Freshman safety Naytel Mitchell brings steady tackling and early trust to Sacramento State
In the 2026 season, Naytel Mitchell has been a steady young contributor for Sacramento State, posting 5 total tackles through the opening stretch, with 4 solo stops and 1 assist, including a 4-tackle debut at Eastern Michigan. The key appeal is his immediate willingness to play downhill and finish tackles as a freshman safety, which usually signals a defense-first mindset and coachable approach. At 5-foot-10 and about 203 pounds, he looks built for contact, and his early snaps suggest he’s already earning trust as a reliable depth piece with room to grow.
