Spring football begins in earnest across the country following Spring Break. The state of Texas is primed for another memorable year at the FBS level in 2024 with the Longhorns joining the SEC and new coaching staffs at Texas A&M, Houston and UTEP. UTSA begins a new chapter without long-time quarterback Frank Harris as rival Texas State appears set for a Sun Belt title run. The Lone Star State is home to 13 FBS programs. 

Dave Campbell’s Texas Football will rank the 10 best players at each position continuing with SAFETIES. A few nickelbacks are included. 

Previous rankings: QB | RB | WR | TE | OL | EDGE | DT | LB | CB

1. JAHDAE BARRON, TEXAS

2023 production: 61 tackles, 4.5 TFL, 1 INT, 1 FR, 6 PBU

Barron started 12 of the 14 games he played in during the 2023 season at nickel back. The fifth-year defensive back enters his senior season with 23 starts and 41 appearances. The Pflugerville Connally export was a Jim Thorpe semifinalist in 2023 and a second-team All-Big 12 selection.  

2. ISAIAH NWOKOBIA, SMU

2023 production: 61 tackles, 4.5 TFL, 1 sack, 3 PBU 

Started 10 games and played in all 14 for the Ponies in 2023. He became the first defensive player to win MVP honors at the AAC championship in SMU’s win over Tulane. He scored two defensive touchdowns – most in the AAC. SMU was one of the most improved defenses in America last year and the versatility of Nwokobia at safety was a big part. 

3. KALEB CULP, TEXAS STATE

2023 production: 81 tackles, 1.5 TFL, 5 PBU, 4 FR

A productive and active safety for Texas State who made an immediate impact at safety for the Bobcats after transferring from Incarnate Word. Culp returned a fumble for a touchdown in the season finale win over South Alabama. His four fumble recoveries were tied for the nation’s lead. He was tied for third on the team in tackles. 

4. BRYCE ANDERSON, TEXAS A&M 

2023 production: 55 tackles, 7 TFL, 1.5 sacks, 1 INT, 1 FF, 1 FR, 5 PBU

Few secondary players in the state can fill a stat sheet like the aggressive Anderson. He did a bit of everything for the Wrecking Crew defense as the nickel back. He’ll need to be a leader of a revamped secondary under Mike Elko & Co. 

5. JONATHAN MCGILL, SMU

2023 production: 55 tackles, 5.5 TFL, 9 PBU

The Stanford transfer returned home to DFW and instantly became a veteran leader of an upstart Mustangs defense. He was a third-team All-AAC selection who started in 12 games, played in all 14, and was fourth on the squad in tackles. McGill can play all three safety positions. 

6. ANDREW MUKUBA, TEXAS

2023 production: 42 tackles, 2 TFL, 6 PBU

The Clemson transfer is an instant upgrade in the Texas secondary. He’s a native of Austin (LBJ) and should feel right at home as one of the safeties alongside Barron and young starlet Derek Williams. 

7. JAISE OLIVER, TCU 

2023 production: 48 tackles, 4 INT, 6 PBU, 1 FF, 1.5 TFL

Oliver led Tulsa in pass breakups and interceptions in 2023. He is a four-year letterman expected to start for the Frogs after playing in 41 games as a Golden Hurricane. He has 112 career tacles, 14 PBU, and 6 interceptions as a collegiate. 

8. C.J. BASKERVILLE, TEXAS TECH 

2023 production: 78 tackles, 4.5 TFL, 2 INT, 5 PBU

As a junior in 2023, Baskerville made an immediate impact after transferring to Lubbock from San Jose State. He started 10 games with snaps at nickel and deep safety. He’ll probably play deep safety as a senior in 2024. Baskerville was the Red Raiders’ highest graded defender last season. 

9. KEN ROBINSON, UTSA

2023 production: 66 tackles, 2 TFL, 4 PBU

Robinson led the Roadrunners in tackles in 2023 and should lead the secondary again in 2024. He’ll need to be a true leader with Rashad Wisdom no longer next to him. 

10. BUD CLARK, TCU

2023 production: 33 tackles, 3 INT, 5 PBU

A veteran presence in the backend for the Horned Frogs who should help new defensive coordinator Andy Avalos.