Friday Feature #9: Cole Wisniewski
Texas Tech have been one of the more active teams in the new Transfer Portal era of College Football. Joey McGuire and the Red Raiders find themselves as the favourite from the Big 12 to make the CFP, and their defense has been the shining light all year. Headlined by future NFL talent in the front-seven, it’s easy to overlook their secondary leader and former North Dakota State safety, Cole Wisniewski. Check out my detailed scouting report on Wisniewski below:
Background & Measurables
Name: Cole Wisniewski
Year: 6th-Year Senior
Size: 6’4, 220 pounds
Position/Scheme Fit: FS in a 3-4 Blitz defense
Former 2-star recruit out of Sparta, Wisconsin, he committed to FCS powerhouse, North Dakota State, back in 2020. He played in all 10 games as a true freshman and followed that up in 2021 by playing in all 15 games with two starts as a sophomore, ranking fourth on the team with 53 total tackles, including 2.5 for a loss and the lone sack of his NDSU career. He also added two forced fumbles and two pass breakups, but injuries began to rear their ugly head in 2022, as he was limited to only eight games as a junior after missing the first seven contests due to injury. However, he played a significant role over the final eight games, making one start, which came in the FCS national championship game against South Dakota State.
2023 was his breakout year, as he was tabbed a consensus first-team FCS All-American in his first year playing full-time safety for the Bison. He led all Division I players with eight interceptions, tying the Missouri Valley Football Conference and NDSU single-season records. He also recorded multiple stops in 13 of 14 games overall and was in double digits in four different contests for tackles. In what was supposed to be his final year in 2024, he had to medically redshirt after sustaining a foot injury during Summer workouts. He entered the portal for his 6th and final year of eligibility, joining the Red Raiders as the #5 available safety. Was on the Shrine Bowl 1000 list before the season started and has been solid and productive for Texas Tech thus far.
Detailed Scouting Report
Strengths
1. Experienced player in the secondary for the Red Raiders who plays with maturity and football IQ. Good communicator on the back end, who really leads by example, despite it being his first year in Lubbock.
2. Has shown excellent ball skills across his college career. Had 8 INTs back in 2023 for the Bison and has 3 PBUs on the season in 2025. Adept at making a play while the ball is in the air or on the ground, as he recovered a big fumble vs K-State.
3. Versatile safety who has played a ton in the box and at Free Safety. Looks comfortable switching in-game and has an impact, irrespective of where he is lined up on the back end.
4. Decent straight-line athlete, and could have a role as a gunner on special teams. Shows strong hit power and can move sideline to sideline with good burst and acceleration.
Development Points
1. Injuries and age will count against his draft stock. Missed the entire 2024 season due to a foot injury, and also missed time back in 2022. Teams will need to be comfortable with both of those elements before selecting him.
2. Can improve his instincts in coverage, particularly when playing as the deep safety. Against Utah, he bit down on a sit route, rather than tracking the post. He allowed a massive reception in behind on a free release, which was negated by an ineligible man downfield penalty. He also got there too early on an inside slant and gave up a costly DPI in the 4th quarter of that game.
3. Takes some bad angles and has some misses when he comes downhill. Can sometimes look to lay big hits rather than wrap the ball-carrier, and technique can drop as a result. Missed 7 tackles already this season and looked shaky vs Utah.
4. Change of direction leaves quite a bit to be desired. Can struggle to recover when he's a step off on his angle. Also poses some problems in zone coverage, where he is susceptible to giving up easy receptions.
Conclusion
Wisniewski made his name in the FCS, winning 2 national championships with the Bison before transferring to Texas Tech. He has 5 years of experience, 3 of them as a starter, while showing excellent ball skills and versatility. His straight-line speed and tackling give him special teams viability, which is necessary, as I don't see a starting-level safety on his film. His instincts are not where they need to be, and he can't seem to recover anytime he takes a questionable angle. He could hear his name called mid-Day 3, but his injury history may mean he needs to sign on as a UDFA somewhere, where he can shine early on special teams.
Grade: 5.8/9.0 (5th-6th round grade)
Player Comp: Hunter Wohler
Team Fits: Ravens, Rams, Steelers