May 29, 2026, 10:31 a.m. ET
Summer is here, sort of, and it is everyone’s favorite time of the year, scouting time. Every year, we do Summer Scouting to preview college football for Bucs fans, but also give them an idea of names to follow and watch in the fall as needs pop up for Tampa Bay.
Are we going to write about quarterbacks? Offensive tackles? Edge rushers? You know it, but why? Because other NFL teams will draft them, just as they will draft every other position. It all matters whether these players end up on the Bucs, the Bears, or the Steelers. We write these so Bucs fans can be the most informed fans.
So if you are still with us, enjoy our latest Summer Scouting report as we prepare you for the Fall.
FilmNeed a news break? Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!Background InfoListed at 6-2/205 lbs.3-Star recruit according to 247 SportsTransferred from Boise State to LSUPlayed defensive back and wide receiver in high schoolFirst-Team All-Mountain West in 2025Dad played 13 years in the CFLNotable career stats heading into 2026235 Tackles18 Tackles for a Loss5 Interceptions12 Passes Broken UpNotable numbers from PFF heading into 202665.6 Career PFF Run Defense Grade71.1 Career PFF Coverage Grade103.9 QBR allowed when targetedStrengthsIs a downhill type of safetyProvides a ton of run support on a consistent basisSound technique as a tackler and in coverageGood awareness to stay ready for whatever the defense is throwing togetherUses his size and length to make playsPlayer Summary
Ty Benefield is a fun safety prospect who will be tested, moving from the Mountain West to the SEC. He very much fits the mold of what an SEC defender looks like, and he plays like one too. He plays downhill, always looking to make a play in the run game, but he also has sound lower-body technique to stay ready to make a play in the pass game. Watching him meet ball carriers in space is pretty fun to watch unfold, as he tends to get the best of them and save plays from being home runs and containing them to singles. He has a chance to cement himself as a potential first-round pick with a strong showing at LSU in 2026.