2026 Pos. Breakdown: Top ND DB Analysis (5-1)

The more the merrier when it comes to position breakdowns, as we head back into North Dakota and look at the top five defensive backs the Roughrider state has to offer in the 2026 class. This is a very sound class for defensive backs in North Dakota, in fact I think it could be one of the best ones we have had over the years. This class of DBs has already had D1 and D2 offers fly out, and I would be remissed if I didn't feel there won't be more flying out in the next-level or less.   DB5:    Based on my live eval from the 11AA State Championship game, I could gauge that Jaxon has found a good fit for his next-level talents at corner as he rolls in as our DB5 in the ND 2026 class. It was seen in his ball-tracking ability that I watched as seeing his development on closing down passing lanes with his ball-tracking. He still has sound room to grow with his footwork in the coming year, but the athleticsm that this young man plays with I feel has the drive to get him to another gear as a DB targeted in our scholarship-level tier at the next level.    DB4:    One of my favorite new additions into our top five defensive backs hails from Bismarck Legacy in 6'2 180 pounder [player_tooltip player_id='1407531' first='Bennet' last='Lonn'], who comes in at DB4 but honestly I think he has the upside to rise in the c oming months. Bennet has the football IQ skillset locked in quickly when you roll the junior tape as his field awareness is great and growing in my eyes. Bennet is one the most instinctive safeties we have in this class and carries the excellent range you want in your defensive back from your free safety. He self reports a 34 inch vertical, and when you watch the tape you can see how well-versed Bennet is in the air with that vertical. I graded Bennet just inside our top 20, which gives off a high scholarship grade and could get some interest at the FCS level as one I wouldn't doubt moves up a spot or two by next update after summer camps are done. He also has a great track background as well. <a href="https://x.com/bennet_lonn2">Twitter</a>    DB3:    If you followed our 11AA State Championship game coverage, you would know that West Fargo Horace 2026 cornerback [player_tooltip player_id='533097' first='Israel' last='Bauer'] was the pulse for the Hawks the winning game MVP and our Prep Redzone Dakotas game MVP last November getting them their first ever state championship. Already up to four offers and two FCS offers from Idaho State and Prairie View A&M (TX), the 5'11 170 pounder plays with super intriguing length with a 6'3 wingspan as you can quickly see it in the live eval and on tape. Israel has some of the best footwork in this cornerback group and I love that he is playing 7v7 this winter to get more 1v1 reps against prime competition which to me is benefical to any defensive back. Every rep Israel gets, he plays with a presence and is versatile stopping the run on tape when the ball doesn't come his way. Israel is another that it won't surprise me if he moves up a spot or two by next 2026 update, as this young man is one of the state's best playmakers on defense.    DB2:    Our last two Prep Redzone Dakotas Showcases, Xander has ranked two at his first one and our DB MVP at our last showcase showing me why we have him rated as as a top 15 prospect and our DB2 in North Dakota. Xander is one the best ball-trackers North Dakota has to offer in this 2026 class and I am very surprised a school hasn't taken a crack with an early offer yet. The way he penetrates to shutdown the initial route and still processes the route under him for an interception on his first look on tape, would sell me right away as a college football recruiter. Plus, looking back at the testing numbers, Xander has always been in the top tier amongst defensive backs at multiple showcases. I wouldn't be surprised to see at junior days that a couple NSIC schools get on board with a couple offers to Xander. <a href="https://x.com/HansonXandergh">Twitter</a>    DB1:    The best is always saved for last, as our DB1 and #3 overall ranked prospect in the North Dakota 2026 class, is Thompson safety [player_tooltip player_id='1113072' first='Cash' last='Danner']. Talk about range, Cash has ALL the range you want and an excellent football IQ to know pre-snap where the ball is headed. The legit 6'4 205 pounder at times looks like a man amongst boys in the secondary for the Tommies as one that will crush the eye test for college coaches at camps this summer before they realize even what position he plays, which should send Cash even higher up their radars. His instincts fly all over his tape as another 2026 defensive back that has me shocked offer #1 hasn't come in yet as Cash seems to locate the ball from just about anywhere.

The more the merrier when it comes to position breakdowns, as we head back into North Dakota and look at the top five defensive backs the Roughrider state has to offer in the 2026 class. This is a very sound class for defensive backs in North Dakota, in fact I think it could be one of the best ones we have had over the years. This class of DBs has already had D1 and D2 offers fly out, and I would be remissed if I didn't feel there won't be more flying out in the next-level or less.