John Canady

Top College Football QBs 2025: Power Rankings Insight

https://sg-images-bucket.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/USATSI_25181874-scaled-e1740419146633-768x432.jpg

<a class="in-cell-link" href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/ncaaf/article/top-10-ohio-state-buckeyes-returning-for-another-championship-run" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Top 10 Ohio State Buckeyes Returning For Another Championship Run</a>
<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/caleb-downs/63885">Caleb Downs</a> spent one season at Alabama before transferring to Ohio State following the retirement of legendary head coach Nick Saban. In his first season with the Buckeyes, the talented safety played a pivotal role in the team's secondary, leading OSU's stout defense on a run to become National Champions in college football's first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff bracket. Running it back another season with Ohio State, Downs will have the opportunity to help his squad compete for back-to-back championships while proving he's a top prospect in next year's NFL Draft.
<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/newsletter/?utm_source=msn_feed&amp;utm_medium=video&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter">Have all the intel you need? Free actionable info is one click away! Sign up for our daily newsletter, SportsGrid Daily.</a>

1) Caleb Downs, Ohio State Buckeyes

https://sg-images-bucket.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/USATSI_25066423-scaled-e1740419277247-768x432.jpg

<a class="in-cell-link" href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/ncaaf/article/top-10-wrs-for-the-2025-college-football-season" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ranking the Top College Football Wide Receivers for 2025</a>
<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/michael-taaffe/41220">Michael Taaffe</a> may be one of the most inspiring college football stories. The safety joined the Longhorns as a walk-on before earning a scholarship after quickly impressing the coaching staff. In his third season with Texas, Taaffe put together a career season racking up 78 total tackles, ten pass defenses, two sacks, two interceptions, and a forced fumble. The playmaker seemed poised to enter his name into the NFL Draft following the season. Still, after Texas' heartbreaking loss in the CFP semifinals, he opted to return for his senior season due to "unfinished business." Taaffe will be vital to the Longhorns secondary heading into next season.

2) Michael Taaffe, Texas Longhorns

https://web.sportsgrid.com/assets/images/bet365_slideshow_v2.webp

https://sg-images-bucket.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/USATSI_24826054-e1740419321289-768x432.jpg

<a class="in-cell-link" href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/ncaaf/article/cfb-top-10-oregon-ducks-returning-for-another-college-football-playoff-run" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Top 10 Oregon Ducks Returning For Another College Football Playoff Run</a>
<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/dillon-thieneman/26377">Dillon Thieneman</a> spent two years at Purdue, where he proved to be one of the top safeties in the league despite being on one of the worst teams in the nation. The versatile defender has recorded 100+ tackles in each of his two seasons with the Boilermakers, and following a horrid 1-11 season for Purdue, Thieneman opted to hit the portal, where he quickly found a home with the Oregon Ducks. From the worst teams in the Big Ten to one of the best, the safety can put his name on the map under Dan Lanning in 2025.

3) Dillon Thieneman, Oregon Ducks

https://sg-images-bucket.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/USATSI_24434628-scaled-e1740419360648-768x432.jpg

<a class="in-cell-link" href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/ncaaf/article/top-25-college-football-quarterbacks-for-the-2025-season" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ranking the Top College Football Quarterbacks for 2025</a>
<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/keon-sabb/19492">Keon Sabb</a> began his college journey at Michigan before transferring to Alabama for his sophomore season. The former four-star recruit has shown plenty of flashes throughout his first two campaigns and seems destined to have a big season next year to solidify himself as a top secondary player in the 2026 NFL Draft. Continuity is key to development, and Sabb will have all the keys to success with the Crimson Tide next season.

4) Keon Sabb, Alabama Crimson Tide

https://sg-images-bucket.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/USATSI_22182219-scaled-e1740419425249-768x432.jpg

<a class="in-cell-link" href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/ncaaf/article/20-breakout-cfb-stars-to-know-for-the-2025-season" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Breakout College Football Stars to Know for the 2025 Season</a>
<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/kendal-daniels/47866">Kendal Daniels</a> spent three seasons at Oklahoma State, serving as one of the top leaders on the Cowboys. The safety hit the portal, and he was looking to use his final season of eligibility to compete for something bigger, which led him down the road to join Oklahoma and Brent Venables's defense. Daniels offers a unique skillset that allows him to line up in multiple positions on the field within different coverages. He'll have a chance to prove why the Sooners quickly recruited him to the SEC once he entered the portal.

5) Kendal Daniels, Oklahoma Sooners

https://sg-images-bucket.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/USATSI_25362052-scaled-e1741024492151-768x432.jpg

<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/xavier-nwankpa/39636">Xavier Nwankpa</a> has stood out in the Iowa Hawkeyes secondary over the last couple of seasons. Many believed the talented safety could be an intriguing prospect in this year's NFL Draft class, but the six-foot-two defender opted to run it back one more year in college. Heading into the 2025 season, Nwankpa will be a name to watch.

6) Xavier Nwankpa, Iowa

https://sg-images-bucket.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/USATSI_22206970-scaled-e1741024531945-768x432.jpg

<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/rod-moore/45289">Rod Moore</a> entered the 2024 season looking to prove he could be the consistent playmaker the Wolverines hoped he could be in their secondary. However, after a knee injury ended his season before it began, the safety opted to return another year to prove his latest setback won't stop him from playing at a high level in 2025. The potential is there; he just has to put it together. He has a solid chance to do precisely that this coming season.
<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/newsletter/?utm_source=msn_feed&amp;utm_medium=video&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter">Have all the intel you need? Free actionable info is one click away! Sign up for our daily newsletter, SportsGrid Daily.</a>

7) Rod Moore, Michigan

https://sg-images-bucket.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/USATSI_24491380-scaled-e1741024567131-768x432.jpg

Not many people may know <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/dq-smith/33399">DQ Smith</a>, but he has the talent and potential to make a name for himself in 2025. The Gamecocks' safety had a breakout year in 2023, and he entered the 2024 season with high expectations. Smith didn't take the expected steps, but with a more significant role expected in the coming year, look for Smith to have a bounce-back season for South Carolina.

8) DQ Smith, South Carolina 

https://sg-images-bucket.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/USATSI_21540610-e1741024612916-768x432.jpg

<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/jalen-catalon/41182">Jalen Catalon</a> put together a monster season for UNLV this past year, racking up 96 total tackles, five interceptions, four pass defenses, two sacks, and a forced fumble. The versatile safety used his strong year to test his value in the transfer portal, where he quickly found a home in the SEC with Missouri. As a key piece for the Tigers' secondary, Catalon is in line for another big season in 2025.

9) Jalen Catalon, Missouri

https://sg-images-bucket.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/USATSI_24539006-scaled-e1741024672482-768x432.jpg

<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/sage-ryan/51370">Sage Ryan</a> spent the season as a full-time starter for LSU, totaling 43 tackles, four pass defenses, three forced fumbles, one interception, and a sack. Ryan entered the portal after the season concluded, and Lane Kiffin quickly jumped at the chance to sway the SEC safety to Ole Miss. Now, as part of another talented secondary group, Ryan will have the opportunity to show NFL scouts he's a top safety prospect ahead of the following offseason.
Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/">SportsGrid</a>.

10) Sage Ryan, Ole Miss

https://sg-images-bucket.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/USATSI_21488513-scaled-e1741638787234-768x432.jpg

<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/zechariah-poyser/47541">Zechariah Poyser</a> has a standout season during his freshman year at Jacksonville State, totaling 77 tackles, eight pass defenses, and three interceptions. The talented safety quickly entered the transfer portal following the end of the season, looking to cash in on his strong season, where he quickly found a home at Miami. Now, the defender will get the chance to show the nation why he's a top secondary player against ACC competition next year.

11) Zechariah Poyser, Miami

https://sg-images-bucket.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/USATSI_24128944-scaled-e1741638843825-768x432.jpg

<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/jahron-manning/63706">Jahron Manning</a> put together a career year for Old Dominion, racking up 84 total tackles, three pass defenses, three interceptions, and 0.5 sacks. The safety transferred to Mississippi State looking to be the key piece in the secondary that the Bulldogs have desperately been seeking to compete with the top offenses in the conference. Heading into next year, Manning will be a name to watch.

12) Jahron Manning, Mississippi State

https://sg-images-bucket.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/USATSI_25076505-scaled-e1741638886996-768x432.jpg

<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/tmac-cooley/16956">Tamarcus Cooley</a> entered the transfer portal following NC State's bowl game and quickly became a top option for teams looking to land a safety. After a strong season for the Wolfpack, Cooley had multiple offers, but Brian Kelly and the Tigers managed to persuade the ACC defender to make the transition to the SEC. Cooley can increase his draft stock with a big year at LSU.

13) Tamarcus Cooley, LSU

https://sg-images-bucket.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/USATSI_21383604-scaled-e1741638923667-768x432.jpg

<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/king-mack/49454">King Mack</a> began his college career at Penn State before transferring to Alabama in 2024. However, the defender quickly realized that the grass wasn't greener on the other side, which led to him transferring back to the Nittany Lions this offseason, as he'll likely be slotted into the team's starting lineup on the secondary. If he can finally put it all together, Mack could be one of the more underrated off-season additions.

14) King Mack, Penn State

https://sg-images-bucket.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/USATSI_24654163-scaled-e1741639026591-768x432.jpg

<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/bishop-fitzgerald/16992">Bishop Fitzgerald</a> spent two seasons at NC State after joining the Wolfpack following standout seasons at the JUCO level. Fitzgerald quickly proved he belonged, and after entering the transfer portal, teams made it a priority to recruit the safety. Ultimately, Lincoln Riley landed the experienced veteran, and he'll be a major key for the Trojans' defense next season.
Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/">SportsGrid</a>.

15) Bishop Fitzgerald, USC

https://sg-images-bucket.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/USATSI_24200214-scaled-e1742230018336-768x432.jpg

<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/isaac-smith/31140">Isaac Smith</a> put together a monster season this past year as a sophomore. The versatile safety totaled 127 tackles, three pass defenses, and a forced fumble for Mississippi State. Heading into 2025, Smith has the opportunity to build on his breakout year and prove to NFL scouts he's a top safety in next year's draft class.

16) Isaac Smith, Mississippi State

https://sg-images-bucket.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/USATSI_24235622-scaled-e1742230056935-768x432.jpg

<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/kamari-ramsey/36407">Kamari Ramsey</a> spent two seasons at UCLA before transferring to USC before the 2024 season. In his first year with the Trojans, the defender put together a career year, racking up 60 total tackles, five pass defenses, two sacks, two forced fumbles, and an interception. Looking to continue his development, Ramsey opted to forego the NFL Draft and suit up for the Trojans for another season, where he'll be a key piece in Lincoln Riley's secondary.

17) Samuel Omosigho, Oklahoma

https://sg-images-bucket.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/USATSI_24881737-scaled-e1742230115296-768x432.jpg

<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/samuel-omosigho/21254">Samuel Omosigho</a> put together a solid sophomore season for Oklahoma this past year, totaling 40 tackles, one pass defense, and a forced fumble. Although the stats aren't flashy, the defender has the talent to be one of the top safeties next season, especially with another strong off-season. Omosigho is a raw talent, but if he can put it all together, he could be a difference-maker for Oklahoma in 2025.

18) Kamari Ramsey, USC

https://sg-images-bucket.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/USATSI_24595240-scaled-e1742230158206-768x432.jpg

<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/randon-fontenette/34331">Randon Fontenette</a> started his college career at TCU before transferring to Vanderbilt after one season. The safety put together a breakout season with the Commodores, proving he has the talent to be one of the best defenders in the nation next year. Fontenette proved his versatility by totaling 72 tackles, seven pass defenses, 3.5 sacks, and an interception in 2024, and entering next season, he has everything he needs to put his name on the map.

19) Randon Fontenette, Vanderbilt

https://sg-images-bucket.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/USATSI_24417078-scaled-e1742230191731-768x432.jpg

<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/joenel-aguero/22599">Joenel Aguero</a> is entering his third season at Georgia, and like the rest of the Bulldogs, the safety has high expectations entering his junior year. The defender is set to have an increased role in Kirby Smart's defense, and if he can match the expectations he enters the season with, Aguero will be a top safety in college football in 2025.

20) Joenel Aguero, Georgia

Ranking the Top 20 College Football Safeties for 2025

Darian DeVries officially agrees to leave West Virginia to join the Indiana Hoosiers following WVU's NCAA tournament exclusion. Can DeVries turn Indiana around?

Darian DeVries Named Indiana's New Head Basketball Coach

The Dodgers earn a 4-1 against the Cubs in 2025's first game with Yoshinobu Yamamoto's 5 superb innings, Ohtani scoring twice. The Cubs' bullpen struggled.

Dodgers Beat Cubs 4-1: Highlights from 2025 Opening Day

Get NHL insights: Canadiens vs. Senators, plus top odds for the Rangers vs. Flames &amp;amp; more! Explore our previews now and see who can make a statement on the ice.

NHL Game Day: Betting Odds and Predictions Overview

LATEST VIDEOS

College football,NCAA football,college football rankings,NCAA football schedule,college football scores,NCAA football teams,college football playoffs,college football bowl games,NCAA football standings,college football recruits,NCAA football draft prospects,college football championship,NCAA football conferences,college football coaches,NCAA football news,college football tickets,NCAA football stadiums,college football TV schedule,NCAA football live stream,college football highlights,NCAA football stats,college football Heisman Trophy,NCAA football traditions,college football rivalries,NCAA football coaching changes,college football depth charts,NCAA football injuries,college football recruiting rankings,NCAA football preseason rankings,college football betting odds,NCAA football power rankings,college football championship odds,NCAA football fan base,college football team rankings,NCAA football defense rankings,college football offensive leaders,NCAA football bowl projections,college football best quarterbacks,NCAA football top running backs,college football passing leaders,NCAA football game recaps,college football upset alerts,NCAA football best rivalries,college football predictions,NCAA football record holders,college football conference standings,NCAA football transfer portal,college football draft rankings,NCAA football future stars,college football playoff rankings,NCAA football coaching hot seat,college football spring games,NCAA football national championship,college football best defenses,NCAA football top offenses,college football best coaches,NCAA football recruiting trail,college football redshirt rules,NCAA football eligibility rules,college football scholarship limits,NCAA football walk-on players,college football top prospects,NCAA football strength of schedule,college football offensive schemes,NCAA football defensive strategies,college football trick plays,NCAA football instant replay rules,college football rule changes,NCAA football referee decisions,college football penalties,NCAA football targeting rule,college football sideline safety,NCAA football player health,college football safety equipment,NCAA football helmet rules,college football tackling techniques,NCAA football concussion protocol,college football heat safety,NCAA football hydration tips,college football injury prevention,NCAA football player conditioning,college football strength training,NCAA football recovery techniques,college football ACL injuries,NCAA football CTE concerns,college football medical staff,NCAA football emergency protocols,college football athletic trainers,NCAA football physical therapy,college football sports science,NCAA football workout programs,college football player workload,NCAA football injury reports,college football player safety guidelines,NCAA football sideline medical staff,college football heat exhaustion,NCAA football injury statistics,college football helmet technology,NCAA football mouthguard importance,college football shoulder pads,NCAA football knee braces,college football hydration guidelines,NCAA football preseason conditioning,college football recovery strategies,NCAA football mental health awareness,college football player wellness,NCAA football drug testing policies,college football workout recovery,NCAA football injury research,college football head trauma,NCAA football spinal injuries,college football knee injury prevention,NCAA football proper tackling form,college football helmet-to-helmet hits,NCAA football fair catch rule,college football on-field medical response,NCAA football concussion treatment,college football safety initiatives,NCAA football injury trends,college football strength and conditioning,NCAA football medical redshirt rules,college football sports medicine,NCAA football emergency action plans,college football protective gear,NCAA football equipment regulations,college football player monitoring,NCAA football fatigue management,college football safety protocols,NCAA football return-to-play guidelines,college football weather-related safety,NCAA football sideline concussion tests,college football injury risk factors,NCAA football player workload management,college football post-game recovery,NCAA football in-game injury assessments,college football athletic safety regulations.,Kirby Smart,Lincoln Riley,Joenel Aguero,Isaac Smith,Samuel Omosigho,Kamari Ramsey,Randon Fontenette,Alabama Crimson Tide,Alabama  AL,SEC,I-A,Georgia Bulldogs,Georgia  GA,Iowa Hawkeyes,Iowa  IA,Big Ten,Jacksonville State Gamecocks,Jacksonville State  AL,Conference USA,LSU Tigers,LSU  LA,Michigan Wolverines,Michigan  MI,Mississippi State Bulldogs,Mississippi State  MS,Missouri Tigers,Missouri  MO,North Carolina State Wolfpack,North Carolina State  NC,ACC,Ohio State Buckeyes,Ohio State  OH,Oklahoma Sooners,Oklahoma  OK,Oklahoma State Cowboys,Oklahoma State  OK,Big 12,Old Dominion Monarchs,Old Dominion  VA,Sun Belt,Ole Miss Rebels,Ole Miss  MS,Oregon Ducks,Oregon  OR,Purdue Boilermakers,Purdue  IN,South Carolina Gamecocks,South Carolina  SC,Texas Longhorns,Texas  TX,UNLV Rebels,UNLV  NV,Mountain West,USC Trojans,USC  CA,Vanderbilt Commodores,Vanderbilt  TN

keywords

twitter:card

twitter:title

https://sg-images-bucket.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/thumnbail-webp/article/2066963-1920x1080.webp?v=1742342681

twitter:image

thumbnail

google

As the college football season looms, the top returning players enter next season looking to make a statement. Here's a look at the top safeties ahead of 2025.

description

expires

robots

og:locale

og:site_name

og:type

og:title

og:description

og:image

og:image:type

og:image:width

og:image:height

og:image:secure_url

article:published_time

article:modified_time

Top 30 Wide Receivers for the 2025 College Football Season

Top 45 College Football Quarterbacks for the 2025 Season

Top 30 Running Backs for the 2025 College Football Season

Ranking the Top 15 College Football Safeties for 2025

Top 25 Wide Receivers for the 2025 College Football Season

Ranking the Top 15 College Football Linebackers for 2025

Top 40 College Football Quarterbacks for the 2025 Season

Top 25 Running Backs for the 2025 College Football Season

2025 College Football Way-Too-Early Power Rankings

Ranking the Top 10 College Football Safeties for 2025

SportsMillions: Pick'em, Blitz'em and Social Casino

Big Ten Football

SEC Football

Group of Five Football

Top College Football Sportsbook Promos

Heisman

Comment

Home

Articles

SportsGrid is your source for the best sports bets today. Watch SportsGrid for live sports news coverage, scores, odds, moneylines, sports betting tips & more.

sportsgrid.com

Ferrall Coast To Coast

College Football Today

NFL Pro Football Today

Bare Knuckle Fighting Main Event

The Early Line Live

SportsRage Tonight Live

NewsWire Live

The Bostonian Vs. The Book

Bare Knuckle Fighting Knuckle Up

MODUS Super Series Darts

Gametime Decisions Live

Fantasy Sports Today

The Smylie Kaufman Show

NHL Today

Ferrall Coast To Coast From Super Bowl Week

Ferrall Coast To Coast Live From Super Bowl Week

NFL Super Bowl Pro Football Today

OUR SHOWS

The Islanders are -120 favorites against the Penguins at PPG while Sidney Crosby and the Penguins aim for a fifth straight team win. Can they handle business?

Islanders vs. Penguins Odds Update for PPG Hockey Night

LATEST SPORTSGRID VIDEOS

Wherever you are, SportsGrid can be there too. Here are all of the platforms and subscription services you can find us on and how to watch SportsGrid today.

Where to Watch SportsGrid | How to Watch SportsGrid | SportsGrid

Samsung TV Plus

Roku TV

FireTV

LG Channels

Vizio

Xiaomi

VIDAA

SportsGrid is free to watch on any of the following Connected TV’s

FREE ON MY TV

Amazon Prime Video

YouTube TV

FuboTV

Plex

Sling Tv

FreeCast

Local Now

Stremium

Rad TV

Free Live Sports

SportsGrid is free to watch on any of the following Streaming services

LIVE STREAMING SERVICES

Sirius XM

Sports.Tv

YouTube

Download the new SportsGrid app, watch on SportsGrid.com or our YouTube Channel

WEB/MOBILE

SportsGrid is free to watch on any of the following platforms

ALL PARTNERS

Wherever you are, SportsGrid can be there too. Here are all of the platforms and subscription services you can find us on:

MORE ARTICLES

Sports Betting

Sportsbook Promos

Social Casinos