High school football: Top 10 defensive backs heading into 2026 season

Five-star Miami pledge Donte Wright headlines three defensive backs selected from California.

Thumbnail image of this articles writer: Zack Poff
By
Aug 7, 2026, 11:58am
We have already looked at the top quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, offensive linemen, defensive linemen and linebackers. 

Now we close out our position-by-position breakdown by looking at the defensive backs. 


Wright is a lockdown corner that is also one of the most physical defensive backs in the country. 

Dorsey dominated on both sides of the ball last season, finishing with 61 tackles and four interceptions to go with 46 catches for 846 yards and nine touchdowns on offense. 

Sears recently reclassified to the Class 2027 and should make a huge impact for Columbus (Miami, Fla.) after leading West Broward (Pembroke Pines, Fla.) to a Class 6A state runner-up finish as a sophomore. 

Height: 6-1 | Weight: 170
Status: Committed to Miami | Class: Senior (2027)
Quarterbacks rarely look his direction and he is one of the surest tacklers at the cornerback position. 

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 195
Status: Committed to Texas A&M | Class: Senior (2027)
Enters senior campaign with 168 career tackles and eight interceptions to go with 98 receptions for 1,721 yards and 22 touchdowns on offense. 

Height: 6-2 | Weight: 185
Status: Committed to Miami | Class: Senior (2027)
Five-star athlete posted 61 tackles and three interceptions to go with 42 catches for 942 yards and 11 scores as a sophomore. 

Height: 5-11 | Weight: 195
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Junior (2028)
Five-star safety impacts the game on all three phases as much as any player in high school football.

Height: 6-1 | Weight: 190
Status: Committed to USC | Class: Senior (2027)
As versatile as any player in the country and was the lone selection to be featured in our position-by-position breakdown at multiple positions. 

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 200
Status: Committed to Texas A&M | Class: Senior (2027)
Hard-hitting safety helped Indians win at least 11 games for first time since 2009 last season.

Height: 6-2 | Weight: 180
Status: Committed to Oklahoma | Class: Senior (2027)
Five-star cornerback represented Oklahoma in our look at the best player in each state. 

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 190
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Junior (2028)
Played a big role for Huskies as a sophomore and expect an even bigger year in 2026. 

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 190
Status: Committed to Oregon | Class: Senior (2027)
Future Duck headlines a very talented Gaels squad that begins the season ranked at No. 2 in MaxPreps Top 25. 

Height: 5-11 | Weight: 190
Status: Committed to Washington | Class: Senior (2027)
Productive safety racked up 125 tackles and 10 interceptions last season while returning five for scores. 

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