Mustangs’ Back-End Bet: Why SMU’s Safety Duo Might Be College Football's Best

SMU isn’t Alabama. They’re not Ohio State. But when it comes to pure safety play—true back-end brilliance— the Mustangs deserve to be in the national conversation. In fact, there’s a real argument to be made that no program in college football has a better safety tandem than Isaiah Nwokobia and Ahmaad Moses.

The Headliner: Isaiah Nwokobia

If you’re just now learning the name, that’s on you. Nwokobia has quietly become one of college football’s most dominant defensive players over the past two seasons.

He leads all returning safeties with a 91.8 PFF grade since 2023 and is one of only four to post 85+ grades in both coverage and run defense during that span. He’s tied for the most interceptions (7) among returning safeties and plays like a heat-seeking missile with GPS for the football.

Versatility? Elite. Ball skills? First-round caliber. There’s a reason SMU’s defense hasn’t skipped a beat despite turnover in the front seven—Nwokobia is the glue.

And off the field, the connection with his fellow safety is becoming just as formidable.

“That’s my boy,” Nwokobia said at ACC Kickoff. “This offseason we’ve grown a lot closer outside of school—I’m with him almost every single day. I think it’s gonna truly help our chemistry and our bond.”

The Hometown Hero: Ahmaad Moses

Then there’s Ahmaad Moses, the 5'10" spark plug from Arlington who plays like he’s 6'3".

Despite starting just four games in 2024, Moses:

Led all SMU defensive backs in tackles for loss (6). Tied for the team lead with 3 interceptions. Delivered highlight-reel plays all season long.

Pick-six against TCU? Check. Ten-tackle night vs. Pitt? Check. Three PBUs in the ACC title game? You get the idea.

He’s got the instincts, the production, and now, the preseason All-America buzz to match. Moses has gone from overlooked to unignorable.

Where They Rank Nationally

SMU may have question marks at corner, which might keep them off some “Top 10 Secondaries” lists. But if you're building a defense from the back forward, it starts with safeties—and SMU belongs in the elite tier.

Sure, Alabama’s duo of Braylen Hubbard and Keon Sabb is widely celebrated. But right behind them? Or maybe even right beside them—is SMU.

And if you ask Nwokobia, he’s not hiding how special this pairing could be:

“We haven’t talked about it or put it out there—we’re just going to let y’all see,” he said. “I think we’re definitely the best duo in the nation.”

The Foundation, Not Just Flash

In Year 2 as a Power Four program, SMU made the College Football Playoff. And it wasn’t just flash—it was foundation. This safety tandem didn’t just ride the wave of success—they drove the bus.