Coach Day's College Football Top Players: Cornerbacks

As we continue our series to kick off the 2026 college football season, it is time to finish out the defensive side of the ball with the list many have been waiting for: the cornerbacks. It is without a doubt the flashiest position on defense, but also one that could very well make or break many teams in 2026. There are some BIG names on this list that you will want to know as we are just 5 days away from the start of the season.

Starting at the bottom of the top 10 are a few players whose names you might not know yet. In the 10th spot is Xavier Scott out of Illinois. He falls into that forgotten category due to missed time, but in his previous two seasons (2023 & 2024), he logged 6 picks and 17 pass deflections, making him a name to watch.

Moving up the list, Iowa CB Zach Lutmer is trying to follow in the footsteps of Cooper DeJean and Riley Moss as a white cornerback making it to the league. Lutmer showed off his full array of skills last year with 3 picks, a sack, and a touchdown return. He is a freak athlete who can handle anyone the Big Ten throws his way. If Iowa wants to make some noise this year, Lutmer will be the main name leading the charge on defense.

As we get into the top 5, this is where the BIG names appear. One that sticks out to me right away is Mississippi State's Kelley Jones. At 6'4", he is virtually impossible to throw to, as his length neutralizes every receiver's advantage. He logged a whopping 11 pass deflections last year alone. The Bulldogs will want to make a move this year, and he can help take that defense up a notch.

Finally, we can't talk about this list without mentioning the guy at the top: Notre Dame's Leonard Moore. The former 3-star...yes, you heard that right, 3-star recruit, is now a consensus All-American and projected first-round pick. Even Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith called him the toughest cover he has ever faced. Moore is proof that recruiting stars don't always tell the full story. He will look to continue his elite play for a defense full of future pros. With 7 career interceptions, you know he will be looking to add even more to that tally this season.

The CB position can be tricky to monitor at times because stats don't always tell the whole story, especially when opposing offenses actively avoid throwing your way. Still, the players on this list always find a way to impact the game. As the season unfolds, these are all names you will want circled when combing through the matchups every Saturday.