NCAAF · 1 year ago

Ranking the Top 93 College Football Cornerbacks for 2024

Zack Cook

Host · Writer

93. Brian Blades II - FIU Golden Panthers
To say that it's been an impressive start to the 2024 campaign for Brian Blades II would be an understatement. Blades II has played a key role in their secondary, specifically in coverage, where he's been a lock down weapon for this program as a junior.

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1. Will Johnson - Michigan
For now, it's hard to rank Will Johnson anywhere but at the top of the list heading into 2024. The former five-star recruit has lived up to the hype and then some, playing a crucial shutdown role in helping lead Michigan to a national title victory last year. Johnson is the complete package and is an exceptional cornerback prospect who will find himself high on draft boards in 2025.

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2. Benjamin Morrison - Notre Dame
Although we have Benjamin Morrison as the second-rated cornerback heading into 2024, he's not far off being the top-ranked. Morrison has high-end ball skills, and it won't be a surprise to see him land near the top of the 2025 NFL Draft class.
3. Tacario Davis - Arizona
There's much to like about what Tacario Davis does for the Arizona Wildcats. Davis brings elite size to the table at 6'4", and this unique length helps him be one of the top corners in the nation. With his length, Davis thrives at forcing incompletions in the secondary for the Wildcats.
4. Sebastian Castro - Iowa
Sebastian Castro is a cornerback who thrives in the slot with elite football IQ and physicality. Although he's not typically used on the outside, Castro has developed into a star for Iowa on defense and will continue to play a significant role for this group moving forward.
5. Travis Hunter - Colorado
Travis Hunter is known for his elite two-way play for the Colorado Buffaloes. Hunter was the top option for the Buffaloes in 2023 as a cornerback, and that should remain true in 2024. With his wide receiver skillset, Hunter brings elite ball hawk skills to the table.

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6. Denzel Burke - Ohio State
Denzel Burke remains an integral part of the Ohio State Buckeyes secondary entering the 2024 campaign. Despite being a draft-eligible player in 2024, Burke opted to return to Ohio State, and he brings the length and speed necessary to be a lockdown corner.
7. Jabbar Muhammad - Oregon
Jabbar Muhammad was a key contributor on defense for the Washington Huskies in 2023 and was a big reason they found themselves in the national title game. Muhammad transferred to Oregon in the offseason and will look to continue progressing with his elite quickness and high-end competitive spirit.
8. Quincy Riley - Louisville
If you're looking for a cornerback who excels in coverage, Quincy Riley does that and more for the Louisville Cardinals. When you watch his tendencies for the Cardinals, Riley's football IQ immediately jumps off the page.
9. Dorian Strong - Virginia Tech
Dorian Strong is the complete package that combines high-end footwork with athleticism. It's not hard to be bullish on his overall potential, and it'll be interesting to see if he can raise his game to another level in 2024.
10. Cobee Bryant - Kansas
Over the last two seasons, Cobee Bryant has tallied seven interceptions for the Kansas Jayhawks defense. Bryant can contribute in multiple ways, including effectively stopping the run with his physicality.
11. Jason Marshall Jr. - Florida
Jason Marshall Jr. has the skillset needed to be a difference maker for the Florida Gators in their secondary. Marshall Jr. brings a strong coverage profile to the table and continues to impress. Don't be surprised if he's sitting in the top five after more tape is available on him.
12. Justin Walley - Minnesota
Justin Walley has high-end instincts, which is a valuable commodity as a cornerback. Suiting up for the Minnesota Golden Gophers, Walley is strong in a zone defense and pairs that with great footwork to find success.
13. Fentrell Cypress II - Florida State
Fentrell Cypress II has the quickness needed for a corner that's slightly undersized. His speed and agility make him a real threat in coverage and he plays much bigger than his frame suggests.
14. Key Lawrence - Oklahoma
If you have your sights set on physicality at the corner position, Key Lawrence brings plenty to the table. Lawrence is strong in run support and makes his presence felt on a consistent. You'll never have to wonder if he's on the football field.
15. Zy Alexander - LSU
Zy Alexander has the agility and athleticism to play a prominent role for the LSU Tigers' secondary. Alexander also brings the football IQ needed to find success in the SEC, which is something that could propel him up this list.
16. Anthony Johnson Jr. - Western Kentucky
We're keeping a close eye on Anthony Johnson Jr. this season. The Western Kentucky DB is the definition of a shutdown corner in coverage, which makes him the exact type of player that NFL teams will be keeping an eye on in 2024.
17. Jordan Oladokun - Bowling Green
Jordan Oladokun has many people excited to see him suit up for Bowling Green. Although he can afford to work on his run defense, Oladokun is strong in coverage and remains a serious lock down threat.
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18. Caleb Ransaw - Tulane
Caleb Ransaw entered the transfer portal this offseason and moved from Troy to Tulane. This is a much better situation for his development and growth, which should lead to a more productive season. Ransaw is strong against the run, and needs to improve his overall coverage skills.
19. Preston Hodge - Colorado
Preston Hodge continues to round out his game in the secondary for the Colorado Buffaloes. The talent is there for him to be even more impactful, we're just waiting on him to find the consistency to match.
20. Tommi Hill - Nebraska
Tommi Hill is strong in coverage and wins a lot of one-on-one battles. Hill is solid against the run, and his competitive nature makes him play much bigger than he is.
21. Denver Harris - UTSA
Denver Harris tracks the football extremely well in the secondary, which sets him up to play a vital role for UTSA. Harris uses high-end athleticism and physicality in the secondary to be effective.
22. Gentry Williams - Oklahoma
Gentry Williams combines length with speed, including running a 4.29 40-yard dash. Williams's ability to make up ground with his speed consistently makes him one of the more noteworthy prospects to watch.
23. Jordan Hancock - Ohio State
Don't be surprised if Jordan Hancock climbs into the Top 15 when all is said and done. The talented Ohio State corner has explosive athletic skills, and combines that with the strong instincts ofa playmaker in the Buckeyes secondary.
24. Aydan White - NC State
Aydan White moves well laterally and has the ability to be a lockdown corner. There are things he can improve upon, but there's also plenty to like about his status as a premiere corner for the Wolfpack.
25. Malik Spencer - Michigan State
With a football IQ like Malik Spencer's, he has a definite chance to rise on this list during the season. Spencer combines strong instincts with an athletic frame, allowing him to play a key role for Michigan State.
26. Noah Daniels - TCU
If it weren't for injuries, there's no chance you would find Noah Daniels this low on the list. Daniels is a special talent, but injuries have really put a dent into how you can project him for a given season.
27. Nyland Green - Purdue
Nyland Green is the type of player that has the chance to accelerate up this list in 2024. Green has the size, athleticism, and football IQ to really pop for the Purdue Boilermakers.
28. Davonte Brown - Florida State
One thing you'll notice on film with Davonte Brown is that his football IQ immediately pops. For a Florida State defense that lost multiple pieces to the 2024 NFL Draft, Brown will be relied upon to carry some of the load in the secondary.
29. Trikweze Bridges - Florida
Trikweze Bridges is a player we've had a close eye on. He's set to play a big role for Florida in 2024, and brings the necessary skillset in order to be a difference maker in the SEC.
30. Donte Kent - Central Michigan
Donte Kent has a solid frame with good agility and overall strength. If he can get a little quicker this offseason, he has the chance to really pop in the secondary for Central Michigan.
31. Maxwell Hairston - Kentucky
Maxwell Hairston should likely be higher on this list, and another strong performance will make that a reality for us. If the Wildcats hope to continue improving on defense, Hairston will be a big part of that.
32. Woodi Washington - Oklahoma
Woodi Washington's size might not make him standout, but his attention to detail and strong tackling skills more than make up for that. Washington plays at his best in zone coverage.
33. Damarius McGhee - Kansas
Damarius McGhee is set to continue playing a strong role for the Kansas Jayhawks secondary. McGhee's strength and physicality off the line make him a strong prospect moving forward.
34. JK Johnson - LSU
JK Johnson is someone we will be keeping a close eye on. He brings strong footwork and a physical playing style to the table, which make him a threat to be highlighted more often this year.
35. Avante Dickerson - Utah State
Avante Dickerson brings speed and physicality to the equation, which will never go out of style for cornerbacks. If he can bring more consistency to the table, he'll undoubtedly rise on this list in 2024.
36. Devin Kirkwood - UCLA
Devin Kirkwood has a high football IQ and his size helps him overwhelm opponents. Kirkwood is a playmaker in the secondary, and will look to see numbers take another step in 2024.
37. Demorie Tate - Florida A&M
Demorie Tate plays a solid role in stopping the run and is a smooth tackler that doesn't often let opponents slip away. Tate has the short-area explosiveness you're looking for in a cornerback.
38. Jalen Kimber - Penn State
Jalen Kimber is a cornerback that has quick feet and prioritizes a physical style of play. Although you like for him to be more consistent with the physicality, it's definitely a strength to his game.
39. Prophet Brown - USC
Prophet Brown checks a lot of the boxes that teams are coveting for their secondary, specifically with cornerbacks. Brown's athleticism and length help make him pop. More consistency is needed.
40. Ceyair Wright - USC
Ceyair Brown has a strong feel on the football field and is rarely in the wrong position. His football IQ and high-end speed help make him an interesting prospect at USC.
41. Karon Prunty - North Carolina A&T
Although Karon Prunty isn't a household name because of where he plays, he's still a very strong defender that works well in press coverage and has strong attention to detail on the field.
42. Darian Chestnut - Syracuse
Darian Chestnut has quick feet, but won't burn you with his speed in the secondary. Chestnut doesn't have the ideal frame for a corner, but that doesn't stop him from being physical.
43. David Spaulding - South Carolina
David Spaulding is a really strong tackler that brings a unique blend of physicality and a high-end football IQ to the table. Spaulding is very effective in defending the run.
44. Tyreke Johnson - Nebraska
Tyreke Johnson is a ball hawk in the secondary. He brings strong hands to the table, and is good in coverage. If he's able to add more speed to his game, look out.
45. Fred Davis II - UCF
Fred Davis has good speed, which allows him to make plays in coverage downfield. He's a good one-on-one player, but you'd like him to be a bit more physical with his frame.
46. Jaylin Davies - UCLA
Jaylin Davies has the size and physicality to be strong at his position, but is a bit slower than you'd prefer for his role in this UCLA secondary. Still, Davies more than makes up for his speed with good ball tracking skills and hands.
47. Malcolm Greene - Virginia
Malcolm Greene has high-end ball tracking skills in the secondary, along with good hands and physicality. Speed is somewhat of a question mark, but Greene does provide good bursts at times.
48. Clarence Lewis - Syracuse
We're looking for the defense of Syracuse to take another step in 2024. Clarence Lewis is set to play a stabilizing role for Syracuse in their secondary, highlighted by his high-end football IQ and good reads.
49. Trey Morrison - Oklahoma
Ball skills continue to be a big strength for Trey Morrison in the secondary. Although there are still some concerns about his overall agility, there's reason to be bullish about his stock.
50. Dontae Manning - Oregon
Speed and football IQ are two strong talking points surrounding Dontae Manning. For an Oregon team looking to be in the national title picture, Manning will play a big role for them in the secondary.

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51. Jaidyn Denis - Memphis
Jaidyn Denis consistently demonstrates a strong sense of positioning on the football field, making him a compelling prospect at Memphis. His football intelligence and rapid speed contribute significantly to his potential.
52. RJ Delancy III - Wisconsin
RJ Delancy III is agile on his feet, although he isn’t the fastest in the secondary. Despite not having the typical physique for a cornerback, he remains effective.
53. Ricardo Hallman - Wisconsin
Ricardo Hallman stands out as an exceptional tackler, combining strong physicality with sharp football acumen. He proves highly effective in run defense. Hallman is poised to play a sizable role for the Badgers.
54. Cale Sanders Jr. - SMU
Despite not being widely recognized due to his smaller program, Cale Sanders Jr. excels as a defender, particularly in press coverage, and shows meticulous attention to detail during play.
55. Upton Stout - Western Kentucky
Although he doesn't play in the center of the college football universe at Western Kentucky, Upton Stout has proven to be a very capable cornerback that's worthy of attention.

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56. D'angelo Ponds - Indiana
D'Angelo Ponds is steadily improving his game in the secondary for the Indiana Hoosiers. The talent is evident, and with a bit more consistency, he has the potential to be even more impactful.
57. Ayden Garnes - West Virginia
Ayden Garnes is a player we've been closely monitoring. He's poised to play a significant role for West Virginia in 2024 and possesses the skillset needed to be a game-changer in the Big 12.
58. Jay'Vion Cole - Texas
Jay'Vion Cole may not stand out due to his size, but his attention to detail and strong tackling skills more than compensate for it. He excels particularly in zone coverage and should play a strong role for Texas.
59. Mark Davis Jr. - Southern Illinois
Mark Davis Jr. has all the tools needed in order to be a strong defender at Southern Illinois. Although it's not the most glorious stage in college football, Davis Jr. should have plenty of eyeballs on him this upcoming season.
60. Shavon Revel - East Carolina
Shavon Revel distinguishes himself as an exceptional tackler, blending strong physicality with keen football intelligence. He is highly effective in run defense. Hallman is set to play a significant role for the Pirates.
61. Trey Amos - Ole Miss
Trey Amos combines speed and physicality, qualities that are always valuable for cornerbacks. If he can achieve greater consistency, he will undoubtedly climb the rankings in 2024.
62. Daedae Hill - FAU
Daedae Hill has an excellent sense of positioning on the football field and is rarely out of place. His football IQ and exceptional speed make him an intriguing prospect at FAU.
63. Tre'Shon Devones - Duke
Tre'Shon Devones is agile on his feet, even though he isn’t the fastest player in the secondary. Despite lacking the prototypical physique for a cornerback, he consistently proves to be highly effective.
64. Marques Sigle - Kansas State
Ball skills remain a significant strength for Marques Sigle in the secondary. While there are some concerns about his overall agility, there is ample reason to be optimistic about his potential.
65. A'Marion McCoy - Boise State
A'Marion McCoy is a very strong tackler who combines physicality with high football IQ. He excels in defending against the run. Big things are expected this season at Boise State.
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66. Tahj Ra-El - Memphis
Tahj Ra-El exhibits top-notch ball tracking abilities in the secondary, complemented by strong hands and physicality. While his speed may be a concern, Ra-El occasionally demonstrates effective bursts of acceleration.
67. Michal Antoine Jr. - FAU
Michal Antoine Jr. embodies many qualities that teams desire in their secondary, particularly for cornerbacks. His athleticism and length stand out, though he needs to develop greater consistency.
68. Bryce Phillips - San Diego State
Bryce Phillips will be under close observation. His robust footwork and physical style of play make him a significant threat and a candidate for increased recognition this year.
69. Treydan Stukes - Arizona
Treydan Stukes excels in run defense and is a proficient tackler who rarely allows opponents to escape. Stukes possesses the short-area explosiveness desired in a cornerback.
70. Corey Thornton - UCF
Corey Thornton has continued to make a name for himself with UCF. If they want to take the program back to a more competent level, Thornton will have to prove he can handle the workload in the secondary.
71. Nikko Reed - Oregon
For an Oregon Ducks team with legitimate national championship aspirations, Nikko Reed will be relied upon to play a key role in their secondary, specifically in stopping the run.
72. JoJo Forest - Hawai'i
JoJo Forest is a player that's easy to get excited about. He has a lot of the tools that are needed to make a corner successful, we're just waiting on the consistency that comes along with that.
73. Kenan Johnson - Utah
The expectations are very real for Utah to qualify for the first 12-team College Football Playoff. If they want to do damage on the way, they'll need players in the secondary like Kenan Johnson to step up.
74. Ja'Corey Benjamin - Bowling Green
Ja'Corey Benjamin has the potential to be an impact defender for Bowling Green. Although the size isn't necessarily ideal, he still finds ways to contribute and is a very strong tackler.
75. Alijah Huzzie - North Carolina
Rounding out the top 75 cornerbacks is Alijah Huzzie with the North Carolina Tar Heels. Huzzies speed has him on our radar, but we'll need to see him continue growing in order to make more noise on our ranking.

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76. Robert Longerbeam - Rutgers
Robert Longerbeam will play a big role in determining whether or not this Rutgers secondary can make noise in 2024. His size isn't very ideal, but he's an explosive athlete that can make plays.
77. Justin Hodges - Arkansas State
You might have to do some digging if you're looking for tape from Justin Hodges at Arkansas State. If you can find it, you'll be impressed with what you see. Hodges has the size and overall skill to be a solid corner.
78. Lu-Magia Hearns III - California
Expectations aren't exactly high for the California Golden Bears, but there's still certain aspects of their roster to be intrigued by. Lu-Magia Hearns III is one of the players we'll be watching very closely in 2024.
79. Nohl Williams - California
Another member of the California Golden Bears secondary that cracked our top 80 list is Nohl Williams. Williams brings the exact type of frame and athleticism that we look for in cornerbacks.
80. Coen King - Virginia
Coen King is an asset to the Virginia secondary. King is a strong defender in the running game, and also has the high football IQ to really make a difference for the Cavaliers in 2024.
81. Caden Jenkins - Baylor
Caden Jenkins is a jack of all trades type talent for Baylor. He doesn't excel at any one thing on defense, but he still manages to bring a lot to the equation for this group entering 2024.
82. Adrian Maddox - Alabama State
Even with Adrian Maddox playing at a program that doesn't generate much buzz, there's definite reason to search out his tape. Maddox has a big frame and plenty of impressive football IQ to pair with it.
83. Ethan Johnson - App State
Ethan Johnson brings some impressive physicality to the table. If he's able to get a little bit quicker this offseason, there's a lot to like about his potential upside at App State.
84. Michael Richard - LA Tech
Michael Richard has some admirable traits that make him a DB worth following at LA Tech. It's fair to ask where to draw the line with his upside, but he's earned his spot on this list.
85. LaMareon James - TCU
Although there are some flaws with his game, there's also a lot to like with LaMereon James. He makes plays that someone with his small frame should have no business making, and he's set to play a sizable role for TCU in 2024.
86. Matthew McDoom - Coastal Carolina
One of my favorite sleepers to keep an eye that might really rise up this list in 2024 is Matthew McDoom. There's some work to be done with his run defense, but McDoom is strong in coverage and is certainly a name to watch heading into the season for Coastal Carolina.
87. Jason Chambers - App State
He might not get the national coverage at Appalachian State, but he does pop whenever you watch him on film. Jason Chambers is a prospect that has the potential to really creep onto the scene as a riser this season. We'll have our eyes on him closely.
88. Kriston Davis - Houston
There's still a lot to work on for Kriston Davis with the Houston Cougars, but the potential remains well within reach. Davis has ideal size and the football IQ needed to really pop in 2024.
89. Cedarius Doss - Indiana
It wouldn't exactly be a major surprise if you had Cedarius Doss higher on your list. There are some definite concerns about his size, but he still brings the agility and athleticism to the table that we're looking for here.
90. Marlon Jones Jr. - Vanderbilt
Even though Marlon Jones Jr. is expected to miss the entire 2024 season after transferring to Vanderbilt, there's still a lot to like about how he profiles as a cornerback. We'll be interested to follow how he bounces back.

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91. Nyquann Washington - Western Michigan
It will be interesting to see how Nyquann Washington manages after transferring to Western Michigan. He has an appealing skillset, and he'll be more challenged by higher competition this year. Washington is a strong sleeper to potentially rise on this list.
92. Eric Rogers - Rutgers
After a strong showing during the early parts of the 2024 season, Eric Rogers is a name we're beginning to monitor. Rogers has the size, athleticism, and ball skills to really make a difference this season at Rutgers.
93. Brian Blades II - FIU Golden Panthers
To say that it's been an impressive start to the 2024 campaign for Brian Blades II would be an understatement. Blades II has played a key role in their secondary, specifically in coverage, where he's been a lock down weapon for this program as a junior.

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1. Will Johnson - Michigan
For now, it's hard to rank Will Johnson anywhere but at the top of the list heading into 2024. The former five-star recruit has lived up to the hype and then some, playing a crucial shutdown role in helping lead Michigan to a national title victory last year. Johnson is the complete package and is an exceptional cornerback prospect who will find himself high on draft boards in 2025.

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