Maryland football has its first departure of the offseason as freshman safety Brandon Jacob has announced his intention to enter the transfer portal.
Jacob, a former four-star prospect, was among the early enrollees back in January after becoming the highest-rated pledge in the 2024 cycle.
“First off I want to thank God for giving me the opportunity to play at the University of Maryland. I want to thank the entire University of Maryland coaching staff especially coach [James Thomas] and coach [Zac Spavital] for all of the knowledge they gave me. After long talks with my family and prayer, I’ve decided to enter the transfer portal. Thank you Maryland! #Godsplan,” Jacob wrote on X.
Jacob finished nine total tackles in seven games during his lone season as he became an integral piece in the safety rotation behind Dante Trader Jr. It’s a tough blow for a unit who was already tasked with replacing both Trader and Glen Miller, though third-year safety Lavain Scruggs flashed during the 2024 season after finishing fifth on the team in total tackles (43) and becoming one of five players to record an interception.
Head coach Mike Locksley noted the need in the secondary this offseason during his signing day press conference.
"We'll continue to use the portal to maybe address some of those areas...bring in some corners and safeties that have the ability to come in and immediately help us, like we've been able to do with the Jakorian Bennett’s, the Ja’Quan Shepperd’s that have come here the last few years and help us. And I anticipate us doing some of that here once the portal opens and I expect us to be pretty active thanks to the resources that we've been provided this year.”
The blue-chip safety out of Evans (FL) committed to Maryland over UCF, Miami (FL), Texas A&M and Penn State among others as assistant James Thomas once led the way with the target who starred at his alma mater.
“They’re telling me they love my game, the whole coaching staff. I feel like that’s perfect because Maryland is a high choice for me because of the time I been there,” Jacob told IBG at the time.
Jacob was rated a four-star prospect and a 92 overall by On3. He will have three years of eligibility remaining.
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