PRZIA 2026 Rankings Update: DB Breakdown

Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code: OscarGalindo30 in the coupon code area.   Class of 2026, YOU are now on the board! With the 2025 class all but wrapped up, it's time to fully turn our attention to the junior class (incoming seniors), who will now be planning their spring/summer visits and deciding which schools they want to camp with. To kick start this changing of the tide, we rolled out our updated Class of 2026 rankings, with over 400 ranked players and 100+ players listed on our watchlist.   The last position group to review is a defensive back group still coming into form going into the summer. The DB1 title currently belongs to Iowa City West's [player_tooltip player_id='1238512' first='Julian' last='Manson'] who has emerged as one of the fast-rising prospects in the Midwest. Manson currently holds offers from programs like Miami, Iowa, Arizona, and more with several other programs expected to jump into the fold. We'll see if Manson stays as the top defensive back as several schools are looking at playing him as a linebacker. Here is the full list of ranked DBs and below are five prospects who are flying under the radar.    You can find the full rankings update <a href="https://prepredzone.com/iowa/rankings/2026-rankings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HERE</a>.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   [player_tooltip player_id='1370666' first='Aaron' last='Honore'] <a href="https://x.com/Aaronhonore32" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@Aaronhonore32)</a>, Regina - 6'2" 190 lbs   The Regals have a very interesting returning group with a few prospects already gaining college interest, including DB/ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1370666' first='Aaron' last='Honore']. Aaron is a super versatile athlete who could play on either side of the ball at the next level. He flashes a higher upside on defense where he has the frame and athleticism to play anywhere along the secondary. Honore plays safety where he impressed with his well-rounded skillset, which saw him excel in coverage and against the run. Honore plays with great eye discipline when reading his keys and will attack the ball immediately. He is willing to step into the box to defend the run and cover underneath routes. Aaron also showed solid fluidity when flipping his hips and dropping back into the deep zones. Honore ended his junior season with 31.5 tackles, three interceptions, a fumble recovery, and a TFL. Aaron could be used as a RB/Slot WR who can make plays once you get the ball in his hands and in space.    [player_tooltip player_id='1241409' first='Tate' last='McEowen'] <a href="https://x.com/TateMceowen" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@TateMceowen)</a>, Linn-Mar - 6'0" 185 lbs   Linn-Mar's [player_tooltip player_id='1241409' first='Tate' last='McEowen'] is an interesting prospect who plays the safety position like a linebacker. Tate is a superphysical player who can step into the box to add an extra defender against the run. McEowen displays sound tackling when he gets to the ball, using great technique to wrap up the ball carrier and strength to drive through his tackle and finish the play. Great range across the field with a twitchy break on the ball that helps him close on the ball carrier in a flash. Tate finished his junior season with 32.5 tackles, .5 TFLs, and a fumble recovery. Expect to see Tate featured a little more on offense in 2025 with the top four receiving options from last season graduating this spring.    [player_tooltip player_id='1242254' first='Treyton' last='Mitchell'] <a href="https://x.com/trey_mitchell1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@trey_mitchell1)</a>, Ogden - 6'3" 190 lbs   Ogden's [player_tooltip player_id='1242254' first='Treyton' last='Mitchell'] is another prospect listed as a DB but can potentially play a S/LB hybrid role at the next level. Treyton is a taller, bigger safety with a lengthier frame at 6'3" and 190 lbs that fits the mold of the modern versatile defender. You can move him over to cover slot receivers, showing nice mobility and change of direction as he sticks with his receiver with active hands at the catch point. I was also impressed with how well he can shoot his gaps when stepping into the box to defend the run while displaying sound gap integrity. Physical at the point of contact. I'm expecting a big season for Mitchell next season as he steps into a bigger role.    [player_tooltip player_id='1233673' first='Zach' last='Kolpin'] <a href="https://x.com/ZachKolpin">(@ZachKolpin)</a>, Ridge View - 6'1" 190 lbs   After rewatching Zach's tape, I would say he's already due for a bump in the rankings for the next update. With fresh eyes, I was very impressed with Zach's range and playmaking ability from the safety position. Zach flashes a high football IQ, especially in coverage, where he does a great job anticipating routes and reading the quarterback's eyes to figure out where the ball is going. Great hands at the catch point make him a threat to take the ball back the other way. Kolpin's bigger frame also allows him to be physical with receivers when going up for the ball and effective as a run defender. Zach finished his junior season with 29.5 tackles, a sack, three interceptions, and a fumble recovery. Expect Zach to be a key player in what should be another stingy defense.    [player_tooltip player_id='1241504' first='Johari' last='Muigai'] <a href="https://x.com/JohariMugane">(@JohariMugane)</a>, Ames - 5'10" 185 lbs   Why not finish this article with another versatile safety who can play anywhere across the backend of the defense? Johari lists himself as a SS/OLB, which is accurate for his abilities on the field, playing tight coverage and stout run defense. Muigai showed he can crash downhill when he keys on the run, quickly flowing to the ball while taking smart pursuit angles and displaying great closing speed. He tackles using good leverage when taking down his opponent and with enough "pop" to stun ball carriers and force turnovers. In coverage, I was impressed with how well he can identify passing concepts and sniff out plays, taking an instinctive break on the pass and arriving to his spot at just the right time to make a play on the ball. Despite missing two games due to injury, Johari still had a solid season with 29.5 tackles, two TFLs, three forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery.    <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   Make sure to follow @PRZ_OscarG for more news on Nebraska and Iowa HS recruiting.

Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code: OscarGalindo30 in the coupon code area.