The 2026 college football season is almost here, and fans can’t wait to see some of the nation’s best talent back in action. Pro Football Focus (PFF) just dropped their rankings for the top 10 returning safeties this year.
This list shines a spotlight on elite players who’ll shape their teams—and honestly, the whole college football scene. Whether it’s seasoned vets or up-and-coming stars, these safeties are poised to make a real difference with their skills and sharp football instincts.
KJ Bolden, the standout safety from Georgia, tops the list as PFF’s best safety in college football. He was the No. 1 safety recruit in the 2024 class, and he’s definitely lived up to the hype.
Over the last two seasons, Bolden’s been the most valuable returning safety according to PFF’s wins above average (WAA) metric. His career PFF grade sits at 90.7, which is the second-best mark among returning safeties—pretty impressive, right?
Bolden’s Key Attributes
Bolden’s success comes down to a few traits that really set him apart:
- Exceptional Coverage Skills: He’s a nightmare for quarterbacks, locking down pass coverage with ease.
- Strong Tackling Ability: Bolden almost never misses a tackle—his technique is just that solid.
- Football IQ: He reads the game so well, often jumping routes and snagging crucial interceptions.
Alabama’s Dynamic Duo: Bray Hubbard and Keon Sabb
Alabama’s got a safety duo that might just be the best in the country: Bray Hubbard and Keon Sabb. Both have been huge for the Crimson Tide’s defense these last two years.
Bray Hubbard: A Defensive Powerhouse
Hubbard’s been on another level, posting a 90.9 PFF grade since 2024—the highest in the nation. His experience as a high school quarterback shows up in his vision and awareness.
He’s racked up seven interceptions in two seasons, more than any other returning safety in college football. That’s the kind of stat that jumps off the page.
Keon Sabb: The Reliable Playmaker
Sabb’s been clutch for Alabama, too. His 83.7 PFF coverage grade is third-best in the SEC, and he’s really tightened up his tackling, dropping his missed tackle rate from 14% to just under 10%.
PFF’s WAA metric ranks Sabb as the second-most valuable returning safety. He’s definitely someone offenses have to account for.
Rising Stars and Consistent Performers
There are plenty of other safeties making waves and looking to keep it going in 2026. Here are a few names you’ll want to remember:
Fitzgerald: Miami’s Defensive Anchor
Fitzgerald burst onto the scene as a true freshman at Miami. He snagged six interceptions—two of them coming in a huge playoff game against Texas A&M.
That tied him for the most among Power Four defenders. With an 80.7 PFF grade, he ranked fifth among qualified ACC safeties. Miami’s secondary is in good hands with him leading the way.
Johnson: Notre Dame’s Latest Defensive Talent
Johnson is the newest standout in Notre Dame’s long tradition of elite defensive backs. In his first year as a starter, he picked off four passes and broke up three more.
His 82.8 PFF grade landed him in the top 25 among safeties, proving he’s got a knack for making big plays.
Amare Ferrell: Indiana’s Defensive Stalwart
Indiana’s secondary looks strong again thanks to Amare Ferrell. He’s tied for the Power Four lead with eight interceptions over the past two years.
Ferrell’s been durable, too, logging more than 1,500 snaps in that span. That kind of consistency is tough to find.
Ohio State’s Safety Depth
Even without Caleb Downs, Ohio State’s safety group is still stacked. Transfers Terry Moore (from Duke) and Earli Little Jr. (from Florida State) add depth, but McClain is the guy to watch.
McClain: The Elite Tackler
Since 2024, McClain has been the fourth-most valuable returning safety, according to PFF’s WAA. He’s a tackling machine, with just a 6.8% missed tackle rate for his career.
Ohio State’s defense is going to lean on him a lot this season.
Other Notable Safeties
Some other safeties are set to make their mark in 2026. Here’s who could surprise you:
Satuala: The Playmaker with Rare Length
Satuala stands out at 6-foot-4, using his length to disrupt passes and bring down ball carriers. In 2025, he had three interceptions—good for sixth in the Big 12—and his missed-tackle rate was among the best at his position.
Perich: A Potential Comeback Story
Perich had a rough sophomore year at Minnesota, finishing with a 61.0 PFF grade in 2025. But his freshman season was something else, pulling in 80.0-plus grades in coverage and run defense.
Now at Oregon, he’s hoping to bounce back and maybe follow in Dillon Thieneman’s footsteps. Could be a comeback story in the making.
Ratcliffe: The Box Safety Specialist
Ratcliffe is one of the best box safeties in college football. His 79.2 PFF run-defense grade was fifth in the SEC.
He also posted an 81.7 coverage grade, which landed him sixth in the conference. Ratcliffe’s knack for making plays in the box—and those three interceptions in 2025—really set him apart as a key player to keep an eye on.
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