Thompson Named to Comeback Player Watch List
Tulsa linebacker Chris Thompson Jr. is among 38 college football players selected to the 2026 Comeback Player of the Year Award Midseason Watch List.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Football
College Sports Communicators named Tulsa linebacker Chris Thompson Jr. to the 2026 Comeback Player of the Year Award Midseason Watch List. Thompson missed the entire 2025 season due to injury and now leads the American Conference in tackles.
Why it matters
The recognition highlights a return from injury that has translated into a leading role on Tulsa's defense this season. The watch list follows Thompson's production through eight games as the Golden Hurricane's top tackler.
Thompson has recorded 3.5 tackles for loss and one sack this season, with a season-high 15 tackles against Army on Oct. 23. The selection covers 38 student-athletes, and the three recipients will not be named until the season concludes.
The players
Chris Thompson Jr.
Chris Thompson Jr. is a Tulsa linebacker who missed the 2025 season due to injury and has returned to lead the Golden Hurricane defense in tackles.
College Sports Communicators
College Sports Communicators is a national organization of college sports information professionals that announces award watch lists and honors.
The details
A panel of college football writers, editors and sports information directors will choose three recipients at season's end. The watch list was announced by College Sports Communicators in association with The Associated Press and Fiesta Sports Foundation, and recipients will be honored at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl.
Timeline
2025 season: Thompson misses the entire year due to injury.
Oct. 1: Thompson records 14 tackles against North Texas.
Oct. 23: Thompson records 15 tackles against Army.
Nov. 2: College Sports Communicators announces the midseason watch list.
Season Trajectory
The Comeback Player of the Year Award recognizes players who return from significant setbacks, and Thompson's midseason profile places him among the candidates being tracked before the season ends. His production as the American Conference's tackle leader positions him as a notable name in the award's field.
Thompson's 10.1 tackles per game makes him a key defensive anchor for Tulsa in the American Conference. For fantasy and conference observers, his consistent production across games defines the Golden Hurricane's defensive identity this season.
The takeaway
Thompson's return from a full season absence shows how quickly a player can regain a central role after injury. Following his tackle totals through the rest of the season will show whether he sustains that production.
What happens next
The three Comeback Player of the Year recipients will be selected at the conclusion of the season and honored at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl.
Further reading
Explore more Tulsa football coverage for context on the Golden Hurricane's season.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Albany Democrat-Herald.
