As we gear up for the 2026 college football season, the anticipation is palpable. With training camps on the horizon, the buzz is already building around the top secondary units in the sport. ESPN's Greg McElroy has ranked the top 10 secondary units, and his insights offer a fascinating glimpse into the talent and strategy that will shape the upcoming season.
The Top 10 Secondary Units in College Football 2026
1. Notre Dame
In my opinion, Notre Dame takes the top spot with its secondary unit built around Leonard Moore, the top cornerback in college football. What makes Moore exceptional is his ability to play bigger than the numbers suggest. With six defensive backs having starting-level experience, the Irish have a depth and talent that few other programs can match. This unit is not just about Moore; it's about the entire group's starting-level experience, which is a testament to Notre Dame's defensive coordinator Chris Ash and head coach Marcus Freeman's strategic vision.
2. Alabama
Alabama's secondary unit, led by Bray Hubbard and Keon Sabb, is a force to be reckoned with. The Crimson Tide's defense gave up just 19 points per game last season, and with Hubbard and Sabb returning, along with Zabien Brown, the unit is poised for another successful year. The continuity under Kane Wommack's leadership and the emphasis on 'violence' in practice suggest that Alabama's secondary will be a key factor in the team's success.
3. Texas Tech
Texas Tech's secondary unit, led by Brice Pollock and Amier Boyd-Matthews, was one of the best in the Big 12 last season. With the addition of further pass-rushing talent, the Red Raiders' secondary is set to be one of the top three units in the sport. The unit's success is built on the foundation of Joey McGuire's strategic vision and the natural aid provided by the defensive line.
4. Georgia
Georgia's secondary unit, led by KJ Bolden, is strong but has some questions to answer. The Bulldogs will be looking to Bolden and the second safety spot opposite him to step up and provide the leadership and talent needed to compete at the highest level. The competition for the second safety spot is still unsettled, and if one of the contenders steps up, Georgia could make a legitimate argument for being in the top two on this list.
5. LSU
LSU's secondary unit, led by Ty Benefield, is a top-five unit with immediate production and massive developmental upside. The Tigers' track record of developing defensive backs, including Mansoor Delane last year, is a testament to Blake Baker's leadership. The pitch that LSU made to Benefield and other elite defensive backs is a clear indication of the program's commitment to excellence.
6. Ohio State
Ohio State's secondary unit, despite losing some key players, remains a top-six unit. The Buckeyes' secondary infrastructure is a separate entity from the individual players, and their ability to reload rather than rebuild is a testament to the program's strength. With players like Jaylen McClain and Jermaine Mathews returning, along with Earl Little Jr. arriving from Florida State, Ohio State's secondary is set to be a force to be reckoned with.
7. Oregon
Oregon's secondary unit, despite losing some key players, has reloaded with talent from the transfer portal. The Ducks' track record of developing defensive backs, under the leadership of Lanning's staff, earns the benefit of the doubt. The unit's success is built on the foundation of the program's ability to assemble talent together.
8. Michigan
Michigan's secondary unit, under the leadership of Kyle Whittingham and Jay Hill, is poised for a step forward in 2026. The unit's experience, with Jyaire Hill and Zeke Berry returning, and Hill's scheme, which asks corners to do more while still being sound in coverage, suggest that Michigan's secondary will be a key factor in the team's success.
9. Texas A&M
Texas A&M's secondary unit, led by Dezz Ricks and Tennessee transfer Rickey Gibson, is an SEC program with a legitimate lockdown program. The unit's success is built on the foundation of third-year continuity in Mike Elko's system, which has proven to be effective over the last couple of years.
10. Penn State
Penn State's secondary unit, led by Audavion Collins and Daryus Dixson, is a top-10 unit with the addition of Marcus Neal from the transfer portal. The Nittany Lions' new head coach Matt Campbell and his staff have retained key players and brought in new talent, which suggests that Penn State's secondary will be a force to be reckoned with in 2026.
As the 2026 college football season unfolds, these secondary units will play a pivotal role in shaping the outcomes of games and the overall landscape of the sport. The talent, strategy, and leadership of these units will be a key factor in determining the success of their respective programs.
