Projected first-round draft pick transferred from Clemson to Texas in search of stronger culture

Sometimes, a change of scenery is needed to maximize one's potential. Safety Andrew Mukuba was a projected first-round pick this time last year, but instead of entering the 2024 NFL Draft, he transferred from the Clemson Tigers to the Texas Longhorns.

In a recent, revealing interview, Mukuba discussed his choice to enter the transfer portal and part ways with the Tigers. Despite clinching the ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year award in 2021, Mukuba did not live up to the high expectations in the following two seasons and did not secure a spot on the All-ACC team either as a sophomore or junior.

He attributed his decision to transfer to Texas to his dissatisfaction with his personal development during his time at Clemson.

"My time at Clemson, I felt like I wasn't really getting better," Mukuba said on the Behind The Facemask podcast. "I wasn't being pushed enough to where I could reach my potential and my peak. The program wasn't where it needed to be for me and the whole team to be successful. After my junior year, I felt like it was the same thing. After that, it was only right for me to transfer."

Last season, Clemson boasted one of the top pass defenses across the country, but Mukuba believes it was a double-edged sword. He felt that Clemson’s defensive coaching staff failed to recognize him as an individual player, overlooking how their oversight in his development could jeopardize his prospects for the NFL Draft.

"No coach wants to hear one of their players is going to leave, but I felt it was a conversation that needed to be had," Mukuba said. "This was my future and something that was going to affect me. I don't think they were seeing it from that perspective. It was time to make a decision for myself, and I know it was right for me. They still supported me. There's no bad blood."

Rated as the 29th top prospect and the third-best safety in the transfer portal this offseason, Mukuba boasts an impressive record of 149 tackles, 20 passes deflected, two fumble recoveries, and an interception across his three years at Clemson. His performance drew attention from many top-tier college programs, but he ultimately decided on Texas.

His choice was influenced by insights on Steve Sarkisian's coaching style and personal qualities, described as a "father figure" by his friend and Longhorns teammate Jahdae Barron. Having played high school football in Texas, Mukuba also found the appeal in returning closer to home, which made the move to the Forty Acres even more enticing.

"It was between Texas and Oregon, but I obviously committed to Texas," Mukuba said. "Everything has played to my favor. I'm looking to have a big year, and there isn't any better place to do it than in a big league like the SEC. Coach Sark is a really standup guy. He's a father figure. He cares about his players and where the program is heading. He was the coach I wanted to play for."

The versatile playmaker hopes to regain his draft status this fall in a secondary desperately needing a leader to emerge. We'll find out soon as to whether Texas was the right place for Mukuba to break out and realize his potential.