Houston utilized the portal to build the 2026 roster at almost every position last winter, strengthening starting spots and the depth behind them. But at safety, the staff didn’t bring in a portal guy.
It’s not a failure on the part of the staff, though; the Coogs are returning a pair of quality starters in Kentrell Webb and Jordan Allen. Veteran C.J. Douglas also comes back after playing in seven games last season. The safety group returns nearly 88 percent of its snaps from 2025, with Blake Thompson as the only departure.
Starters
Webb started all 13 games and played 758 snaps last season for Houston. He has started all 25 games since transferring from Tulane in 2024. His play improved across the board last season, including improving his missed tackle percentage from 21.9 to 14.9 (according to PFF). Webb also intercepted a pass for the first time in his college career to seal the game against UCF.
Allen won the starting job at weak safety in Fall Camp last season and made the most of it. He started all 13 games, played 676 snaps, and recorded the first sack of his career last season (half-sack, but still counts). Allen has yet to produce much ball production, just two pass deflections last season, but still posted a PFF coverage grade of 72.3. When we spoke to him in July, he acknowledged the lack of interceptions and said he’s made it an emphasis for improvement.
Players to Monitor
Safeties coach PJ Hall has also been pleased with Douglas, Paris Melvin, and Johnsley Barbas. And defensive coordinator Austin Armstrong told Ryan Monceaux earlier this week that he liked their depth at safety.
Melvin will get most of his work at the STAR position, but the safety group and STAR position meet together. Barbas was an interesting name to hear, as he is one of the few players remaining on the roster from the previous staff.
Hall mentioned that Barbas puts a lot of effort into all aspects. “He cares,” Hall said. Barbas has been paying attention to detail, asking questions to make sure he’s on the right page. Hall said he is locking in mentally and earning his opportunities. Johnsley has always been a physical freak and continues to grind in the weight room.
Courtesy of Johnsley Barbas’ Instagram / @jbarbas1
To this point in his career, Barbas has logged 229 snaps, all on special teams. His persistence and trust in sticking with the program appear to be paying dividends. He should finally see the field at safety in his fourth year in the program.
Hall told me that freshman Javen Holmes has made strides since showing up and is adapting well to college football. Like Barbas, Hall emphasized the care and effort Holmes is putting into everything.
There weren’t many questions at the safety position coming into the season. Allen and Webb started every game last season and helped the program get to 10 wins. But it’s good to see the depth being developed behind them. And that players are willing to trust the staff that their opportunities will come.
