Three Iowa State transfers have already shown they have what it takes to play safety at the FBS level. Marcus Neal, Jeremiah Cooper, and Jamison Patton will all fit in defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn’s plans for the Nittany Lions’ defensive scheme this fall, but who will emerge as the next breakout star in the secondary?

Toure is entering his third season in the Penn State program, and this year is his best shot yet to elevate into a bigger role in the defense. He was a four-star prospect and the No. 26 safety in the 2024 class. The talent level is there, but he will have to prove he is ready to take the next step. In 2025, he appeared in 11 games, most notably the 22-10 Pinstripe Bowl win over Clemson. He recorded seven tackles and a sack in the bowl game.

Toure should appear in a majority of games again this season, though he is unlikely to start. His time is quickly approaching, and with strong development this season, he could be in line for a starting spot in 2027.

Davis transferred to Penn State from Boston College, where he appeared in all 13 games of the 2025 season as a freshman. Like Toure, his most productive outing of the season came against Clemson, where he made six tackles. With limited college experience, his ceiling this year is most likely a rotational role, but with two seniors graduating out and Marcus Neal likely off to the NFL in 2027, his development will be key to watch. Unless Penn State turns to the transfer portal again to fill out the safety room, Toure and Davis will be the most experienced returning players at safety in 2027.