As the 2026 college football season approaches, the anticipation is palpable. Among the many factors that will shape the upcoming year, the secondary units are sure to be a key area of focus. 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 define the season. In this article, I will delve into McElroy's rankings, offering my own analysis and commentary on each unit's strengths, weaknesses, and potential impact on the season.
The Top 10 Secondary Units
1. Notre Dame
What makes Notre Dame's secondary stand out is the presence of Leonard Moore, who McElroy considers the best cornerback in college football. Moore's ability to play bigger than his statistics suggest is a testament to his talent and leadership. The Irish have added pieces around him while retaining key players like Christian Gray and Adon Shuler. This unit is built to be dominant, and McElroy's ranking reflects the high expectations for the 2026 season.
2. Alabama
Alabama's secondary is no stranger to success, and the return of Bray Hubbard and Keon Sabb bodes well for another strong season. The Crimson Tide's ability to retain key players and maintain continuity under Kane Wommack is a significant advantage. While the NFL Draft buzz surrounding Hubbard is understandable, his decision to return to Alabama speaks volumes about the program's appeal. McElroy's ranking reflects the high confidence in Alabama's secondary.
3. Texas Tech
Texas Tech's secondary was one of the best in college football in 2025, and the return of Brice Pollock and Amier Boyd-Matthews bodes well for another strong season. The Red Raiders' ability to bolster the pass rush and maintain continuity is a significant strength. Joey McGuire's defense is built around the secondary, and the presence of key players like Pollock and Boyd-Matthews will be crucial to the team's success.
4. Georgia
Georgia's secondary is led by KJ Bolden, who had a standout season in 2025. However, the question mark at the second safety spot opposite Bolden is a concern. The competition is not settled just yet, and one of the players will need to step up to solidify the unit. If that happens, Georgia has a legitimate argument to be in the top two on this list.
5. LSU
LSU's secondary is led by Ty Benefield, who is expected to have a breakout season. The Tigers have a track record of developing defensive backs, and the addition of Benefield bodes well for the unit's success. The pitch made to Benefield by Blake Baker, the defensive coordinator, is a testament to the program's commitment to developing talent. McElroy's ranking reflects the high expectations for LSU's secondary.
6. Ohio State
Ohio State's secondary is a separate entity from its individual players, and the Buckeyes' ability to reload rather than rebuild is a significant strength. The return of key players like Jaylen McClain and Jermaine Mathews, along with the addition of Earl Little Jr., bodes well for the unit's success. McElroy's ranking reflects the high confidence in Ohio State's secondary.
7. Oregon
Oregon's secondary is led by Koi Perich and Carl Williams, who were added from the transfer portal. While the unit has experienced some turnover, the Ducks' track record of developing talent speaks for itself. McElroy's ranking reflects the high expectations for Oregon's secondary.
8. Michigan
Michigan's secondary is led by Jyaire Hill, who will be looking to take a step forward in 2026. The unit has some continuity from last year's team, and the addition of Hill as defensive coordinator bodes well for the unit's success. McElroy's ranking reflects the high expectations for Michigan's secondary.
9. Texas A&M
Texas A&M's secondary is led by Dezz Ricks, who is back in the fold to lead the group in 2026. The addition of Tennessee transfer Rickey Gibson and former Colorado defender Tawfiq Byard bodes well for the unit's success. McElroy's ranking reflects the high expectations for Texas A&M's secondary.
10. Penn State
Penn State's secondary is led by Audavion Collins and Daryus Dixson, who are returning to the unit. The addition of Marcus Neal from the transfer portal bodes well for the unit's success. McElroy's ranking reflects the high expectations for Penn State's secondary.
Deeper Analysis
McElroy's rankings offer a fascinating glimpse into the talent and strategy that will define the 2026 college football season. Each unit has its strengths and weaknesses, and the rankings reflect the high expectations for the season. However, it is important to remember that the season is still a few months away, and the rankings are subject to change as the season progresses.
One thing that immediately stands out is the importance of continuity and development. Many of the units that McElroy ranks highly have a track record of developing talent and maintaining continuity. This is a key factor in the success of any secondary unit, and it will be interesting to see how the units that have experienced significant turnover fare throughout the season.
Another factor that will be crucial to the success of the secondary units is the quality of the coaches. McElroy's rankings reflect the high expectations for the coaches, and it will be interesting to see how they fare in the upcoming season. The ability to develop talent and maintain continuity will be a key factor in the success of the secondary units.
Conclusion
As the 2026 college football season approaches, the secondary units are sure to be a key area of focus. McElroy's rankings offer a fascinating glimpse into the talent and strategy that will define the season, and his insights provide a valuable perspective on the units that are expected to be the strongest. However, it is important to remember that the season is still a few months away, and the rankings are subject to change as the season progresses. The ability to develop talent and maintain continuity will be a key factor in the success of the secondary units, and it will be interesting to see how the units that have experienced significant turnover fare throughout the season.
