After leading the ACC in interceptions as a freshman, breakout safety Bryce Fitzgerald looks to anchor the Miami Hurricanes' elite defense and solidify premier NFL prospect status.
MIAMI, Fla. – Last season, the Miami Hurricanes finished second in the Atlantic Coast Conference with 16 interceptions – six came from freshman safety Bryce Fitzgerald. Although Malachi Toney gathered most of the attention and headlines, the Miami native delivered an immediate impact on a veteran secondary.
In all 16 games, including four starts, Fitzgerald logged 16 total tackles, 10 solos and six assists, a tackle for loss, a sack, two passes broken up in eight defended, and individually led the ACC with six picks. He’s known to be a “ball watcher” – looking to make a significant play that breaks opponents.
Despite playing in a reserve role behind a couple of veterans in Zechariah Poyser and Jakobe Thomas, Fitzgerald still managed to make a significant impact. The success translated into the first round of the College Football Playoffs. Facing Texas A&M at Kyle Field could be intimidating, especially for freshmen.
However, the moment wasn’t too big for Fitzgerald to falter. He intercepted Aggies quarterback Marcel Reed for 36 yards in the third quarter. However, a bigger calling would come later in the game.
Shortly after the Hurricanes scored – what would be – the only touchdown of the game, the Aggies were creeping up on a late comeback. Reed completed the first six of nine passes in the final drive and reached the goal line. With a chance to tie and send the game to overtime or take the lead with a two-point conversion, Fitzgerald intercepted Reed while targeting tight end Nate Boerkircher.
The Hurricanes advanced, eventually reaching the National Championship game.
Ahead of a sophomore campaign, Fitzgerald is projected as a full-time starter and named on the Lott Impact Trophy watch list. The annual award honors the nation’s top defensive player who makes an impact on and off the field.
According to Pro Football Focus, Fitzgerald is ranked the second-best ball hawk in college football ahead of the 2026 season. He could make the watch list for the Jim Thorpe Award when it is officially released.
In an Instagram post, the 18-year-old laid out individual goals for the upcoming season. Given the expanded number of opportunities coming for him, Fitzgerald will very likely carve out new career highs. Just like Toney, the veteran safety will be eligible for the 2029 NFL Draft.
This upcoming season will be a chance to solidify a strong draft stock.
Fitzgerald helped the Hurricanes secure the fifth-best scoring defense among Football Bowl Subdivision programs last season. Given the retention of talent, including the addition of Boston College transfer Omar Thornton, the secondary should remain impactful and successful. Fitzgerald’s internal growth and development will surely play a role.
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Anthony Aguirre is the Miami Hurricanes beat writer for Roundtable Sports. Contact info: [email protected] | 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
