Kool Aid McKinstry Named Semifinalist for Jim Thorpe Award

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry has been named a semifinalist for the 2023-24 Jim Thorpe Award on Tuesday morning.

The award is given to the nation's top defensive back at season's end. McKinstry is one of 15 individuals from across the country up for the award.

Three finalists for the award will be named live on ESPN on Nov. 28 with the 2023 winner of the Jim Thorpe Award announced at the Home Depot College Football Awards on Dec. 8.

McKinstry has been targeted just 27 times in eight games this season for the Crimson Tide. He has five pass breakups and 20 tackles on the year.

As a program, Alabama has brought home the Jim Thorpe Award just twice, with Antonio Langham winning it in 1993 and Minkah Fitzpatrick earning the honor in 2017.

2023-24 Jim Thorpe Award Semifinalists

• Kris Abrams-Draine, Missouri
• Jahdae Barron, Texas
• Cole Bishop, Utah
• Denzel Burke, Ohio State
• Cooper DeJean, Iowa
• Renardo Green, Florida State
• Travis Hunter, Colorado
• Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama
• Benjamin Morrison, Notre Dame
• Jakob Robinson, BYU
• Willie Roberts, Louisiana Tech
• Jaylin Simpson, Auburn
• Malaki Starks, Georgia
• TJ Tampa, Iowa State
• Trey Taylor, Air Force

This story may be updated.