The college football transfer portal is a treasure trove of talent, and the defensive backs who have entered the portal this offseason are no exception. This year's class is particularly deep, with a mix of versatile athletes, physical tacklers, and instinctual cover men. Here's a breakdown of the top 20 defensive backs who have made the move, along with personal commentary and analysis.
Koi Perich, Minnesota to Oregon: Perich is an unstoppable force, a versatile athlete who can play safety, return kicks and punts, and even receiver. His speed, range, and physicality as a tackler make him a top-tier talent, and it's no surprise that Oregon landed him. I predict he'll excel in his new role and become a first-round NFL draft pick.
Earl Little Jr., Florida State to Ohio State: Little is an aggressive and physical defender with excellent ball skills. His instincts and physical traits make him a natural fit for Ohio State's defense, and I believe he'll thrive under Matt Patricia's guidance. He's a natural leader and a key addition to the Buckeyes' secondary.
Jontez Williams, Iowa State to USC: Williams is a versatile cornerback with plenty of experience. Despite a torn ACL last season, he's a natural fit for USC's defense and has the potential to be an immediate impact player. His size, athleticism, and cover skills make him a valuable asset.
Smith Snowden, Utah to Michigan: Snowden is a versatile athlete who can play corner and receiver. His 43.9% allowed reception rate is impressive, and he's a solid tackler. Michigan gains a valuable piece in the secondary, and I expect him to excel in his new role.
Omar Thornton, Boston College to Miami: Thornton is an instinctual and aggressive defender with speed and physicality. He can play safety and nickel, and his ability to get to the ball carrier makes him a valuable asset. Miami gains a talented player who can make an immediate impact.
Ty Benefield, Boise State to LSU: Benefield is a solid all-around safety with good size, tackling ability, and coverage skills. He's a willing tackler and active in run support, and his experience makes him a valuable addition to LSU's defense.
Jay Crawford, Auburn to Ole Miss: Crawford is an immediate impact corner with SEC experience. His 33 targets last season is impressive, and he should help elevate Ole Miss' secondary. His athleticism and cover skills make him a valuable asset.
Edwin Joseph, Florida State to Ole Miss: Joseph is a versatile nickel defender with good range and burst. He's physical and attacks the football well, and his ability to play man-to-man makes him a valuable asset. Ole Miss gains a talented player who can make an impact.
Rickey Gibson III, Tennessee to Texas A&M: Gibson is a corner with SEC experience, and his 2024 stats are impressive. He's a natural fit for Texas A&M's defense, and I expect him to excel in his new role.
DJ McKinney, Colorado to Notre Dame: McKinney is a talented corner with NFL potential. His height, length, and cover skills caught the eyes of scouts, and he brings valuable experience to Notre Dame's secondary. He has the potential to be a first-round pick.
Bo Mascoe, Rutgers to Texas: Mascoe is an experienced corner with good cover skills and a willingness to tackle. He's a natural fit for Texas' defense, and his reunion with coach Mark Orphey will be beneficial. He's a key addition to the Longhorns' secondary.
Terry Moore, Duke to Ohio State: Moore is a talented defender who suffered a torn ACL last season. If he can return to his previous form, he'll be a boon for Ohio State. His 2024 stats are impressive, and I expect him to excel in his new role.
Jeremiah Cooper, Iowa State to Penn State: Cooper is a versatile defender with positional flexibility. He played both safety and cornerback, and his 2025 stats are impressive. Penn State gains a valuable player who can make an impact.
Jaquez White, Troy to Virginia Tech: White is an active defensive back with impressive stats. He played the third-most snaps among FBS cornerbacks and has the potential to make a significant impact on Virginia Tech's secondary.
Kyon Loud, Montana to Duke: Loud is a tall and long corner with a low opposing reception rate. Duke gains a valuable player who can make an impact, and I expect him to excel in his new role.
Randon Fontenette, Vanderbilt to Colorado: Fontenette is a versatile defender with production and experience. He can play the star position and brings speed, athleticism, and physicality to Colorado's defense.
Boo Carter, Tennessee to Colorado: Carter is a talented nickelback with SEC experience. He's fast and physical, and his ability to make an impact is evident. Colorado gains a valuable player who can make a difference.
Jalen Mayo, Stephen F. Austin to Houston: Mayo is a talented corner with good height and coverage skills. He's a natural fit for Houston's defense, and his reunion with his position coach will be beneficial. He has the potential to be a starter.
Marcus Neal Jr., Iowa State to Penn State: Neal is an active defender in the box with good speed and burst. He's a strong tackler but needs to improve as a cover man. Penn State gains a valuable player who can make an impact.
Justin Eaglin, James Madison to Colorado: Eaglin is a talented corner with impressive stats. He's a natural fit for Colorado's defense, and his experience and speed make him a valuable asset. He has the potential to excel in his new role.
