William Davis, a defensive back who transferred from West Virginia to play for Sam Houston State this season, died from gunshot wounds to his chest, according to a report from TMZ.
Davis’ death was revealed by Sam Houston State in a statement released on Sunday. He was 22 years old.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Virginia told the outlet that the manner of his death is pending, meaning it is not immediately clear whether or not this was a homicide.
No details about the cause or the manner of Davis’ death were revealed in the day after his passing.
‘We are deeply saddened by the passing of William Davis. All of our thoughts and prayers are with the Davis family today,’ a statement from Sam Houston State University read.
A statement released by head football coach Phil Longo said, ‘It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of Will Davis.
Former West Virginia defensive back William Davis died from a gunshot wound to his chest
A cause of death wasn’t released when Davis’ death was announced on Sunday
Davis starred for three seasons at Division-II Virginia Union, an HBCU in his home state, where he earned all-conference honors in the 2024 campaign
‘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 had transferred to Sam Houston State this offseason from West Virginia with the hopes of playing out one more season of college football.
Prior to West Virginia, Davis played three seasons with Division II Virginia Union, an HBCU program in Richmond.
Davis earned all-conference honors for the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) and tallied 56 tackles, 11.5 tackles for a loss, a pair of interceptions and a sack in 2024.
He then transferred to West Virginia, where he only played the team’s season-opener against Robert Morris.
After that, he decided to switch to Sam Houston State in January – moving to Huntsville, Texas to begin spring practices for the Bearkats.
‘Sam Houston felt like home from the moment I first set foot on campus,’ Davis said in February after his commitment to SHSU, according to the Houston Chronicle.
Davis transferred from Virginia Union to West Virginia, but played in just one game
He transferred to Sam Houston State in January with the hopes of playing one more season
‘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.
‘My leadership and football IQ will help me be an anchor for our secondary throughout this upcoming season.’
Tributes to Davis poured in across social media – especially in the comments under his Instagram posts where followers mourned his passing.
Nilson Sports, the NIL agency Davis was working with, posted, ‘More than a client, William Davis was a remarkable young man who left an impact on everyone fortunate enough to know him. Our thoughts and prayers are with Will’s family, friends, teammates, and all who loved him. Rest In Peace.’
‘Amazing Human, rest peacefully Will,’ posted his NIL agent, Tristen Kuhn.
‘Gutted for Will’s Family,’ posted Luke Bengston – a wide receivers coach at South Dakota State who worked with Davis at Virginia Union.
‘Terrific young man and leader. Made others around him better. Connected with all of his teammates/coaches on a personal level. And did it all with that megawatt smile.’
