John Canady

Notre Dame Under Marcus Freeman: 2025 Season Preview

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/ncaaf/article/top-10-offensive-linemen-in-college-football-for-2025-2">Top 10 CFB OL in 2025 </a>
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 <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/jyaire-hill/45279">Jyaire Hill</a>. 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.

1) Jyaire Hill, Michigan

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/malik-muhammad/41178">Malik Muhammad</a> 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.

2) Malik Muhammad, Texas

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/leonard-moore/46093">Leonard Moore</a> 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.

3) Leonard Moore, Notre Dame

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/ncaaf/article/top-35-college-football-quarterbacks-for-the-2025-season">Top 35 CFB QBs in 2025</a>
<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/jermaine-mathews/38147">Jermaine Mathews Jr.</a> 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.

4) Jermaine Mathews Jr., Ohio State

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/jermod-mccoy/38616">Jermod McCoy </a>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.

5) Jermod McCoy, Tennessee

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/dangelo-ponds/42344">D'Angelo Ponds</a> 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.

6) D'Angelo Ponds, Indiana

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/aj-harris/49464">A.J. Harris</a> 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.

7) A.J. Harris, Penn State

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/avieon-terrell/37257">Avieon Terrell</a> 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.

8) Avieon Terrell, Clemson

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/jeremiah-wilson/23863">Jeremiah Wilson</a> 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.

9) Jeremiah Wilson, Florida State

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/cameron-calhoun/21781">Cameron Calhoun</a> 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.

10) Cameron Calhoun, Alabama

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/king-mack/49454">King Mack</a> 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.

11) King Mack, Alabama

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/ncaaf/article/top-20-running-backs-for-the-2025-college-football-season">Top 20 CFB RBs in 2025</a>
There's a lot to like about the value that <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/smith-snowden/21830">Smith Snowden</a> 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.

12) Smith Snowden, Utah

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/elliot-washington/49521">Elliot Washington II</a> 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.

13) Elliot Washington II, Penn State

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/dijon-johnson/44115">Dijon Johnson</a> 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.

14) Dijon Johnson, Florida

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/damari-brown/22815">Damari Brown</a> 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.

15) Damari Brown, Miami

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/tacario-davis/63995">Tacario Davis</a> 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.

16) Tacario Davis, Washington

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/jalon-kilgore/33367">Jalon Kilgore</a> 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 <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/nick-emmanwori/86190">Nick Emmanwori</a> 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.

17) Jalon Kilgore, South Carolina

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/jontez-williams/45160">Jontez Williams</a> 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.

18) Jontez Williams, Iowa State

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/mansoor-delane/28877">Mansoor Delane</a> 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.

19) Mansoor Delane, LSU

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/brandon-cisse/17004">Brandon Cisse</a> 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.

20) Brandon Cisse, South Carolina

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/josh-moten/33008">Josh Moten</a> initially committed to Texas A&amp;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.

21) Josh Moten, Southern Miss

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/domani-jackson/19396">Domani Jackson</a> 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.

22) Domani Jackson, Alabama

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/will-lee/45634">Will Lee III</a> began his career at Kansas State before transferring to Texas A&amp;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.

23) Will Lee III, Texas A&M

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/daylen-everette/22657">Daylen Everette</a> 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.

24) Daylen Everette, Georgia

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/dj-harvey/49323">DJ Harvey</a> 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.

25) DJ Harvey, San Jose State

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/davison-igbinosun/38104">Davison Igbinosun</a> 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.

26) Davison Igbinosun, Ohio State

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/antonio-kite/48450">Antonio Kite</a> 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.

27) Antonio Kite, Auburn

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/dj-mckinney/39466">DJ McKinney</a> 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.

28) DJ McKinney, Colorado

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/xavier-scott/22335">Xavier Scott</a> 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.

29) Xavier Scott, Illinois

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/ricardo-hallman/34029">Ricardo Hallman</a> 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.
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30) Ricardo Hallman, Wisconsin

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/smith-snowden/21830">Smith Snowden</a> 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.

31) Smith Snowden, Utah

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/ethan-oconnor/20508">Ethan O'Connor</a> 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.

32) Ethan O'Connor, Miami

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/kayin-lee/48496">Kayin Lee</a> 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. 
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33) Kayin Lee, Auburn

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/jacobe-johnson/21168">Jacobe Johnson</a> 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.

34) Jacobe Johnson, Oklahoma

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/tony-grimes/19835">Tony Grimes</a> 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.

35) Tony Grimes, Purdue 

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/thaddeus-dixon/32642">Thaddeus Dixon</a> 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.

36) Thaddeus Dixon, North Carolina

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/channing-canada/39076">Channing Canada</a> 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.

37) Channing Canada, TCU

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/kendel-dolby/21208">Kendel Dolby</a> 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.

38) Kendel Dolby, Oklahoma

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/tyrice-ivy/31959">Tyrice Ivy Jr.</a> 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.

39) Tyrice Ivy Jr., Oregon State

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/brylan-lanier/31199">Brylan Lanier</a> 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.

40) Brylan Lanier, Mississippi State

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/jaylen-mbakwe/19407">Jaylen Mbakwe</a> 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.

41) Jaylen Mbakwe, Alabama

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/ellis-robinson/63790">Ellis Robinson IV</a> 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.

42) Ellis Robinson IV, Georgia

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/zabien-brown/19394">Zabien Brown</a> 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.

43) Zabien Brown, Alabama

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Adding to the flurry of Alabama defenders on this list, <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/zavier-mincey/19354">Zavier Mincey</a> 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.

44) Zavier Mincey, Alabama

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/aaron-scott/38163">Aaron Scott Jr</a>. 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.

45) Aaron Scott Jr., Ohio State

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/devin-sanchez/87299">Devin Sanchez</a> 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.

46) Devin Sanchez, Ohio State

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/dijon-lee/88081">Dijon Lee Jr.</a> 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.

47) Dijon Lee Jr., Alabama

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/naeem-offord/87090">Na'eem Offord</a> 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.

48) Na'eem Offord, Oregon

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/kade-phillips/87540">Kade Phillips</a> 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.

49) Kade Phillips, Texas

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/dj-pickett/87050">DJ Pickett</a> 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.

50) DJ Pickett, LSU

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/ify-obidegwu/29345">Ify Obidegwu</a> 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.

51) Ify Obidegwu, Oregon

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/kobe-black/41094">Kobe Black</a> 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.

52) Kobe Black, Texas

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/charles-lester/19685">Charles Lester III</a> 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.

53) Charles Lester III, Florida State

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/jon-mitchell/49409">Jon Mitchell</a> 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.

54) Jon Mitchell, Georgia Tech

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/joziah-edmond/45293">Jo'Ziah Edmond</a> 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.

55) Jo'Ziah Edmond, Michigan

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/dakoda-fields/29375">Dakoda Fields</a> 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.

56) Dakoda Fields, Oregon

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/jamari-howard/19765">Jamari Howard</a> 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.

57) Jamari Howard, Florida State

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/selman-bridges/27503">Selman Bridges</a> 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.

58) Selman Bridges, Arkansas

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/cai-bates/19707">Cai Bates</a> 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.

59) Cai Bates, Florida State

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/cai-bates/19707">Bryce West</a> 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.

60) Bryce West, Ohio State

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/julian-humphrey/22606">Julian Humphrey</a> 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&amp;M.

61) Julian Humphrey, Texas A&M

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/charles-brantley/63927">Charles Brantley</a> 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.

62) Charles Brantley, Miami

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/jakeem-jackson/44021">Ja'Keem Jackson</a> 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.

63) Ja'Keem Jackson, LSU

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<a href="https://app.sportsgrid.com/players_list">Theran Johnson</a> 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.

64) Theran Johnson, Oregon

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/brice-pollock/31144">Brice Pollock</a> 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.

65) Brice Pollock, Texas Tech

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/raion-strader/21440">Raion Strader</a> 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.

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