The safety position is often the final line between a good defensive play and a game-changing mistake. Cincinnati enters the 2026 season with a mix of experienced transfers, returning contributors and promising young talent in the secondary. While there is intrigue surrounding several players in the room, the group was dealt a significant setback during fall camp when junior safety Ty Goodwill suffered a season-ending injury. His absence creates an opportunity for others to step into larger roles as the Bearcats prepare for another challenging Big 12 campaign.

Jasper Beeler

Images courtesy of Jasper Beeler & the University of Cincinnati Athletic Department

Few players in Cincinnati’s secondary arrive with more proven production than Northern Illinois transfer Jasper Beeler. The fifth-year safety started all 12 games in 2025 and finished third on the team with 77 tackles while adding three interceptions. Beeler showcased his playmaking ability throughout the season, highlighted by a standout performance against Western Michigan in which he recorded 13 tackles and an interception. At 6-foot-1 and 194 pounds, Beeler brings veteran leadership, experience and a physical presence to the back end of the defense. Cincinnati will likely lean heavily on him as the leader of the safety room.

MJ Cannon

Images courtesy of Bowling Green University & the University of Cincinnati Athletic Department

Bowling Green transfer MJ Cannon gives the Bearcats another experienced option with a strong track record of production. The fifth-year safety earned Third-Team All-MAC honors in 2025 after starting all 12 games and compiling 57 tackles, seven tackles for loss, two sacks, two interceptions and a fumble recovery. Cannon’s versatility stands out on film, as he consistently made plays near the line of scrimmage while also holding his own in coverage. His physical style and ability to impact multiple phases of the defense should make him an immediate contributor in Cincinnati’s secondary.

CJ Crite

Image courtesy of the University of Cincinnati Athletic Department

Originally recruited as a linebacker, CJ Crite’s combination of size, athleticism and instincts could make him an intriguing option at safety. The sophomore appeared in three games last season while preserving his redshirt and totaled five tackles. Crite arrives with an impressive defensive background after recording 447 career tackles during his high school career at Lincoln County High School. His physicality and experience playing in the box could allow Cincinnati’s coaching staff to utilize him in a variety of roles, particularly following the loss of Goodwill.

CJ Jones

Images courtesy of aidencoledesign & the University of Cincinnati Athletic Department

Sophomore CJ Jones gained valuable experience during the 2025 season, appearing in six games and recording four tackles. Three of those stops came in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl, providing a glimpse of his potential moving forward. At 5-foot-9 and 195 pounds, Jones brings toughness and familiarity with the defensive system. With additional opportunities available in the safety rotation, he could be one of the players positioned to take on a larger role this fall.

Landen Schaefer

Images Courtesy of Landen Schaefer

After redshirting during the 2025 season, Landen Schaefer enters 2026 as one of the developmental pieces in Cincinnati’s safety room. The sophomore did not see game action last year, but another offseason in the strength and conditioning program should help prepare him for increased competition. At 6-foot and 185 pounds, Schaefer possesses the frame and athletic profile to continue developing within the program.

Markell Taylor

Images courtesy of mdaviesdesign & Markell Taylor

One of Cincinnati’s most intriguing newcomers is freshman safety Markell Taylor. A three-star prospect and top-50 safety nationally according to multiple recruiting services, Taylor arrives from Georgia after an accomplished high school career that included First-Team All-Region and First-Team All-Area honors. He helped lead his team to a conference championship and was heavily recruited by programs such as Miami, Kansas State and Wake Forest before choosing the Bearcats. With his combination of physicality and athleticism, Taylor could quickly push for playing time.

Xavier Starks

Images courtesy of Xavier Starks

Freshman Xavier Starks brings another highly regarded recruiting profile to the position group. The Alabama native was rated among the state’s top prospects and finished his high school career with 109 tackles and 21 pass breakups over his final two seasons. Starks’ ability to make plays on the football stands out, and his physical frame at 5-foot-11 and 205 pounds should help ease his transition to the college game. While his long-term future appears bright, his development throughout the season will be worth monitoring.

The Impact of Ty Goodwill’s Injury

Images courtesy of shot_by_major & the University of Cincinnati Athletic Department

One of the biggest storylines surrounding Cincinnati’s safeties entering the season is the loss of Ty Goodwill. The junior transfer from South Alabama was expected to play a significant role after recording 32 tackles, four tackles for loss, seven pass breakups and an interception in 2025. However, head coach Scott Satterfield confirmed that Goodwill recently underwent surgery and will miss the entire 2026 season. The injury leaves a notable void in the secondary and opens the door for players such as CJ Crite, CJ Jones and even cornerback KK Meier to potentially see increased opportunities at safety throughout the year.

Closing Thoughts

Despite the unfortunate loss of Goodwill, Cincinnati still possesses a safety room with a blend of proven veterans and promising young talent. Transfers Jasper Beeler and MJ Cannon provide experience and production, while players like CJ Crite and CJ Jones will have opportunities to carve out larger roles. Add in a pair of talented freshmen in Markell Taylor and Xavier Starks, and the Bearcats have the pieces necessary to develop depth as the season progresses. How quickly that depth emerges could play a major role in determining the success of Cincinnati’s defense in 2026.

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