Sam Houston State University is mourning defensive back William Davis, who died at 22. The school described his passing as sudden, with Coach Phil Longo calling him a beloved, upbeat presence, while officials said the Bearkats plan to honor him during the 2026
Sam Houston State University is mourning the death of defensive back William Davis, who died at 22.
The university confirmed the loss in a statement provided to MISRYOUM. saying. “We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of SHSU student-athlete Will Davis.” Sam Houston State’s Head Football Coach Phil Longo also issued a message. adding. “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.”
Longo continued, “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 had most recently transferred to Sam Houston State earlier this year, after a standout collegiate path that began at Virginia Union University. At Virginia Union, he played three seasons from 2022 through 2024. The cause of death was not immediately released.
This April. Davis joined the Bearkats for spring workouts in Huntsville and was preparing for what the program described as a fresh start.. After committing to SHSU. Davis said he felt excitement about his next chapter. telling the school it felt like home right away and emphasizing his desire to find a strong cultural fit far from his home state of Virginia.
Sam Houston State officials said the program plans to honor Davis during the 2026 season, though details have not yet been announced. The university also noted simply: Will was 22.
The timeline ties together Davis’s transfer and spring preparation with the school’s promise to honor him in 2026. even as the cause of death remains undisclosed.. His move from Virginia Union—where he played from 2022 through 2024—to joining spring workouts in Huntsville this past April set up the “fresh start” the program says he was gearing for. before the sudden passing prompted the mourning messages from both the university and Coach Longo.
William Davis Sam Houston State SHSU Bearkats Virginia Union University defensive back college football death at 22 Phil Longo