Texas safety Derek Williams Jr. Is officially entering the transfer portal, and his decision immediately becomes one of the more intriguing defensive storylines this offseason. Williams, a former top-60 national recruit, has the pedigree, production, and upside that colleges crave; he just needs the right fit to unlock the breakout season he’s been chasing.
Across three seasons at Texas, Williams totaled 75 tackles, two passes defended, one interception, and one forced fumble. While those numbers don’t fully reflect his impact, they do highlight a player who was consistently around the football and trusted in key situations on a defense loaded with talent.
Williams brings fluid movement, strong run support, reliable tackling, high football IQ, and underrated ball skills; all traits that translate quickly at his next stop. He’s also been praised for his versatility, with the ability to play deep safety, rotate down into the box, or match up in coverage against bigger receivers and tight ends.
The biggest question mark is durability. Williams suffered a season-ending knee injury in October 2024 that required surgery, and a hamstring injury earlier that September that forced him to miss two games. When healthy, though, he’s one of the most naturally gifted defenders available.
With two years of eligibility left, Williams has a real opportunity to reset his career. Whichever program lands him isn’t just acquiring a transfer, they’re adding a potential difference-maker with the talent to elevate an entire secondary.
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