MORGANTOWN, West Virginia — Terrible news emerged on Sunday night as former West Virginia defensive back Will Davis reportedly passed away in an apparent suicide. He was just 24 years old.
Davis had transferred to Sam Houston Bearkats football in January after spending time with West Virginia Mountaineers football during the 2025 season. While his time in Morgantown was brief, many around the program spoke highly of him and the impact he made as a teammate. Davis appeared in one game for the Mountaineers, seeing action in the season opener against Robert Morris.
Sad News: Sam Houston DB Will Davis passed away last night in an apparent suicide.
He had just transferred from West Virginia in January and was loved by many.
RIP Will 🙏🐢 pic.twitter.com/V5ME2idywN
— College Transfer Portal (@CollegeFBPortal) May 17, 2026
Before arriving at West Virginia, Davis built an impressive career at Virginia Union Panthers football, where he developed into one of the top defensive players in the CIAA. The South Boston, Virginia native earned 2024 CIAA First Team honors after recording 56 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, one sack, two interceptions, and a forced fumble during his final season with the Panthers. Across three seasons at Virginia Union, Davis totaled 115 tackles, 25 tackles for loss, four sacks, and nine interceptions.
Stories like this are always far bigger than football. Davis was more than a player on a roster or a name in the transfer portal. He was a son, friend, teammate, and someone who clearly impacted many people throughout his journey at Virginia Union, West Virginia, and Sam Houston.
We are truly devastated to hear about the tragic passing of Sam Houston State defensive back William Davis.
We send our deepest condolences to his family, friends, teammates, coaches, and the entire Sam Houston community during this difficult time pic.twitter.com/NUYhDXAUC1
— Texas Football Life (@txfblife) May 17, 2026
We send our deepest condolences to Davis’ family, friends, teammates, coaches, and the entire Sam Houston and West Virginia communities during this incredibly difficult time.
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.
