2026 Rankings Update: DBs Making Their Rankings Debut

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Today we will be taking a look at some new names stepping into the spotlight and this group of defensive backs has earned its place through production, consistency and playmaking ability. These new faces bring proven ball skills, physicality and upside that project well to the next level as their recruiting stock continues to rise.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1970044"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69548245ec946"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Gregory put together an impressive season that showcased his ability to take over games from the secondary. He finished with five interceptions, two returned for touchdowns, along with 29 total tackles and 1.5 sacks. Gregory consistently displayed strong instincts, reading routes and attacking the football with confidence. His ability to flip momentum with defensive scores highlights his awareness and ball skills. He has more than coverage ability, he showed willingness to support the run and contribute as a blitzer. Gregory brings championship experience and a composed presence that would translate well into any defensive back room. Drawing Division II and Division III interest, he remains uncommitted and offers immediate value as a playmaker with proven production and leadership qualities.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1941017"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69548245ec9c6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Barros emerged as one of the most productive defensive backs in the 2026 class, thriving as a true lockdown corner. He came away with eight interceptions while also posting 38 total tackles, showing both ball skills and reliability as a tackler. Barros consistently limited opposing receivers by staying disciplined in coverage, attacking and high pointing the football. His ability to play both sides of the ball speaks to his athleticism and football IQ but his defensive production separated him from the pack. Barros plays with confidence, anticipation and physicality, making him an ideal fit for programs seeking a turnover creator. Still uncommitted, he projects as a strong addition for Division II or Division III programs in need of a true ball hawk.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1969490"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69548245eca18"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Parana delivered a breakout season by combining high level production with physical play. He finished with 96 total tackles, four tackles for loss and five interceptions, highlighting his versatility as a defensive back. Parana consistently showed the ability to play downhill and deliver impactful hits while also excelling in coverage situations. His instincts and route recognition allowed him to position himself effectively and capitalize on opportunities in the passing game. Parana's presence was felt at all levels of the defense, making him a reliable option against both the run and the pass. As an uncommitted prospect, he offers immediate value to a secondary room looking for a physical, instinctive defender who thrives around the football.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1803826"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69548245eca66"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Goldberg proved to be a steady and dependable presence in the secondary, finishing the season with 76 total tackles and an interception. He consistently found himself around the football, showing strong pursuit angles and a willingness to engage in run support. Goldberg's experience in championship level games adds value to his profile, bringing composure and being clutch in big moments. He plays with discipline, communicates well on the back end and limits mistakes through sound positioning. While his production speaks for itself, his leadership and reliability stand out just as much. Still searching for a college home, Goldberg projects as a defensive back who can contribute early and provide stability to a developing secondary.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1893496"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69548245ecab2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Nesladek enjoyed a breakout campaign that highlighted his ability to impact games in multiple ways. He recorded 62 total tackles, three tackles for loss and five interceptions, showing a strong blend of ball skills and physicality. Nesladek plays with confidence in coverage and shows good hands when attacking the football. He also brings value in run support, stepping downhill to finish plays and limit yardage after contact. His instincts and awareness allow him to anticipate throws and close quickly. Drawing Division II attention, Nesladek remains uncommitted and offers upside as a defender who can contribute immediately while continuing to develop into a consistent playmaker at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->