College Football’s Best Defensive Backs: Top 10 Cornerbacks and Safeties in 2025

Playing defensive back in football might be the hardest job in the sport. Quarterbacks process the most mentally, but corners and safeties have the toughest single skill to master: staying one step ahead of elite athletes in space. So, who are the best in college football this season?

1. Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

There’s a reason Ohio State is the best team in the country. They likely have the best offensive and defensive player in the nation in Jeremiah Smith and Caleb Downs. Downs has been one of the top defensive backs since his freshman year at Alabama in Nick Saban’s final season. He can do it all, whether covering a receiver or flying downhill to blow up a play behind the line.

Many coordinators say Downs is the only safety they’ve ever had to gameplan around, which tells you everything about his impact.

2. Leonard Moore, CB, Notre Dame

Moore has been one of the best since his true freshman campaign last season. Notre Dame ran the most man coverage in the nation last year, which is an incredibly tough task for a young cornerback. He handled the test well all year long, and that has continued into this season. When facing one of the best receivers in the country, Makai Lemon, earlier this year, he allowed just two catches for 28 yards on three targets. That has arguably been the most impressive performance from a defensive back this season.

3. Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

Despite a disappointing season from the Tigers, the defense has stepped up behind a breakout year from Delane. The senior transferred from Virginia Tech after three seasons to join Blake Baker’s defense. Delane isn’t the biggest corner, but he is elite in press coverage and rarely allows separation. He’s also instinctive in zone and has great timing on the ball, totaling one interception, seven pass deflections, and nine breakups.

4. Chandler Rivers, CB, Duke

Rivers might be the best tackling cornerback in the nation. His 90.7 PFF grade last season tied for the best among all defensive players, and quarterbacks posted just a 44 passer rating when throwing his way. He’s not targeted often anymore, which says plenty. Rivers stands 5-foot-10 and weighs 185 pounds, and he brings a level of physicality and consistency that makes him one of the most complete corners in college football.

5. Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

Terrell forced 14 incompletions last year, the most among Power Four corners. He’s slightly undersized but plays with great physicality and discipline, showing polished footwork and elite instincts. The resemblance to his older brother, A.J. Terrell, is unmistakable. Terrell is also excellent in run support and tackling in the open field, rounding out his skill set as one of the most dangerous corners in the country.

6. Bray Hubbard, S, Alabama

Following a brutal loss at Florida State in Week 1, Hubbard and the rest of Alabama’s defense were criticized for their lack of effort. It’s clear Hubbard took that personally. He has been one of the best defensive backs in all of college football since then, making an impact every week. His size and range make him dangerous all over the field, and he’s piled up 39 tackles and four forced turnovers, including three interceptions. Hubbard’s combination of athleticism, awareness, and toughness makes him a true tone-setter for the Crimson Tide.

7. De’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana

At 5-foot-9 and 170 pounds, Ponds shouldn’t be this good, but he is. He plays with surprising physicality for his size and has excellent speed to mirror receivers in man coverage. Nothing about his game screams flash, but his consistency and fundamentals are elite. Ponds is reliable, steady, and capable of thriving in any defensive system.

8. Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee

Hood has been absolutely invaluable to the Volunteers’ defense this season. Already a semifinalist for the Thorpe Award, given to the nation’s top defensive back, he has stepped up in the absence of star teammate Jermod McCoy and excelled. Tennessee would not be in the CFP race without this breakout star anchoring the secondary.

9. K.J. Bolden, CB, Georgia

Bolden has quickly lived up to his five-star billing. The sophomore has already faced Tennessee, Alabama, and Ole Miss, holding his own every time. He’s physical, instinctive, and has shown a veteran understanding of route concepts. Georgia’s playoff run will only put a brighter spotlight on one of the sport’s best young corners.

10. Tacario Davis, CB, Washington

Davis might be the most physically gifted player on this list. Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 200 pounds, he looks like a prototype NFL corner. His length and timing make him a nightmare on contested throws, and quarterbacks think twice before testing him deep. Davis may not have the career numbers yet, but his upside and impact make him one of the toughest matchups in the country.

Honorable Mentions

A.J. Haulcy, S, LSU
Jermain Matthews, CB, Ohio State
Elijah Green, CB, Tulsa
Jamel Johnson, S, TCU
Keionte Scott, CB, Miami
Michael Taaffe (when healthy), S, Texas
Jermod McCoy (when healthy), CB, Tennessee

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