Will Davis Dies at Age 22, Sam Houston State HC Releases Statement on Star Football Player

Sam Houston State defensive back Will Davis died Saturday at the age of 22, the school announced.

"It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of Will Davis," Sam Houston State head coach Phil Longo said in a statement. "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."

Per Michael Shapiro of Chron, Davis played three seasons at Virginia Union, a Division II HBCU program, before transferring to West Virginia ahead of the 2025 season. He played in just one game for the Mountaineers, and he transferred to Sam Houston State in January. He had joined the Bearkats for spring practices last month.

"We lost a member of our Bearkat family this weekend and everyone is in pain today. My heart hurts right now for the family, friends, coaches and teammates of William Davis," Sam Houston State director of athletics Bobby Williams said in a statement. "We are never prepared when we lose someone suddenly in our lives and it's especially tough when it is someone so young and still has a full life in front of them. I want to express my sincerest condolences to Will's family and everyone whose lives he touched."

During his final season at Virginia Union in 2024, Davis earned CIAA all-conference honors after totaling 56 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions and a sack.

Shapiro noted that Sam Houston State is expected to honor Davis throughout the 2026 season.