Top 10 Best Defensive Backs of 2024

Defensive backs play a crucial role in modern football, shutting down receivers, forcing turnovers, and anchoring elite defenses. The Best Defensive Backs of 2024 are a mix of lockdown cornerbacks and game-changing safeties who can shift the momentum of a game in an instant. The 2024 season is packed with standout talents, from shutdown corners to hard-hitting safeties. Here’s a look at the Best Defensive Backs of 2024, ranked based on their impact, statistics, and potential heading into the season.

10. Jabbar Muhammad

After impressing at Oklahoma State and Washington, Jabbar Muhammad now strengthens Oregon’s secondary in 2024. Last season, he showcased his playmaking ability with 3 interceptions, 14 passes defended, and 46 tackles. His addition is a major boost for the Ducks as they transition into the Big Ten. Muhammad’s experience and aggressive playstyle make him one of the Best Defensive Backs of 2024, with the ability to disrupt passing plays and force crucial turnovers.

Team	Points	Key Stats
Oregon	16	3 INTs, 14 PDs, 46 tackles

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9. Andrew Mukuba

A lockdown defender, Andrew Mukuba played a key role in Clemson’s dominant pass defense last season. Despite recording no interceptions, he allowed just eight receptions for 85 yards across 10 games. Now at Texas, he’s expected to be a game-changer in the Longhorns’ secondary. His physicality and disciplined approach make him one of the Best Defensive Backs of 2024, ensuring Texas has a reliable presence in the defensive backfield.

Team	Points	Key Stats
Texas	16	6 PDs, 42 tackles

8. Sebastian Castro

Iowa’s defense thrived in 2023, and Sebastian Castro was a major reason. A versatile corner, he contributed 3 interceptions, 8 pass breakups, and 67 tackles while allowing only 37.5% of passes completed against him. His ability to stop the run and make plays in coverage cements his place among the Best Defensive Backs of 2024, as he consistently shuts down opposing receivers and disrupts offensive plays.

Team	Points	Key Stats
Iowa	22	3 INTs, 8 PDs, 67 tackles

7. Xavier Watts

Notre Dame’s Xavier Watts was the best defensive player in college football last season, winning the Bronko Nagurski Trophy. He led the nation with 7 interceptions, proving his elite ball-hawking skills. A converted wide receiver, Watts has quickly become one of the Best Defensive Backs of 2024, using his instincts and athleticism to create turnovers and shut down passing lanes.

Team	Points	Key Stats
Notre Dame	34	7 INTs, 4 PDs, 52 tackles

6. Denzel Burke

A three-year starter, Denzel Burke has been a key figure in Ohio State’s secondary. He recorded 1 interception, 8 passes defended, and 24 tackles last season, allowing only 38.5% of passes completed against him. His consistency and lockdown coverage make him one of the Best Defensive Backs of 2024, giving Ohio State a dependable presence in its secondary against top-tier offenses.

Team	Points	Key Stats
Ohio State	37	1 INT, 8 PDs, 24 tackles

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5. Benjamin Morrison

Notre Dame has another elite defensive back in Benjamin Morrison, who has already established himself as one of the top corners in the country. In 2023, he recorded 3 interceptions, 10 passes defended, and 31 tackles while locking down opposing receivers. He was a semifinalist for the Thorpe Award and is projected to be an early pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. With his elite coverage ability, Morrison stands out as one of the Best Defensive Backs of 2024 and is set to continue dominating in the Irish secondary.

Team	Points	Key Stats
Notre Dame	48	3 INTs, 10 PDs, 31 tackles

4. Caleb Downs

One of the biggest transfers of 2024, Caleb Downs left Alabama for Ohio State after a stellar freshman season. He led Alabama with 107 tackles, along with 2 interceptions and 3 passes defended. With his elite tackling ability and instincts, Downs is set to dominate in the Buckeyes’ already strong defense. His ability to read plays and react quickly makes him one of the Best Defensive Backs of 2024, ensuring Ohio State has a leader in its secondary.

Team	Points	Key Stats
Ohio State	53	2 INTs, 3 PDs, 107 tackles

3. Will Johnson

Michigan’s Will Johnson is one of the nation’s top lockdown corners. In 2023, he allowed just a 42% completion rate while recording 4 interceptions, 4 passes defended, and 27 tackles. He played a key role in Michigan’s national championship-winning defense and is expected to lead a rebuilding Wolverines secondary in 2024. His coverage ability and physicality make him one of the Best Defensive Backs of 2024, capable of taking on the toughest assignments.

Team	Points	Key Stats
Michigan	60	4 INTs, 4 PDs, 27 tackles

2. Travis Hunter

A true two-way superstar, Travis Hunter made highlight plays on both offense and defense last season. As a cornerback, he recorded 3 interceptions, 5 passes defended, and 31 tackles while often matching up against the opponent’s best receiver. His athleticism and ability to take over games make him one of the Best Defensive Backs of 2024, as he continues to prove he can be an elite performer on both sides of the ball.

Team	Points	Key Stats
Colorado	67	3 INTs, 5 PDs, 31 tackles

1. Malaki Starks

The top defensive back in college football heading into 2024 is Malaki Starks. A consensus All-American in 2023, he totaled 3 interceptions, 7 passes defended, and 52 tackles while anchoring Georgia’s elite defense. With his combination of speed, coverage skills, and leadership, Starks is projected to be a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and could become Georgia’s first two-time All-American safety since 1986. His dominance on the field makes him the clear-cut best among the Best Defensive Backs of 2024, leading a Georgia defense that remains one of the best in the nation.

Team	Points	Key Stats
Georgia	67	3 INTs, 7 PDs, 52 tackles

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