Hawkeye football defensive back Josh Jackson was named a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, an honor given to the country’s best defensive back, on Nov. 20. Jackson was not named to the semifinalist list.

The winner will be announced on Dec. 7.

Jackson leads the nation with 7 interceptions and 24 passes defended. His 2 interception returns for touchdowns rank second in the country, and he stands as third in the nation with 17 pass breakups and 163 return yards.

His interceptions rank fourth all-time for a single season at the program.

Against Wisconsin on Nov. 11, Jackson returned 2 interceptions for touchdowns. The week before against Ohio State, the junior cornerback tied the Iowa single-game record with 3 interceptions.

The last Hawkeye to be named a Jim Thorpe Award finalist was Desmond King in 2015, the year he claimed the prestigious award. Last season, King was a semifinalist.

Iowa will conclude its regular season against Nebraska on Nov. 24 in Lincoln at 3 p.m.