In a report published August 6, Notre Dame was ranked as the number one secondary in college football for the 2026 season. The report highlighted several programs with elite defensive backfields, including Miami and Oregon, that are well-equipped to defend against passing attacks.
According to the August 6 report, the Notre Dame secondary is led by cornerback Leonard Moore, described as the best cornerback in the country. The unit also features safeties Brauntae Johnson and Adon Shuler. Other notable players at Notre Dame include Mark Zackery IV, DJ McKinney, and Christian Gray.
Miami is ranked second, with corner O.J. Frederique noted as a potential NFL Draft riser. The Hurricanes' secondary includes Xavier Lucas, Ethan O'Connor, and freshman Bryce Fitzgerald, while Zechariah Poyser returns at free safety. Omar Thornton is expected to take over the nickel role.
Oregon holds the third position. Cornerback Brandon Finney Jr. headlines the group, supported by Ify Obidegwu. The safety room features Koi Perich and boundary safety Aaron Flowers, while Carl Williams IV is expected to compete for the nickel position.
Alabama is ranked fourth, led by cornerback Zabien Brown and Dijon Lee Jr. The Crimson Tide safeties include Bray Hubbard and Keon Sabb, with Red Morgan projected for the nickel role.
Georgia ranks fifth, featuring Ellis Robinson IV at corner and Demello Jones. KJ Bolden headlines the safety room, while Khalil Barnes is expected to play nickel.
Iowa is ranked sixth, with nickel defender Zach Lutmer and corner Deshaun Lee returning. The Hawkeyes also feature Jaylen Watson and new additions via the transfer portal, Tyler Brown and Anthony Hawkins.
Utah is ranked seventh. Safety Jackson Bennee headlines the unit, alongside strong safety Rabbit Evans. The cornerback room includes Elijah Davis, with Elijah Reed and James Chenault competing for a starting role. Rock Caldwell is expected to start at nickel.
Oklahoma is ranked eighth, led by Eli Bowen and Courtland Guillory in the cornerbacks, with Peyton Bowen at safety and Reggie Powers III at nickel.
Texas A&M is ranked ninth, featuring safeties Dalton Brooks and Marcus Ratcliffe. Dezz Ricks is expected to start at corner, while Jordan Shaw is projected for the nickel role.
BYU is ranked tenth. Evan Johnson headlines the cornerbacks, with Therrian Alexander III expected to start opposite him. The safety unit includes Faletau Satuala and Raider Damuni, while Jonathan Kabeya is projected to play nickel.
The rankings emphasize that elite secondaries are built on depth, requiring multiple capable corners, versatile safeties, and dependable nickel defenders to effectively disguise coverages and disrupt opposing quarterbacks.
