Safety Jakobe Thomas brings his ball-hawking skills and veteran leadership to the Minnesota Vikings' top-tier secondary after a standout Miami Hurricanes season.
Going without a pick in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Miami Hurricanes made noise once the third round started. The opening selection was quarterback Carson Beck going to the Arizona Cardinals, followed by left tackle Markel Bell to the Philadelphia Eagles shortly after. As the round nearly came to a close, former Hurricanes safety Jakobe Thomas was taken off the board, joining the Minnesota Vikings with the 98th pick.
The 22-year-old is coming off a career collegiate season in South Florida: 76 total tackles, 46 solos and 30 assists, four tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 12 total pressure, two forced fumbles, six passes broken up, 11 passes defended, five interceptions, including a pick-six, appearing in 16 games, all starts.
Thomas appeared in 774 total snaps for the Hurricanes, finishing with a 59.1 passer rating allowed and giving up 21 receptions. He joins a secondary that only allowed an average of 158.5 opposing passing yards and 19.6 points a game, both ranking in the top 10 in the league. However, the Vikings offense couldn’t produce similar results, finishing with a 9-8 record, third in the NFC North, and missing the playoffs.
The Tennessee native’s collegiate career began locally after receiving only one offer from the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders as a high school recruit. After three seasons with the program, Thomas moved up to the Tennessee Volunteers after entering the transfer portal, originally committing to the Oregon State Beavers before flipping.
As a homegrown prospect, he showed productivity: 22 total tackles, 14 solos and eight assists, three tackles for loss, a sack, two passes broken up, and two passes defended in 13 games, no starts. The Volunteers made the College Football Playoffs but were eliminated in the first round by the Ohio State Buckeyes, who went on to win the National Championship.
After having an extra year of NCAA eligibility due to redshirting as a freshman, Thomas made the most of the final opportunity, joining the Hurricanes. He became a full-time starter and provided veteran leadership for the secondary alongside cornerback Keionte Scott. Thomas was a contributor to the team’s scoring defense ranking from No. 70 the previous year to fifth in the nation.
The newest member of the Vikings got revenge against the Buckeyes in the latest College Football Playoffs, in the Cotton Bowl quarterfinals, after a 24-14 win. Scott ended the game with a three-yard interception. The prospect will be 23 years old before the new NFL season begins.
Scott is a versatile defensive back who can play in different spots in the secondary, looking to display it for the Vikings.
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