Safety is a unique position in college football, and one that is inherently difficult to play. Except for these individuals who found themselves on the Top 100 Returning Players list ahead of the 2025 season.
4) Isaiah Nwokobia, SAF, SMU
National Rank: 72
The SMU Mustangs added CSN Third Team All-American Robert Rahimi to their defensive backroom this offseason. However, Isaiah Nwokobia should still rule the roost as one of the top safeties in the country. Nwokobia is an elite ball tracker who routinely positions himself to impact the ball at the catch point.
A stellar athlete tracked just south of 20mph, he isn’t afraid to use his speed like a missile working downhill in run support (he’s also difficult to catch and stop when returning an interception).
3) Caleb Weaver, SAF, Duke
National Rank: 64
Caleb Weaver was one of the top defensive players at the Group of Five level in 2024 and a key component of the Sam Houston Bearkats defensive success. After leading CUSA with 69 solo tackles and four interceptions, he makes the leap to the ACC with a Duke Blue Devils defense that should allow him to shine.
At 5’11”, 190, he isn’t the biggest defensive back in the world, but his sideline-to-sideline speed, spring elasticity, and nose for the ball make him a valuable asset in all phases of the game.
2) Michael Taaffe, SAF, Texas
National Rank: 55
A villain in Tempe, Texas, Longhorns safety Michael Taaffe nevertheless had a remarkable campaign leading the secondary for the first-time SEC outfit.
A force in all phases with his gung-ho hitting style coming downhill paired with impressive coverage ability, he tallied six tackles for loss, two sacks, two interceptions, and 10 pass breakups on the way to earning CSN First Team All-American honors this fall. His return for 2025 is a major bonus for the Longhorns’ chances of returning to the playoffs.
3) Caleb Downs, SAF, Ohio State
National Rank: 3
Caleb Downs established himself as one of the top defensive playmakers in the country during a breakout freshman season with the Alabama Crimson Tide in 2023. One year later, he’s one of the best and most recognizable faces in the sport.
A transfer to the Ohio State Buckeyes was mutually beneficial, with Downs developing an already impressive skill set under Jim Knowles and using his talent to drive the best defense in the country to the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship Game.
KEEP READING: Is Caleb Downs College Football’s Best Defensive Player?
For the second consecutive season, he tallied two interceptions while flashing his ability to impact the game in all phases with eight tackles for loss. A true force.
