NCAAF · 1 year ago

Ranking the Top 93 College Football Safeties for 2024

Zack Cook

Host · Writer

93. Robert Spears-Jennings - Oklahoma
It's early in the 2024 college football season, but Oklahoma safety Robert Spears-Jennings is producing with the cream of the crop. It's encouraging to see the role that Spears-Jennings is playing for Brent Venables' defense, and it's much easier to see the upside with this junior DB as a result.

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1. Caleb Downs - Ohio State
In terms of safeties in college football, there is Caleb Downs and then the rest of the pack. Downs was labeled a five-star recruit, and he's already punched above that status in his collegiate career. Downs transferred from Alabama to Ohio State in the offseason and will look to help lead the Buckeyes to a national championship on defense.

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2. Malaki Starks - Georgia
Malaki Starks was a highly sought recruit, and he's lived up to the billing with the Georgia Bulldogs. Starks has played a crucial role in an elite Bulldogs defense, which included a national championship. All eyes will remain on him to lead Georgia's secondary in 2024.
3. Xavier Watts - Notre Dame
Xavier Watts is an impressive defensive player, so much so that he took home the Bronko Nagurski Trophy in 2023, given to the best defensive player in college football. Watts tallied seven interceptions in 2023 to lead the nation and didn't allow a touchdown in coverage.
4. Dillon Thieneman - Purdue
It's funny what can change for a player when it's put in a positive developmental environment. Dillon Thieneman has thrived with Purdue, even though he didn't enter the program as a highly regarded recruit. Big things are expected for him in 2024.
5. Xavier Nwankpa - Iowa
Xavier Nwankpa had an incredible 2023 campaign for the Iowa Hawkeyes. Nwankpa has an elite football IQ, and that's helped him make a jump in his overall production and consistency.
6. Kevin Winston Jr. - Penn State
Kevin Winston Jr. brings the complete package for the Penn State Nittany Lions. His ability to contribute in multiple layers of the defense has made him someone we'll be keeping a close eye on entering 2024.

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7. Hunter Wohler - Wisconsin
Hunter Wohler has continued to be a potent weapon for the Wisconsin Badgers defense, especially when factoring in his ability to contribute in multiple areas. Not only is Wohler good in coverage, but he's also a strong run defender.
8. Rod Moore - Michigan
Rod Moore is a vital component of a Michigan secondary that continues to lock down the opposition. Moore has had some consistency issues in his collegiate career, but the potential remains for him to have a solid bounce-back 2024 season.
9. Keon Sabb - Alabama
Keon Sabb transferred from Michigan to Alabama after winning a national championship. You know the old expression: if you can't beat 'em, join 'em. Sabb has big shoes to fill in the Crimson Tides secondary after playing a part-time role for the Wolverines.
10. Aubrey Burks - West Virginia
Aubrey Burks's strength has come in coverage for the West Virginia Mountaineers. Although he can certainly stand to work on his tackling skills, he's shown he has immense value to this defense.

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11. Andrew Mukuba - Texas
Andrew Mukuba is at his best when performing as a single-high safety, something Clemson did well with him last year. Mukuba has elite speed and good instincts, which have him on the border of the top ten.
12. Shilo Sanders - Colorado
Shilo Sanders does many things well for the Colorado Buffaloes, which shouldn't come as a surprise with the family genes. Sanders earned his spot and one of the top safeties in the country entering 2024.
13. Deshawn Pace - UCF
Deshawn Pace combines elite athleticism with strong instincts, making him a valuable weapon for UCF entering 2024. Pace has the frame and skillset to really pop on tape next season, which should increase his draft stock.
14. Malachi Moore - Alabama
Even with some key players transferring, the Crimson Tide still boasts some strong players in their secondary for 2024. Malachi Moore uses physicality and a high-end football IQ to be a difference maker for Alabama.
15. Jalen Catalon - Texas
The Texas Longhorns have some polished members in their secondary and Jalen Catalon is a significant part of that. Catalon has had some inconsistencies, but we've seen him excel before, making 2024 a big season for him.
16. Jahdae Barron - Texas
Having good instincts and an ability to react quickly is an important skill in the secondary. Jahdae Barron has that and more for the Texas Longhorns. He'll look to take another sizable step forward for a national title-contending team.
17. Lathan Ransom - Ohio State
The Ohio State Buckeyes are built tough in the secondary, with Lathan Ransom playing a significant role ino 2024. Ransom has the size, physicality, and instincts to be a difference maker.
18. Sebastian Castro - Iowa
Sebastian Castro can create turnovers and is a building block for the Iowa Hawkeyes' defense. Castro has the ability to rise in the ranks, much like Cooper DeJean did last year.
19. Isheem Young - Ole Miss
Isheem Young combines a highly competitive mindset with strong ball skills. Young's versatility makes him someone worth watching heading into the 2024 Ole Miss season.
20. Jack Howell - Colorado State
Jack Howell's strong football IQ has made him a standout member of the Colorado State Rams secondary. Howell is undersized, but he more than makes up for it with strong reads and quickness.
21. Sonny Styles - Ohio State
Sonny Styles has the chance to be a riser on this list with more reps this season for the Buckeyes. Styles has the size, length, and agility needed to excel as a safety. e's set to play a prominent role in a deep Ohio State secondary.
22. Billy Bowman Jr. - Oklahoma
Billy Bowman Jr. has continued to be a strong presence in the secondary for the Oklahoma Sooners. Bowman combines a strong football IQ with a physical presence, making sure opposing pass catchers know he's in the area.
23. Sage Ryan - LSU
Sage Ryan plays with a big chip on his shoulder, which leads to a very physical safety. Ryan also is a strong athlete, highlighted by his speed, which has him currently clocked in at a 4.39 second 40-yard dash.
24. Donovan McMillon - Pittsburgh
Donovan McMillon is a physical safety that isn't afraid to make a big hit or two in the secondary. McMillon has good hands, and the ability read schemes well and react in a timely fashion.
25. Corey Collier Jr. - Nebraska
Corey Collier Jr. is set to continue his collegiate career with Nebraska. Collier Jr. is at his best in zone coverage, while he also has strong football IQ to make adjustments on the fly.
26. Kendal Daniels - Oklahoma State
Kendal Daniels stands out with his size for the Oklahoma State Cowboys in their secondary. Daniels has shown more quickness and is quietly growing into frame, making him a valuable worthwhile project to continue keeping an eye on.
27. Ja'Had Carter - Ohio State
It's no secret that the Ohio State Buckeyes, among many teams in the Big Ten, are loaded in the secondary. Ja'Had Carter provides another weapon for the Buckeyes with his high-end physicality.
28. Nick Andersen - Wake Forest
You won't catch Nick Andersen off guard in the secondary for Wake Forest. Andersen has a very high football IQ, and has the speed needed to thrive in this role heading into 2024.
29. Ladarius Tennison - UCF
Ladarius Tennison is a strong tackler that has good ranger and provides a good physical presence. His size won't intimidate you, but Tennison always makes his presence felt when he's out on the football field.
30. R.J. Moten - Florida
R.J. Moten has a strong football IQ, and processes things at a high level. Moten will enter this 2024 campaign and be relied upon as a key member of the Florida Gators secondary.
31. Quinn Schulte - Iowa
It's no secret that the Iowa Hawkeyes are a strong defensive-minded school. Quinn Schulte is set to play a major role in this defense in 2024, which should elevate his status on draft boards.
32. Shawn Asbury II - Indiana
Shawn Asbury II is a very strong run defender, which will be his bread and butter for this version of the Indiana Hoosiers. Having a strong tackling safety who can defend the run at an elite level is a big asset on defense.
33. Wyett Ekeler - Wyoming
The Wyoming Cowboys boast a solid safety in Wyett Ekeler. His explosive tendencies make him a worthwhile player to follow closely into 2025, with more growth expected from the Colorado native.
34. Justin Barron - Syracuse
Justin Barron remains an important leader in the secondary for the Syracuse Orange. His size, length, and overall athleticism make him someone scouts will be keeping a close eye on in 2025.
35. Jaheem Joseph - West Virginia
Jaheem Joseph will continue his college career at West Virginia after spending time at Northwestern. Joseph is a strong athlete who has the ability to pop on tape with more reps in a strong defensive system.
36. Akili Arnold - USC
Akili Arnold is at his best in coverage. After transferring to USC, Arnold will look to improve his quickness and demonstrate why his coverage skills are some of the top in his class.
37. Keyshawn Swanson - Troy
Keyshawn Swanson possesses a strong football IQ and processes information at a high level. As he enters the 2024 campaign, he will be relied upon as a key member of Troy's' secondary.
38. CJ Baskerville - Texas Tech
CJ Baskerville stands out in the Texas Tech Red Raiders' secondary due to his size. He has demonstrated increased quickness and is steadily growing into his frame, making him a valuable prospect worth keeping an eye on.
39. Eli Blakey - Miami (OH)
Eli Blakey is a strong tackler with good range, providing a solid physical presence. He also boasts solid size and consistently makes his presence felt on the football field.
40. Kamren Fabiculanan - Washington
Kamren Fabiculanan is a physical safety who isn't hesitant to deliver big hits in the secondary. He possesses good hands and has the ability to read schemes effectively, reacting swiftly and accurately.
41. Tamarion McDonald - Louisville
Tamarion McDonald was looking for a bigger role, which factored into him transferring to Louisville. McDonald is the complete package, and should come in an be a difference maker for this group.
42. Flip Dixon - Rutgers
Flip Dixon is a strong defender that bring size, athleticism, and a multi-faceted approach to Rutgers defense. If Rutgers hopes to upgrade their defense in 2024, Dixon will play a big role in their secondary.
43. Justin Parks - Arkansas State
Justin Parks has been a very impactful run defender, something we're actively looking for him to continue doing at Arkansas State. If he can become more well-rounded, he has the potential to rise up this list.
44. Jaylen Reed - Penn State
Jaylen Reed has demonstrated that he's a strong defender against the run, which is a valuable commodity in the system that Penn State operates in. Reed's defensive instincts are also strong.
45. Da'Marcus Crosby - Sam Houston
Da'Marcus Crosby is a well-rounded safety that provides value for Sam Houston. Crosby's frame and overall athleticism make him someone worth looking at in the 2024 campaign.
46. Jaden Voisin - South Alabama
Jaden Voisin is a robust tackler with impressive range, delivering a formidable physical presence. With his solid size, he consistently makes an impact on the football field.
47. Kory Chapman - UTEP
Kory Chapman has a high football IQ and processes information quickly in a fast moving sport. As he heads into the 2024 season, he will be a crucial part of UTEP's secondary.
48. Marvin Grant - Kansas
Marvin Grant excels as a run defender, which will be his standout role for this iteration of the Kansas Jayhawks. A safety with elite run-stopping and tackling abilities is a significant asset for the defense.
49. Glendon Miller - Maryland
Glendon Miller pairs a fiercely competitive mindset with excellent ball skills. His versatility makes him a player to watch as the 2024 Maryland season approaches.
50. Evan Eller - Wyoming
Evan Eller remains a formidable force in the secondary for the Wyoming Cowboys. Eller blends a high football IQ with a physical presence, ensuring that opposing pass catchers are always aware of his presence.
51. Devonte' Mathews - Western Kentucky
Devonte' Mathews is a physical safety known for his willingness to deliver big hits in the secondary. He has excellent hands and the ability to read schemes effectively, allowing him to react swiftly and accurately.
52. Malik Verdon - Iowa State
Malik Verdon is a solid tackler with impressive range, offering a solid physical presence. With his solid frame, he consistently makes an impact on the football field.
53. Javin Wright - Nebraska
Javin Wright boasts a strong football IQ and excels at processing information quickly. As the 2024 campaign approaches, he will be a crucial member of Nebraska's secondary.
54. Mehki Miller - Cincinnati
Mehki Miller continues to be a vital leader in the Cincinnati secondary. His size, length, and overall athleticism make him a standout player that scouts will be closely watching in 2025.
55. R.J. Mickens - Clemson
R.J. Mickens excels as a run defender, making it his primary strength for this iteration of the Indiana Hoosiers. His elite-level run defense and strong tackling skills make him a significant asset to the team's defense.
56. Tywan Francis - Temple
Tywan Francis exhibits a keen football intelligence and processes information swiftly. As the 2024 season approaches, he will be a critical component of Temple's secondary.
57. Caleb Flagg - Missouri
Caleb Flagg has proven to be a highly effective run defender, a role we hope he will continue to excel in at Missouri. If he can develop into a more versatile player, he has the potential to climb higher on this list.
58. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren - Toledo
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren continues to be a pivotal leader in Toledo's secondary. His stature, reach, and athletic ability position him as a key prospect for scouts to monitor closely in 2025.
59. Sheldon Arnold II - East Tennessee State
Sheldon Arnold II distinguishes himself in the East Tennessee State secondary with his notable size. He has shown improved quickness and is consistently developing physically, making him a promising prospect to watch.
60. Hershey McLaurin - Houston
Hershey McLaurin is a proficient tackler with good range and a solid physical presence. While his size may not be intimidating, McLaurin consistently makes his impact felt on the football field.
61. Gunner Maldonado - Arizona
If you're looking for a key contributor for the Arizona Wildcats on defense, look no further than Gunner Maldonado. Maldonado has a good combination of size, speed, and football IQ.
62. Jack Henderson - Minnesota
Jack Henderson remains a formidable force in the secondary for Minnesota. With a high football IQ and a physical demeanor, Henderson ensures that opposing receivers are well aware of his presence on the field.
63. Quinten Johnson - Michigan
Quinten Johnson possesses keen instincts and a rapid response time, crucial traits for playing in the secondary. He brings these skills and more to the Michigan Wolverines, aiming to make significant progress with a team contending for another national title.
64. Shaquan Loyal - Rutgers
Shaquan Loyal combines a highly competitive spirit with superb ball skills. His versatility marks him as a standout player to keep an eye on as the 2024 Rutgers season nears.
65. Camryn Bracha - Fresno State
Camryn Bracha is a physical safety known for his readiness to deliver powerful hits in the secondary. He has strong hands and effectively interprets schemes, responding quickly and precisely.
66. Blake Ruffin - Louisville
Blake Ruffin is a physical safety known for delivering significant hits in the secondary without hesitation. Ruffin possesses strong hands, coupled with an apt ability to read schemes effectively and respond promptly.
67. Jonas Sanker - Virginia
Jonas Sanker is a robust defender who adds size, athleticism, and versatility to Virginia's defense. If Virginia aims to bolster their defense in 2024, Sanker will be a key figure in their secondary.
68. Jonathan McGill - SMU
Jonathan McGill has the opportunity to climb higher on this list with increased playing time this season for the Mustangs. Possessing the necessary size, length, and agility to thrive as a safety, he is poised to play a significant role in 2024.
69. Caleb Weaver - Sam Houston
Caleb Weaver is a physical safety recognized for his readiness to execute substantial hits in the secondary. He boasts impressive hands and the capability to interpret schemes effectively, enabling him to respond quickly and precisely.
70. Talique Allen - Western Kentucky
Talique Allen has made significant contributions as a run defender, a role we expect him to maintain at Western Kentucky. With further development into a more versatile player, he has the potential to climb higher on this list.
71. Louis Moore - Ole Miss
We're not quite sure if they'll make the cut with the elite this season, but Ole Miss is headed in that direction. Louis Moore should hit the ground running with the Rebels and play a big role in their secondary.
72. Nate Valcarcel - Northern Illinois
If you're unaware of Nate Valcarcel, you should check out some of his work at Northern Illinois. Valcarcel brings a unique combination of size and ball skills. Can he make even more of an impression this time around?
73. D'Marco Augustin - USF
Although he's not playing for a program that racks up a ton of attention, there's quietly plenty to like about D'Marco Augustin. His size and speed really make him pop on tape as a potential standout for USF.
74. DeShon Singleton - Nebraska
It's daunting task to compete with some of the top defenses in college football for Nebraska. DeShon Singleton is a player that has the tools to really elevate his game and make a splash in 2024-25.
75. Jerrin Thompson - Auburn
If Auburn hopes to improve and make a jump this season, they'll need more contributions from the likes of Jerrin Thompson. This player has the ability with his athleticism to be a powerful leader for this group on defense.
76. Abe Camara - TCU
There's a lot to like about what Abe Camara will be responsible for in the secondary for TCU. Camara boasts a solid frame and will be responsible for a leadership role with this Horned Frogs team.
77. Trent Simms - Bowling Green
Despite not getting a ton of viewership at Bowling Green, Trent Simms is a quality prospect worthy of diving into. Simms has a bulky frame and has a strong football IQ that makes him pop on tape.
78. Craig Woodson - California
There's a lot to like about the options the California Golden Bears have in their secondary heading into 2024. Craig Woodson is a real weapon for this group with his ball handling skills and athleticism.
79. Terry Jones Jr. - Indiana
We continue to wait for the Indiana Hoosiers to take another step in the world of college football. If they have plans of doing that on defense in 2024, they'll need the likes of Terry Jones Jr. to step up.
80. Jalen Stroman - Virginia Tech
Closing out the top 80 is Jalen Stroman out of Virginia Tech. Stroman has a unique package of size and athleticism, which make him the type of prospect that has a real shot at rising throughout the year.
81. Ty Benefield - Boise State
Even though Ty Benefield brings the ideal size to the table, he doesn't miss a step with his speed, either. Benefield has an impressive skillset, but has lacked the consistency to this point.
82. Maxen Hook - Toledo
Maxen Hook is a really physical safety that can make you with his football IQ. Hook's smarts and presence in the secondary make opponents on offense think twice when he's in the area.
83. Silas Walters - Miami (OH)
Silas Walters has a lot of the traits scouts look for in a safety. Walters has the skillset to really make a big leap on this list in 2024. Can he live up to the real expectations here?
84. Jordan Favors - App State
We're looking for Jordan Favors to really take that step to another level this season. Favors doesn't have ideal size, but his athleticism immediately pops on film.
85. Marvae Myers - Middle Tennessee
Marvae Myers has some really solid tape and will look to improve upon that this season at Middle Tennessee. Myers has multiple traits that help contribute to a successful safety in college.

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86. Jordan Castell - Florida
If the Florida Gators are going to surprise in the SEC this year, they'll need someone to step up in their secondary. Jordan Castell has the potential to be that guy, pairing size with athleticism and good football IQ.
87. Rayuan Lane III - Navy
Rayuan Lane III brings high-end run stopping skills to the table in the secondary at Navy. Although there are question marks about his overall frame, his athleticism more than makes up for it.
88. Antavious Lane - North Carolina
Size has been an issue for Antavious Lane, but he brings plenty of leadership qualities to the North Carolina secondary. In addition, you also have to factor in his overall speed and hands, which are special attributes to say the least.
89. Trevon Gola-Callard - Cincinnati
Trevon Gola-Callard has the tools to help beef up the Cincinnati Bearcats secondary in 2024. Gola-Callard brings some real upside that the Bearcats have been lacking. If he can take another step forward with his development, there's a chance he ends up drafted one day.
90. Owen Goss - Arizona
Owen Goss is a safety that thrives in coverage. Goss is able to use his solid and football IQ to be an impactful presence in the secondary. Goss can't do it all by himself in their secondary, but he's certainly a nice piece that has room to grow.
91. Brylan Green
There's reason to expect that the Liberty Flames should take a step forward on defense this season. If that does ultimately transpire, Brylan Green should be a big reason why. Green is an athlete that seemingly makes plays, and that will be no different as a junior for the Flames.
92. O.J. Burroughs - Kansas
It doesn't always happen right away for a player, and it looks as though that was the case for O.J. Burroughs. The Kansas safety is on an upward climb as a senior, and you're really starting to see his potential as a playmaker in secondary.
93. Robert Spears-Jennings - Oklahoma
It's early in the 2024 college football season, but Oklahoma safety Robert Spears-Jennings is producing with the cream of the crop. It's encouraging to see the role that Spears-Jennings is playing for Brent Venables' defense, and it's much easier to see the upside with this junior DB as a result.

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1. Caleb Downs - Ohio State
In terms of safeties in college football, there is Caleb Downs and then the rest of the pack. Downs was labeled a five-star recruit, and he's already punched above that status in his collegiate career. Downs transferred from Alabama to Ohio State in the offseason and will look to help lead the Buckeyes to a national championship on defense.

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Ranking the Top 93 College Football Safeties for 2024

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