became a productive defensive player. In 2022, he played in 10 games and finished with 21 tackles, including five tackles for loss, one sack, two interceptions, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. In 2023, he played in 12 games and recorded 38 tackles, five interceptions, two pass breakups, three quarterback hurries, 8.5 tackles for loss, two sacks and one fumble recovery.
His 2024 season was one of the best of his college career. Davis appeared in 14 games for Virginia Union and totaled 56 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, one sack, two interceptions and one forced fumble. The Houston Chronicle reported that he earned all-conference honors in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association that season.
Davis also carried his work beyond the field. West Virginia’s roster biography said he graduated from Virginia Union in 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in entrepreneurial management and was pursuing a master’s degree in sport management. The same biography listed him as the son of Michelle Woodall and one of five children, with four sisters.
A Halifax County High School graduate, Davis was listed by Virginia Union as a 5-foot-10, 195-pound safety from South Boston. West Virginia listed him at 5-foot-10 and 194 pounds. Sam Houston listed him on its 2026 roster as a defensive back wearing No. 0.
In a February social media post quoted by the Houston Chronicle, Davis said Sam Houston felt like home when he arrived on campus. He also spoke about wanting to bring leadership and football IQ to the Bearkats’ secondary.
For Sam Houston, Davis’ time in Huntsville was brief, but Longo’s statement made clear his impact was felt quickly by those around him.