OKLAHOMA CITY – Senior defensive back Ta’Shawn James of the UCLA football team was named the Thorpe Award National Defensive Back of the Week on Wednesday morning after helping UCLA to a season-opening 45-24 victory at California on Sept. 5.

The Thorpe Award is handed out annually to the most outstanding defensive back in college football, while the weekly award recognizes the top performance across the country every week.

This marks James’ second weekly award as he was named the Big Ten Co-Defensive Player of the Week on Monday.

James had a standout performance in his Bruin debut, recording the first two interceptions of his career and eight tackles in the winning effort. His two picks came on back-to-back defensive drives in the fourth quarter, helping UCLA outscore the host Golden Bears by a margin of 21-0 in the final stanza.

James’ eight tackles led the secondary and were third-most on the team overall.

He became the first Bruin to intercept two passes in a game since former UCLA All-American linebacker Carson Schwesinger did so in a homecoming victory over Iowa on Nov. 8, 2024.

UCLA returns to action this Saturday, Sept. 12, hosting San Diego State at the Rose Bowl in the team’s 2026 home opener. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:15 p.m. PT on Big Ten Network. Fans can purchase tickets HERE.