NCAAF · 1 month ago

Ranking the Top 90 College Football Cornerbacks for 2025

John Canady

Host · Writer

90) Stephen Hall, Missouri
Stephen Hall stood out in the past two seasons at Washington State, but specifically in 2024. The six-foot corner has the size and versatility to be an immediate impact player on any team in the nation. Still, after joining Missouri this offseason, he'll have the chance to prove that as part of an underrated defensive unit.
1) Jyaire Hill, Michigan
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With one top cornerback exiting for the NFL Draft in 2025, that just means there's more room for the youth in Michigan's room to thrive. That's exactly the case with Jyaire Hill. Not only does Hill have great size, he tracks the football very well and pairs it with good top end speed and overall athleticism. Hill is difficult to win one-on-one battles against for opposing offenses. Although he can improve on his physicality, there's too much in his player package to not see him hit in a big way for the Wolverines.
2) Malik Muhammad, Texas
Malik Muhammad is one of the more complete cornerbacks that college football has to offer in 2025. He doesn't excel at a ton of things, but he does the majority of things really well, helping him become a real weapon in the secondary for the Longhorns. Muhammad's length helps separate him from some of the smaller framed defensive backs. He reads plays really well off the line, and is really disruptive in his run defense support. It's hard to see him falling off with the continued body of work he's put together.
3) Leonard Moore, Notre Dame
Leonard Moore put together an impressive freshman season for Notre Dame, totaling 48 tackles, 11 pass defenses, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles. The versatile safety quickly proved to be a vital piece for Marcus Freeman's defense. Heading into next year, Moore can take another leap as a defender.
4) Jermaine Mathews Jr., Ohio State
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Jermaine Mathews Jr. immediately is recognizable with his agility, physicality, and high-end football IQ. His role on defense is going to continue expanding for the Buckeyes in 2025 as they look to defend their national title. Mathews Jr. plays with a quiet confidence, which stems from his ball tracking skills, and his overall top end speed. There's a lot to like about what he's going to bring to the table in the college football world moving forward.
5) Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
Jermod McCoy is a strong cornerback for the Tennessee Volunteers, known for his exceptional athleticism and playmaking abilities. Standing 6 feet tall and weighing 193 pounds, McCoy combines size, speed, and agility to excel in both man and zone coverage schemes. If the Volunteers defense wants to excel again in 2025, McCoy will be a big part of their secondary.
6) D'Angelo Ponds, Indiana
D'Angelo Ponds began his college career at James Madison before following head coach Curt Cignetti to the Big Ten, joining Indiana. In his first season with the Hoosiers, the Florida native continued his strong play, totaling 55 tackles, nine pass defenses, and three interceptions. Heading into Year 3, Ponds can prove he's a top secondary defender.
7) A.J. Harris, Penn State
A.J. Harris started his college career at Georgia, but was lost in the Bulldogs' talented secondary depth chart. The defensive back transferred to Penn State for his sophomore season. In his first season with the Nittany Lions, the six-foot-one defender proved to be an immediate impact, totaling 48 tackles, five pass defenses and an interceptions. With the instincts and frame to be a disruptor in coverage, Harris has plenty of room to continue getting better.
8) Avieon Terrell, Clemson
Avieon Terrell is a promising cornerback for the Clemson Tigers, standing 5-foot-11 and weighing 180 pounds. He joined Clemson in 2023 after a standout career at Westlake High School in Atlanta, Georgia. Terrell exhibits excellent ball skills, effectively tracking the ball downfield and demonstrating the coordination to secure interceptions. He possesses great ball skills, fluid athleticism, and the agility to cover slot receivers.
9) Jeremiah Wilson, Florida State
Jeremiah Wilson spent two seasons at Syracuse before transferring to Houston. The Florida native totaled four pass defenses and four interceptions this past season for the Cougars. Wilson will have the opportunity to be an immediate impact player in the ACC next season after transferring to Florida State in the spring transfer portal cycle.
10) Cameron Calhoun, Alabama
Cameron Calhoun impressed during his freshman season at Utah this year, racking up 21 tackles, nine pass defenses, and an interception. The Ohio native used the strong campaign to cash in on the transfer portal heading to the SEC to join Alabama ahead of next season. Calhoun could put his name on the map with a big season for the Crimson Tide next year.
11) King Mack, Alabama
King Mack looks the part of another anchor in the secondary of the Alabama Crimson Tide. Mack has a high-end football IQ that allows him to read routes at an elite level and make plays on opposing pass catchers. Even though his size doesn't pop, that doesn't mean you should discount his ability as a hitter and ball hawk. Mack has the athleticism and physicality in his game to cover bigger body players than you'd expect for someone of his stature.
12) Smith Snowden, Utah
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There's a lot to like about the value that Smith Snowden can offer a secondary. Snowden plays well in defending the run with a strong tackling ability, paired with his ability to close a gap and make a hit. His athleticism pops with his high-end speed, making him a player that tracks the ball well in coverage and can also create turnovers.
13) Elliot Washington II, Penn State
Elliot Washington II is a high-upside defensive back with the tools to be a starting corner at the collegiate level and beyond. His physicality, instincts, and coverage skills make him a valuable asset in both man-heavy and hybrid defensive schemes. With continued development in zone awareness and tackling consistency, he has the potential to be an impact player in a Power Five secondary and a future NFL prospect.
14) Dijon Johnson, Florida
Dijon Johnson is a high-upside defensive back with the size, length, and athleticism to develop into a lockdown corner at the collegiate and potentially NFL level. With continued refinement in his technique and route recognition, he has the potential to be a multi-year starter for the Florida Gators and a future NFL prospect.
15) Damari Brown, Miami
Damari Brown is a promising cornerback for the Miami Hurricanes, standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 195 pounds. Brown's strengths include his physicality and ball-tracking abilities. He excels in press-man coverage, utilizing patient footwork and fluid hips to mirror receivers effectively. His willingness to engage in run support and deliver impactful tackles adds to his defensive versatility.
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16) Tacario Davis, Washington
Tacario Davis entered the portal last offseason but opted to stand pat at Arizona for one more season. However, the cornerback re-entered the portal this offseason and found a fit with his former head coach, Jedd Fisch, at Washington in January. Heading into 2025 under a coach who knows how to use him to his strengths, Davis could be in store for a huge season.
17) Jalon Kilgore, South Carolina
Jalon Kilgore committed to South Carolina a top ranked safety in the 2023 recruited class. The Georgia native immediately impacted the Gamecocks' secondary, mainly with his versatility to play at both safety and corner, where he played as a nickel most of last season. With Nick Emmanwori gone, Kilgore may be relied on to pivot back to safety this season, but his ability at corner will still be utilized. Kilgore will have the chance to prove he's one of the top secondary defenders in the nation next season.
18) Jontez Williams, Iowa State
Jontez Williams broke out last season at Iowa State. The Florida native racked up 46 total tackles, five pass defenses, and four interceptions. Heading into 2025, the reliable defender will play a pivotal role in the Cyclones' secondary, especially if ISU hopes their defense can help them make a run for the Big 12 championship.
19) Mansoor Delane, LSU
Mansoor Delane spent the last three seasons at Virginia Tech, where he proved to be one of the most reliable corners in the nation. Looking to prove he could be a lockdown defender against the top offenses in football, the defender entered the transfer portal and quickly found a home at LSU. Next season will be a pivotal year for Delane to showcase his versatility.
20) Brandon Cisse, South Carolina
Brandon Cisse was the top-rated defender in NC State's secondary this past season. The NC State corner entered the portal, hoping to find a spot with a contending team ahead of next season. His search led him back to his home state team, where he plans to suit up for the South Carolina Gamecocks in 2025. Cisse will be a key piece in South Carolina's secondary next season.
21) Josh Moten, Southern Miss
Josh Moten initially committed to Texas A&M out of high school before transferring to Marshall, seeking a larger role. The six-foot-one defender found exactly that with the Thundering Herd and quickly proved to be a top corner in the nation. Last season, the Maryland native put together a career-year, racking up 38 tackles, five pass defenses, and five interceptions. Heading into 2025, Moten looks to build on his strong season with a new squad at Southern Miss.
22) Domani Jackson, Alabama
Domani Jackson committed to USC as a top recruit out of high school. After two seasons with the Trojans, the versatile corner transferred to Alabama, where he quickly flourished in the Crimson Tide's secondary. After a strong 2024 campaign totaling 51 tackles, seven pass defenses, two interceptions, and a forced fumble, Jackson can prove he's a top corner next season.
23) Will Lee III, Texas A&M
Will Lee III began his career at Kansas State before transferring to Texas A&M. The six-foot-three defender impressed at both stops, proving to be a reliable corner in any system. Next season, Lee will be depended on to anchor the Aggies' defense against the top offensive threats in the SEC.
24) Daylen Everette, Georgia
Daylen Everette has spent the last three seasons at Georgia, where he's improved each year. Coming off a career year, the Bulldogs defender heads into 2025 with the opportunity to put his name on the map ahead of next year's NFL Draft. As one of the leaders on Georgia's defense, expect big things from Everette.
25) DJ Harvey, San Jose State
DJ Harvey spent two seasons at Virginia Tech before transferring to San Jose State in 2023. Last season, the California native put together a breakout season totaling 58 tackles, six pass defenses, four interceptions, and two sacks. Harvey heads into 2025 with the opportunity to continue proving he can contribute consistently at a high level.
26) Davison Igbinosun, Ohio State
Davison Igbinosun began his career at Ole Miss before transferring to Ohio State after one season with the Rebels. Since joining the Buckeyes, the six-foot-two corner has impressed quickly, immediately impacting the team's secondary. Coming off a career year, totaling 45 tackles, nine pass defenses, and two interceptions, Igbinosun heads into 2025 with a chance to build on an impressive resume.
27) Antonio Kite, Auburn
Antonio Kite committed to Auburn as a top recruit out of high school, but has yet to find a sizable role with the Tigers to showcase why he was highly recruited. Despite that, there's no way to ignore the skillset of the Alabama native. If he can earn an expanded role in Hugh Freeze's defense this coming season as expected, he should easily be able to prove the hype was warranted. Kite is a dynamic corner with good size and will have the opportunity to put his name on the map this season.
28) DJ McKinney, Colorado
DJ McKinney started his career at Oklahoma State, where he spent two seasons before transferring to Colorado. In his first year with the Buffaloes, the six-foot-two defender put together a career-year, racking up 61 tackles, eight pass defenses, three interceptions, and a forced fumble. Heading into Year 2 under Deion Sanders, McKinney has a prime opportunity to prove he's a top corner in the nation.
29) Xavier Scott, Illinois
Xavier Scott was one of the driving forces behind Illinois' defensive turnaround success over the last couple of seasons. The Florida native has shown out in the Fighting Illini's secondary over the last couple of seasons, and his development has been precisely what NFL teams hope to see in the prospects they're scouting from day one. Last season, Scott totaled 49 tackles, six pass defenses, four interceptions, one sack, and one forced fumble.
30) Ricardo Hallman, Wisconsin
Ricardo Hallman has spent four seasons at Wisconsin and heads into 2025 set to suit up for the Badgers for his fifth season. In 2024, the defender has a bit of a down season, but one year prior in 2023, he racked up seven interceptions to pair with 34 total tackles and five pass defenses. If Hallman can get back to his play from 2023, he'll without a doubt be a top corner next season.
31) Smith Snowden, Utah
Smith Snowden spent the last two seasons at Utah after committing to the Utes as a highly recruited in-state prospect out of high school. The corner put together a very impressive sophomore season in 2024, racking up 48 total tackles, eight pass defenses, two interceptions, and one forced fumble. Snowden's versatility will allow him to continue rising up draft boards, especially if he builds on his career with a strong 2025 campaign.
32) Ethan O'Connor, Miami
Ethan O'Connor quickly impressed during his freshman season at Washington State, racking up 32 total tackles, eight pass defenses, and four interceptions. The defender entered the transfer portal at the start of the offseason and immediately became a top defender on the market. Miami struck quickly and brought in the talented corner to fix the Hurricanes' worrisome secondary. O'Connor will not only fortify Mario Cristobal's secondary, but he'll have the chance to prove he's a top corner in the nation against ACC competition.
33) Kayin Lee, Auburn
Kayin Lee enters year three with Auburn for the 2025 season. In 2024, the Georgia native showed plenty of promise for being a reliable defender in the Tigers' secondary, totaling 32 tackles, seven pass defenses, and two interceptions. Lee has a chance to continue his development in the SEC next season and has high expectations for him to show even more improvement.
34) Jacobe Johnson, Oklahoma
Jacobe Johnson committed to Oklahoma as a top recruit out of high school. In his first two seasons with the Sooners, the six-foot-two corner saw limited opportunities to make an impact. However, in 2025, Johnson will likely see increased usage, which should bode well for him to showcase why he was deemed a highly ranked prospect due to his size and defensive instincts.
35) Tony Grimes, Purdue
Tony Grimes originally committed to North Carolina as a top recruit in his respective class. After three seasons with the Tar Heels, the six-foot-two corner transferred to UNLV, where he spent one season before entering the portal once again. Landing at Purdue, Grimes has an opportunity to prove that his talent and ability to be a consistent defender can flourish in the right system.
36) Thaddeus Dixon, North Carolina
Thaddeus Dixon entered the transfer portal this offseason and immediately became one of the best available cornerbacks. The defender had plenty of suitors, but the fit was crucial for the Washington transfer. After landing at North Carolina, the defender will have the chance to learn under a defensive guru in Bill Belichick and prove just how impactful he can be in the secondary.
37) Channing Canada, TCU
Channing Canada committed to TCU as a highly recruited prospect out of high school and immediately made an impact in the Horned Frogs' secondary. In 2024, the Louisiana native put together a career season, totaling 31 tackles, two pass defenses, and an interception, while showing off his impressive instincts and coverage ability. Heading into year three at TCU, Canada has a significant opportunity to take another step and raise his draft stock.
38) Kendel Dolby, Oklahoma
Kendel Dolby committed to Oklahoma as a top prospect and immediately showed out in the Sooners' defense, racking up 49 total tackles, four pass defenses, two sacks, and two interceptions in his first year with the team. The defensive stud entered the 2024 season with high expectations for another dominant season. Still, it was quickly ended after Dolby suffered a gruesome injury against Tennessee that ended his season early. However, the versatile corner is on the road to recovery, and if he hits the field nearly as well as he was before his injury, he'll undoubtedly be a top corner in the nation.
39) Tyrice Ivy Jr., Oregon State
Tyrice Ivy Jr. has spent the last two seasons developing in Oregon State's defense. Fresh off a career year, totaling 35 tackles and a pass defense. At six-foot-three, Ivy's size as an oversized corner allows him to be a threat as a reliable defender in coverage and tackling in the run game. If he can take another leap for the Beavers in 2025, he'll have plenty of NFL teams watching.
40) Brylan Lanier, Mississippi State
Brylan Lanier joined Mississippi State ahead of the 2024 season after spending one year at Indiana in 2022. The physical corner became a top defender for the Bulldogs' secondary, totaling 53 tackles and an interception in his first season against SEC competition. Lanier could put his name on the map if he can put another season of similar production or take a step further in his development.
41) Jaylen Mbakwe, Alabama
Jaylen Mbakwe heads into 2025 looking to build on a solid freshman season. The Alabama native totaled 15 tackles, two pass defenses, and one interception this past year and started to show flashes of his reliability in the secondary down the stretch of the season. Mbakwe has high expectations entering next season.
42) Ellis Robinson IV, Georgia
Ellis Robinson IV committed to Georgia as the top corner in his respective recruiting class. The former five-star has yet to earn a sizable role to showcase why he was highly recruited, but that could change this season with the turnover in the Bulldogs' roster. Don't be shocked to see Robinson put his name on the map this coming year.
43) Zabien Brown, Alabama
Zabien Brown put together an impressive freshman campaign at Alabama this past season, racking up 18 total tackles, three interceptions, and two pass defenses. The six-foot-corner has all the tools to be a top corner in the nation with his size and instincts in coverage. It won't be surprising to see Brown emerge as the top defender in the Crimson Tide's defense in 2025.
44) Zavier Mincey, Alabama
Adding to the flurry of Alabama defenders on this list, Zavier Mincey comes in at No. 44. At six-foot-three, the Florida native is an oversized corner with explosive speed and underrated coverage abilities. As a reliable tackler, Mincey will be depended on in the Crimson Tide secondary next season as Kalen DeBoer expects the young corner to take a leap.
45) Aaron Scott Jr., Ohio State
Aaron Scott Jr. is another former top recruit who has yet to receive an opportunity to make an impact through the start of his career. Stuck behind a surplus of talent in the Ohio State secondary this past season, Scott struggled to carve out a role. However, 2025 could be the season for the Ohio native to finally get some burn and prove why the Buckeyes were so high on him out of high school.
46) Devin Sanchez, Ohio State
Devin Sanchez enters 2025 as the top incoming corner recruit set to join Ohio State's loaded secondary. As a freshman, it's rare to make an immediate impact in year one, but a talented prospect like Sanchez could be one of the rare exceptions who's able to do exactly that. Between his size and instincts in coverage, the Buckeye could immediately put his name on the map this season.
47) Dijon Lee Jr., Alabama
Dijon Lee Jr. is another highly recruited prospect to land on this list. The talented corner heads into next season with a chance to carve out a role in the Crimson Tide's secondary and prove he can make an impact early. The talent is there, but he'll have to work his way through a deep secondary room to see the field.
48) Na'eem Offord, Oregon
Na'eem Offord is yet another top recruit set to fight his way through a deep secondary unit heading into 2025. However, as part of an Oregon defense, where Dan Lanning has proven to put confidence in young players, Offord has a solid opportunity to see the field early.
49) Kade Phillips, Texas
Kade Phillips put together some of the best high school film before signing with Texas as a highly ranked recruit. The Longhorns may not rely on young secondary players early, but with the turnover in the defense, there's a chance Phillips hears his name called more frequently.
50) DJ Pickett, LSU
DJ Pickett may be the least likely of young recruits to see the field in year one, but not because of a lack of talent. The corner has all the tools to be an early impact player, but it could be difficult to carve out a role early under head coach Brian Kelly, who made it a point of emphasis to find secondary help in the transfer portal. Nonetheless, Pickett could be a player to watch.
51) Ify Obidegwu, Oregon
Ify Obidegwu committed to Oregon as a top recruit out of high school but has yet to carve out a sizable role in the Ducks' defense due to the team's surplus of talent in the secondary. However, that could change in 2025 with the turnover in the team's defensive unit, which could lead to an increase in opportunity for Obidegwu.
52) Kobe Black, Texas
Kobe Black is another former top recruit who is patiently waiting his chance to prove how impactful he can be on the field. Black had minimal opportunities last season for the Longhorns, but buried in the depth chart of a loaded secondary unit put together by Steve Sarkisian and his defensive staff, the cornerback wasn't relied on heavily in 2024. Nonetheless, Black could be poised for a larger role heading into next season, and considering the flashes he has shown, he could put his name on the map.
53) Charles Lester III, Florida State
Charles Lester III hasn't gotten much run in Florida State's defense since committing to the Seminoles out of high school. Despite that, it's clear that the talent is there, and with the Seminoles in desperate need of help in the secondary, they could look to rely on Lester, who has the skillset to make an immediate impact.
54) Jon Mitchell, Georgia Tech
Jon Mitchell adds to the list of talented corners who fell victim to the loaded secondary room at Penn State. Mitchell never got a real chance to see the field, which led him to transfer to Georgia Tech in search of a larger role. The defender will have the opportunity to prove that he could have made an impact in the Big Ten with his new role in the ACC.
55) Jo'Ziah Edmond, Michigan
Jo'Ziah Edmond stood out during spring practice, and all signs point to the idea that the corner could finally be getting an opportunity in 2025 to be a key piece in Sherrone Moore's defense. Edmond has the perfect mix of talent and instincts to be a top defender in the nation, but he needs the time on the field to prove he can be exactly that.
56) Dakoda Fields, Oregon
Dakoda Fields struggled to see the field in year one with Oregon, but by no means was it due to a lack of talent. The California product has the talent to be a premier corner for the Ducks. If he's able to carve out a role this season, he could be a tremendous help for Dan Lanning's squad against a stiff Big Ten conference.
57) Jamari Howard, Florida State
Jamari Howard was one of the few highly touted prospects that many believed could find an immediate role at Florida State during his freshman season. However, after that didn't come into fruition, all eyes shifted towards 2025 as the season the Miami native could finally see the field with a chance to produce. If that is the case, Howard has a chance to put his name on the map with his skill set and versatility.
58) Selman Bridges, Arkansas
Selman Bridges didn't find much of a role during his first season at Arkansas, but considering the lackluster play from the Razorbacks' secondary last season, that could allow for him to catch the attention of the coaching staff to take on an increased role in 2025. The talent is there, not to mention the size at six-foot-two. Keep an eye on Bridges to break out this coming season.
59) Cai Bates, Florida State
Cai Bates is another former top recruit who saw limited time on the field during his freshman season. The Florida State defensive back has the size and defensive instincts to be an immediate boost in the team's secondary, which could bode well for him heading into his sophomore season.
60) Bryce West, Ohio State
Bryce West committed to Ohio State out of high school as a highly recruited prospect. In his first season with the Buckeyes, the Ohio native saw very limited opportunity to touch the field, but that could change heading into 2025 with the turnover in the team's secondary. West has the potential to be an immediate impact player, but he'll have to earn a role through stiff competition in the defensive back room.
61) Julian Humphrey, Texas A&M
Julian Humphrey committed to Georgia as a four-star recruit out of high school. The six-foot defender struggled to carve out a role in a stout Georgia secondary in two seasons with the Bulldogs. As a result, Humphrey entered the portal and quickly found a home at Texas A&M.
62) Charles Brantley, Miami
Charles Brantley has spent four seasons at Michigan State where the corner has put together a solid four-year resume. Brantley offers reliable coverage in the secondary, and with Miami seeking consistency on defense, he'll have plenty of opportunity to make an immediate impact.
63) Ja'Keem Jackson, LSU
Ja'Keem Jackson committed to Florida as a top recruit out of high school but struggled to find the field in his first two seasons with the Gators. Hoping a fresh start will help him rejuvenate his career, Jackson transferred to LSU, hoping to be the next great secondary player to develop for the Tigers.
64) Theran Johnson, Oregon
Theran Johnson has spent three seasons at Northwestern, where he's shown strides as a defender in each year up to this point. Coming off a career year where he racked up 53 total tackles, ten passes defended, and two interceptions, Johnson now heads to Oregon with the chance to prove he's a top corner in the nation.
65) Brice Pollock, Texas Tech
Brice Pollock entered the transfer portal earlier this offseason after spending two seasons at Mississippi State, where he impressed with his play in the secondary. The corner put together a very solid season for the Bulldogs in 2024 and now looks to carry that momentum into 2025 with a fresh start as part of the Red Raiders' defense at Texas Tech.
66) Raion Strader, Auburn
Raion Strader spent the last two seasons at Miami (OH), where he's consistently proved to be a reliable impact player in the secondary. Now, he heads to Auburn with a chance to sure up the Tigers defense and prove he can compete against SEC competition.
67) Jaylon Braxton, Ole Miss
Jaylon Braxton committed to Arkansas as a highly touted recruit, and he quickly proved why, impressing during his freshman season. However, after a limited impact in year two, the Texas native opted to enter the portal, where he quickly found a home with an SEC rival in Ole Miss.
68) DeVonta Smith, Notre Dame
DeVonta Smith is another former top recruit to land on this list, and after his breakout season in 2024 with the Crimson Tide, it's easy to see why. Heading into 2025, the corner will have a chance to prove he's a top defender in the nation under a defensive-minded head coach in Marcus Freeman at Notre Dame.
69) Matthew McDoom, Cincinnati
Matthew McDoom has spent three seasons at Coastal Carolina, where he's consistently improved year after year. The cornerback had a career year this past season after totaling 36 tackles, 10 pass defenses, and three interceptions while allowing only one touchdown in coverage. McDoom lands at Cincinnati to compete in a talented Bearcats secondary and showcase his skillset.
70) Marcellus Barnes, SMU
Marcellus Barnes Jr. was a top-ranked corner in the transfer portal. After minimal opportunities at Syracuse, the former top recruit sought a more prominent role. After mulling over all options, the defender's search ended at SMU.
71) Tarrion Grant, Texas Tech
Tarrion Grant entered the transfer portal after spending his first collegiate season at Purdue. Showing flashes in the secondary when he did find the field, he quickly became a coveted player in the transfer portal. Grant opted to join Texas Tech, where he hopes to make an immediate impact.
72) Noah King, Colorado
Noah King committed to Kansas State as a four-star recruit. The talented secondary defender was expected to play a significant role in the Wildcats' defense this coming season. Despite that, he'll now continue his career elsewhere after entering the transfer portal without ever playing a snap for KSU. King heads to the Big 12 to learn under Deion Sanders in the Colorado Buffaloes' secondary.
73) Dontae Balfour, Texas Tech
Dontae Balfour began his college career at North Carolina before transferring to Charlotte after a lackluster freshman season. In two years with the 49ers, the corner put together back-to-back standout seasons, which quickly allowed him to be a top portal target when he decided to transfer. Now, he heads to Texas Tech, joining the Red Raiders.
74) Cam Miller, Rutgers
Cam Miller entered the portal after the Nittany Lions' season ended. The cornerback quickly found a fresh start with Rutgers ahead of the 2025 season and will likely find an immediate role in the Scarlet Knights' secondary that will allow him to prove he's a top defender in the nation.
75) Tavoy Feagin, Ole Miss
Tavoy Feagin committed to Clemson as a top recruit out of high school. However, after struggling to find the field in his lone season with the Tigers, the cornerback hit the transfer portal before ever playing a game for the Tigers. The Florida native found a spot in the SEC, joining Ole Miss, and will likely become a key defender in Lane Kiffin's defense.
76) Rodrick Pleasant, UCLA
Rodrick Pleasant originally committed to Oregon out of high school, where he spent the last two seasons struggling to carve out a role. The speedy corner opted to enter the transfer portal, where he quickly found a home at UCLA, joining the Bruins' defense. Keep an eye on Pleasant to have a breakout season.
77) Adrian Wilson, Arizona State
Adrian Wilson opted to enter the transfer portal after a strong season at Washington State this past year, totaling 47 tackles, three pass defenses, and one forced fumble. Now, he lands at Arizona State, where he'll likely become a key piece to the Sun Devils' secondary.
78) Jordan Scruggs, West Virginia
Jordan Scruggs spent the past season at South Alabama, where he impressed, totaling 69 tackles, two pass defenses, and an interception. Scruggs entered the portal looking to capitalize on his strong year, and he did exactly that, finding a role at West Virginia. The defender will be interesting to watch heading into 2025.
79) Jayden Bellamy, UCF
Jayden Bellamy has spent two seasons at Syracuse, where he's racked up 62 total tackles, six pass defenses, three interceptions, and two touchdowns. The defensive back has proven that he can be a difference maker on defense, but still seeks a larger role. As a result, Bellamy finds himself at UCF ahead of the 2025 season.
80) Jordan Shaw, Texas A&M
Jordan Shaw began his career at Indiana before transferring to Washington, where he put together a breakout season for the Huskies. Shaw opted to hit the portal this offseason and now has the opportunity to showcase his skillset against SEC competition this year.
81) Michael Coats Jr., West Virginia
Michael Coats Jr. has spent two seasons at Nevada, where he showed flashes of being a versatile defender in the Wolf Pack's secondary. The cornerback concluded the 2024 season with 41 total tackles, 10 pass defenses, and 4 interceptions. Coats Jr. will have the chance to put his name on the map at West Virginia this coming season.
82) Dontay Joyner, Maryland
Dontay Joyner impressed last year with a breakout season at Arkansas State, totaling 50 tackles, seven pass defenses, and two interceptions. The six-foot defender opted to use his standout season as a tool to enter the transfer portal and find a role at a bigger program, and he did precisely that, landing at Maryland ahead of 2025.
83) Brent Austin, California
Brent Austin began his college career at James Madison before transferring to South Florida. In his lone season with the Bulls, the defender put together a career year, totaling 48 tackles, 10 pass defenses, and two interceptions. Expect Austin to have his name called a lot this season at California.
84) Amarion Fortenberry, Kansas State
Amarion Fortenberry stood out last season at South Alabama, proving to be a reliable secondary defender for the Jaguars. The versatile corner finished the season with 45 total tackles, six pass defenses, two interceptions, and one forced fumble. Keep an eye on Fortenberry to make a name for himself this season.
85) NiJhay Burt, Michigan State
NiJhay Burt lands at Michigan State after a strong 2024 campaign, racking up 52 tackles, three interceptions, three pass defenses, and a forced fumble. With the Spartans' defense needing help in the secondary, Burt could be in for a big season.
86) Jordan Young, Arkansas
Jordan Young initially committed to Florida out of high school, but after two lackluster seasons with the Gators, the Florida native opted to enter the transfer portal, where he quickly found a home at Cincinnati. With an increased role in the Bearcats' secondary, Young impressed and used his strong showings over the last two seasons to find a home back in the SEC with Arkansas this offseason. Keep an eye on Young as we head into 2025.
87) Jacobie Henderson, Rutgers
Jacobie Henderson spent the last three seasons at Marshall, where he's continuously improved his game. Coming off a career year, totaling 50 tackles, 10 pass defenses, and two interceptions, the defender opted to enter the transfer portal earlier in the offseason. Now, he's set to suit up at Rutgers in 2025, where he hopes to show out in the Big Ten.
88) Kani Walker, Arkansas
Kani Walker began his college journey at Louisville, where he spent one season with the Cardinals before transferring to Oklahoma. In three seasons with the Sooners, the defensive back showed plenty of flashes, but hoping to find a more prominent role, Walker opted to transfer to Arkansas this offseason. Heading into 2025, he'll help anchor a Razorbacks' secondary that has quietly added plenty of talent this offseason.
89) Rayshawn Pleasant, Auburn
Rayshawn Pleasant made a name for himself this past season at Tulane, and now he'll have the opportunity to put his talent on display against SEC competition after joining Hugh Freeze and Auburn. The Louisiana native has the talent to be a top corner, and it wouldn't be a shock to see him emerge into the conversation this season.
90) Stephen Hall, Missouri
Stephen Hall stood out in the past two seasons at Washington State, but specifically in 2024. The six-foot corner has the size and versatility to be an immediate impact player on any team in the nation. Still, after joining Missouri this offseason, he'll have the chance to prove that as part of an underrated defensive unit.
1) Jyaire Hill, Michigan
Top 10 CFB OL in 2025

With one top cornerback exiting for the NFL Draft in 2025, that just means there's more room for the youth in Michigan's room to thrive. That's exactly the case with Jyaire Hill. Not only does Hill have great size, he tracks the football very well and pairs it with good top end speed and overall athleticism. Hill is difficult to win one-on-one battles against for opposing offenses. Although he can improve on his physicality, there's too much in his player package to not see him hit in a big way for the Wolverines.

Ranking the Top 90 College Football Cornerbacks for 2025

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