Miami put together one of the best transfer classes in the country in the offseason, and it's proven to be nearly as good as advertised, especially in the secondary where Jakobe Thomas has proven to be a big hit.
Thomas, who transferred to the Hurricanes from Tennessee, led a complete shut-down of N.C. State's offense this past Saturday. The Wolfpack found no success going in Thomas' direction and the safety had one of the Pro Football Focus' highest ratings for a defensive player.
Miami Safety Jakobe Thomas vs N.C. State:
— PFF College (@PFF_College) November 16, 2025
🙌 7 Yards Allowed (4 Targets)
🙌 2 INTs | 1 PBU
🙌 0.0 Passer Rating Allowed
🙌 96.2 Coverage Grade@CanesFootball pic.twitter.com/xemyIJPJsc
Thomas talks about his secret to success
It's all a simple process for Thomas; just follow the game plan and execute. His pick six against the Wolfpack gave the Hurricanes a 10-0 lead in the first quarter, and it was the first shot in what would be one of Miami's most impressive wins of the season.
"Be in the place you're supposed to be in, and the football gods will take care of the rest," Thomas said.
The best player I watched in Week 12 was Miami safety Jakobe Thomas. Had two picks (including a pick six) and a pass breakup vs NC State.
— Jack Brentnall (@Jack_Brentnall) November 17, 2025
Showed some outstanding instincts and feel for zone coverage pic.twitter.com/B2ioDgVYR9
Miami defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman gave Thomas credit for not just diagnosing the play and getting the interception, but setting up the return that resulted in the touchdown.
"One thing we always talk about on defense is trying to set up a sideline return," Hetherman said. "That play was a great example of Jakobe jumping the route and the d-line did a great job of getting below the numbers and setting up a return."
Thomas salutes the best teammate he's had
Thomas didn't want to end his media session without sending a shout-out to teammate Keionte Scott, who is likely done for the season with a right foot injury. Scott transferred to Miami from Houston in the offseason and Thomas spoke about how much his leadership means to the Hurricanes.Â
"He's a true teammate, a guy that you can lean on both on and off the field. Keionte is one of my best friends and I say it every day, he's probably the greatest teammate I've had in my life," Thomas said. "He takes care of all those young guys. Bryce [Fitzgerald] had to step in at nickel this week and Keionte made sure he knew every call and helped him with everything."