2026 Rankings Newcomers: Defensive Backs

<!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["739441"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6439a40c73f88"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The talented rising sophomore has already been offered by ASU, and other P5 schools should be knocking on the door sooner rather than later. Checking in as our number one defensive back in the 2026 class, he fits nicely at the safety position and has a strong build and natural size, especially for his age. Playing for one of the top teams in the nation, he had a stellar first season campaign from his safety position. He is a natural peddler with a quick break, fluid hips in transition and flashes closing speed while bringing a nice thump at contact. He can cover ground over the top and slow-plays the ball while showing good ball skills and high point abilities. A willing tackler when dropping into the box, he has some very impressive Freshman tape and his stock will only continue to rise going into his second season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/ZethThues26/status/1610407178984378370?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/ZethThues26/status/1610407178984378370?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["410430"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6439a40c74034"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Knox is a track guy that shows very promising athleticism and natural movement abilities from his corner position while very technically sound with his eyes and hands, especially for his age. He has impressed at multiple 7on7 events this off-season and shows good physicality at the LOS and eye discipline while a patient player in zone coverage. In run support, he is physical on the edge, can get off blocks while not afraid to come downhill and rocket tackle bigger ball carriers. As we get into the Summer and Fall, look for Knox to crack our rankings. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/TreyKnox16/status/1606739556115841027?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/TreyKnox16/status/1606739556115841027?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["401170"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6439a40c73fed"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lombardi enters into our watchlist after his frosh campaign where he showed he can make a impact on both sides of the ball. He is a explosive returner with good initial acceleration and vision in space with cutback abilities and shows he can break arm and ankle tackles in tight windows. Defensively, he is a sure tackler on the perimeter, can get off blocks and shows recovery speed/length when trailing and breaking to the ball. He is someone who could enter into our rankings in the next update and is one 2026 DB to keep a close eye on as he enters into his Sophomore season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><em>Other Names To Know....</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["401169"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6439a40c7407f"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["401148"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6439a40c740c2"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["739457"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6439a40c74104"} /-->