Jacob Parrish is already turning heads in Tampa Bay.
The rookie cornerback out of Kansas State has taken first-team reps at nickelback during spring practices, positioning himself for a potential starting role in Week 1.
Parrish joins a crowded secondary but could carve out a role quickly.
Bucs rookie cornerback Jacob Parrish has been making plays early on ahead of training camp and he could be eyeing a starting role. https://t.co/GOGt7jzUaU pic.twitter.com/Z7zzJAiCHM
— The Bucs Wire (@TheBucsWire) June 14, 2025
The Bucs return both starting outside corners from 2024, meaning he’ll likely compete inside—especially with the slot position in flux.
The Bucs reportedly used a rotation of safeties in the slot last season, including Tykee Smith, Christian Izien, and Jordan Whitehead. Smith is expected to play a true safety role in 2025, and Whitehead departed in free agency.
That opens the door for Parrish, who clocked a 4.35-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine—fourth-fastest among all cornerbacks.
Known for his quickness, strong coverage skills, and ability to read the quarterback, Parrish brings versatility and playmaking ability to the Buccaneers' secondary. His late-season surge at Kansas State helped vault him up draft boards.
With the 84th pick in the 2025 @NFL Draft, the @Buccaneers select Jacob Parrish from @KStateFB pic.twitter.com/bxdgAnCrde
— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) April 26, 2025
The Olathe, Kansas, native earned All-Big 12 Honorable Mention honors in 2024 after starting all 12 games for the Wildcats. He finished with 50 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, one interception, and eight pass breakups.
Kansas State went 9–4 last season (5–4 in Big 12 play), capping the year with a 44–41 bowl win over Rutgers.
The Wildcats head into 2025 ranked No. 12 in USA Today’s preseason poll and No. 16 by Fox Sports analyst Joel Klatt. They open the season in Dublin, Ireland, against Iowa State.