By Mark Pszonak
This has been a busy transfer portal cycle for safeties, but while many found new homes, not all will make an immediate impact. Here are the ten who will make the 2024 college football season more exciting
1. Caleb Downs – Ohio State (Alabama)
The skinny: Nobody thought that Downs would enter the portal, but when Nick Saban retired, everything quickly changed. The Buckeyes immediately swooped in and added one of the elite young defensive players in the country. Anything less than an All-American season will be surprising.
2. Andrew Mukuba – Texas (Clemson)
The skinny: The Austin, Texas native was immediately linked to the Longhorns after officially entering the portal. And it did not take very long for that link to become official as he soon after committed to Texas. A freshman All-American in 2021, Mukuba continued to be a reliable playmaker for the Tigers during his next two seasons in Death Valley. In Austin, the Longhorns are hoping that he can regain his All-American caliber form.
3. De’Rickey Wright – Texas A&M (Vanderbilt)
The skinny: Playing with the Commodores, Wright’s high level of play slid a bit under-the-radar, especially over the last two seasons when he totaled 101 tackles, 3.5 tackles for a loss, five interceptions, 10 pass breakups and two forced fumbles. With more eyes on him in College Station, expect a bit season from Wright, who has the potential to be one of the top safeties in the country.
4. Keon Sabb – Alabama (Michigan)
The skinny: Alabama wasn’t going to completely replace Caleb Downs (see above), but adding Sabb will go a long way in helping to achieve that. After redshirting in 2022, Sabb showcased his potential in 2023 with 28 tackles, two interceptions and five pass breakups while starting five games. His best game of the season came in the National Championship against Washington when he finished with six tackles and two pass breakups, which did more than enough to prove his worth to his new head coach, and former Huskies’ leader, Kalen DeBoer.
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5. Akili Arnold – USC (Oregon State)
The skinny: With some instability in their secondary, the Trojans knew that they had to find some answers in the portal. One of these became Arnold, an experienced veteran who totaled 152 tackles, 5.5 tackles for a loss, three interceptions and 10 pass breakups during his time with the Beavers. While new to the roster, expectations are that Arnold will become a reliable leader on the unit quickly.
6. Yam Banks – Ole Miss (South Alabama)
The skinny: A two-time All-Sun Belt Conference performer, Banks brings plenty of experience and production to Oxford. During his last three seasons with the Jaguars, when he totaled 145 tackles, 16 tackles for a loss, seven interceptions and 16 pass breakups, he was very successful playing close to the line of scrimmage as well as in coverage. Both skills will be invaluable with the Rebels.
7. Kobe Savage – Oregon (Kansas State)
The skinny: With Evan Williams and Steve Stephens both running out of eligibility, the Ducks knew that adding a safety through the portal would be a priority. They responded by adding Savage, a All-Big 12 Conference performer who totaled 115 tackles, 6.5 tackles for a loss and six interceptions in 22 games with the Wildcats. This has the potential to be an elite portal addition by the Ducks.
8. Rod Heard II – Notre Dame (Northwestern)
The skinny: The Irish aren’t overly aggressive in the portal, but they have done a nice job in recent years with filling holes. Heard is another example of this, as he arrives in South Bend after totaling 152 tackles, eight tackles for a loss, two interceptions and six pass breakups during his last two seasons with Northwestern. While he isn’t an elite safety in coverage, his tackling is near the top, which will give him the opportunity to make a big impact with the Irish.
9. Tamarion McDonald – Louisville (Tennessee)
The skinny: McDonald had initially committed to Ole Miss before flipping to the Cardinals, which provided another boost for Louisville’s secondary. He showcased his talents at Tennessee, especially during the last two seasons, when he totaled 95 tackles, 7.5 tackles for a loss, three interceptions and 10 pass breakups. His experience in the SEC should be invaluable for the Cardinals this season.
10. Devin Grant – Syracuse (Buffalo)
The skinny: The Orange haven’t experienced much success in recent years, but with the arrival of a new head coach (Fran Brown) and an abundance of portal players, there is currently some excitement in update New York. While the additions are plentiful, Grant may prove to be the best of the bunch. At 6-foot-4, 190-pounds, Grant is coming off his best collegiate season with 79 tackles, five interceptions and four pass breakups. Now he will be able to showcase his abilities in the ACC, where he has the potential to become one of the top safeties in the conference.
