Another name to watch in the transfer portal just entered the mix - and he brings some serious experience to the table.
Boston College defensive back Omar Thornton is officially on the move, and for programs looking to shore up their nickel spot - particularly those in need of a physical, downhill presence - he’s a player worth circling. Thornton has logged nearly 1,000 snaps over the last two seasons for the Eagles, operating primarily out of the slot and in the box, and he’s done it with a relentless, high-motor style that jumps off the tape.
The South Florida native, who played his high school ball at powerhouse American Heritage in Plantation, made a name for himself early. He lined up alongside talents like Malachi Toney and Xavier Lucas and capped off his prep career as the Sun Sentinel’s Broward 2M-1M Defensive Player of the Year. That pedigree carried over to Chestnut Hill, where Thornton carved out a full-time role and delivered.
This past season, Thornton racked up 82 tackles - second-most on the team - along with eight tackles for loss, two sacks, and four forced fumbles. That’s not just production - that’s disruption. He played 700 snaps in 2025, with the overwhelming majority of them coming either in the slot or around the line of scrimmage, where his physicality and instincts could shine.
But like any player, there’s still room to grow.
Tackling consistency remains a concern. Over the past two seasons, Thornton has missed 32 tackles, and his missed tackle rate has hovered above 20% in both campaigns. That’s an area he’ll need to clean up to take the next step, especially if he’s going to be trusted as a reliable force in run support and underneath coverage.
In coverage, the numbers are a bit of a mixed bag. Thornton was targeted 31 times and gave up six touchdowns.
That’s not ideal, but it doesn’t tell the full story either. His best performance came when the lights were brightest - against Notre Dame, in what was arguably Boston College’s toughest matchup of the season.
Facing a loaded Irish backfield that featured Heisman finalist Jeremiyah Love and the explosive Jadarian Price, Thornton stepped up. He earned an 81.3 run defense grade from Pro Football Focus, notched 10 total tackles, and forced a fumble.
In coverage, he was targeted just once - and gave up a single yard. That’s the kind of high-level play that shows what he’s capable of when he’s locked in.
At 5-foot-11 and 201 pounds, Thornton brings the kind of size and physical profile that fits today’s mold of a modern nickel - someone who can hold up against the run, blitz off the edge, and still turn and cover in space. He’s not a finished product, but the tools are there, and he’s already shown flashes against top-tier competition.
With two years of eligibility remaining, Thornton could be a valuable addition for a program looking to plug in a ready-made contributor with upside. He’s battle-tested, productive, and brings the kind of edge that defensive coordinators love to build around.