Spring football is on the horizon for the 13 FBS programs in the state of Texas. That means it is time to shift focus forward and rank the 10 best players at each position across the state, continuing with safeties. 

The Lone Star State sent 10 programs to bowl games and two to the College Football Playoff as only Rice, UTEP, and Houston missed out on the postseason after the 2024 season. The 2025 season looks like another big year for the Great State because of the returning talent and added star power from the transfer portal. 

Previous: QB | RB | WR/TE | OL | Edge | DT | LB | S

1. Michael Taaffe, Texas

2024 recap: 78 tackles, 5.5 TFL, 2 INT, 10 PBU, 2 sacks 

The hometown kid has become a leader and the face of the Texas defense during his march from walk-on to All-American. He’s started 26 games in 43 appearances since driving the short distance from Westlake to the Forty Acres. Taaffe elected to return to Texas for his senior season and is the unquestioned leader of the secondary that lost Jahdae Barron and Andrew Mukuba.

2. Isaiah Nwokobia, SMU

2024 recap: 100 tackles, 10 TFL, 3 INT, 13 PBU, 3.5 TFL

The Dallas native started all 14 games for the Mustangs during their run into the College Football Playoffs in Year 1 as a Power Four program. Nwokobia was one of two Ponies to post at least 100 tackles and was named All-ACC First Team and first-team All-Texas after the 2024 season. He can play nickel or traditional safety and enters 2025 with 26 career starts over three seasons on the Hilltop. 

3. A.J. Haulcy, Houston

2024 recap: 74 tackles, 13 PBU, 5 INT

Haulcy started all 12 games for the Cougars in Willie Fritz’s first season in Third Ward. The junior was a first-team All-Big 12 selection after finishing second on the team in tackles and tied for the conference lead in interceptions. He was also second in the Big 12 in passes defended. In a tough season for the Cougars, Haulcy and cornerback Jeremiah Wilson provided bright spots in the secondary. Both are back in 2025. 

4. Bud Clark, TCU 

2024 recap: 67 tackles, 3 INT, 6 PD

The Louisiana import enters his sixth season in Funky Town and is one of the most experienced and consistent defensive backs in the Big 12. He was a second-team All-Big 12 selection in 2024 and honorable mention All-Big 12 in 2022. He’s ninth all-time on the TCU interception list with 11. He boasts 30 starts in his career and will be a third-year team captain. 

5. Cole Wisniewski, Texas Tech 

2024 recap: Missed due to injury

Foot surgery cost the former FCS All-American the 2024 season with North Dakota State. The 6-4, 215-pound Wisniewski is a former linebacker who led all Division I players in 2023 with eight interceptions during his first year playing the safety position. He also led NDSU in tackles (92) and pass breakups (5) that season. 

6. Devyn Bobby, Baylor 

2024 recap: 80 tackles, 3 INT, 3 PBU, 3 TFL, 2 FR 

Bobby tied for the team lead with three interceptions and was third on the team in tackles while starting 13 games for the Bears last season. His 792 snaps were more than any other defensive back at Baylor. The DeSoto native finished the season with a career-high 14 tackles against LSU in the Texas Bowl. 

7. Dalton Brooks, Texas A&M 

2024 recap: 59 tackles, 5.5 TFL, 1 INT, 2 PBU

The Aggies finished 90th in passing defense in Mike Elko’s first year in charge, something that peeved the former safeties coach and longtime defensive coordinator. Brooks started eight times and was second on the team with 59 tackles. His 10-tackle performance against Texas showcased his upside. 

8. Ahmad Moses, SMU 

2024 recap: 73 tackles, 6 TFL, 3 INT, 6 PBU

Moses was only credited with four starts yet he was on the field in most of the pivotal moments of the season for an SMU squad that shocked the college football world. Moses was the ACC Defensive Back of the Week following an interception return for a touchdown in the blowout win over rival TCU. He led SMU defensive backs with six tackles for loss and was tied for the team lead in interceptions. 

9. Evan Jackson, North Texas

2024 recap: 59 tackles, 3 INT, 2 PBU, 1 TFL

Jackson is a player who should benefit from the arrival of new defensive coordinator Skyler Cassity, who led a Sam Houston squad last year with tremendous safety play. Jackson is productive when he’s on the field and closed the 2024 season with a strong effort against Texas State in the bowl game, including an interception. 

10. Jelani McDonald, Texas 

2024 recap: 33 tackles, 1 INT, 1 PBU, 1 TFL

The Waco Connally product is a breakout candidate as he figures to become a starter now that Andrew Mukuba is off to the NFL. He’ll play alongside Taaffe and former five-star Derrick Williams, who missed last season with an injury. The junior should benefit from the tutelage of Duane Akina. He’s played in 23 games over two years.