Defensive Back U: ESPN releases updated Top-10 for best DB producing schools

Position U rankings have been released by ESPN, laying out the top 10 schools that produce the best players at individual positions. A season in which they call “calm before the storm,” there were some shake-ups to the defensive back rankings.

As for how the process works, ESPN takes a mixture of data points, ranging from players’ time in college and through their first five years in the NFL. The data goes all the way back to 1998, giving a modern view of who has been producing the best talent.

For the crown of DBU — one of the more sought-after titles — there is a new team on top. In what has been a tight race for many seasons, someone new can claim the crown. It how only be temporary though, as other programs are lurking behind.

1. LSU Tigers

Somebody new holds the top spot, even if they think the title was theirs all along. ESPN has dubbed LSU as DBU heading into the 2023 college football season. Certainly one of the few who could make the case, it’s officially official in Baton Rouge.

Plenty have come out of the Boot but Derek Stingley is the latest. He was a top-five selection and has already impressed as a rookie. From Nick Saban to Les Miles to Ed Orgeron and even now with Brian Kelly — LSU will never be deprived of defensive back talent.

2. Alabama Crimson Tide

Alabama is another team that has been in the hunt for DBU’s top spot for quite some time now. Being the position head coach Nick Saban specializes in, it’s no surprise the Crimson Tide find themselves in this position. On nearly a yearly basis, the program produces a first-round defensive back prospect.

ESPN notes two players could help Alabama contend for the top spot in the near future — Kool-Aid McKinstry and Malachi Moore. Both players should be off to the NFL next season after solid seasons in Tuscaloosa.

3. Ohio State Buckeyes

One of the other teams ESPN mentioned as a contender for the top spot, Ohio State checks in at No. 3 in the DBU rankings. No Big Ten team has come close to the Buckeyes when discussing defensive backs — both in college and then once in the NFL.

The last two NFL drafts have not seen an Ohio State DB selected. However, before then, the Buckeyes went on an eight-year run of having a player picked. Six of them were in the first round.

4. Florida Gators

Here comes a run of Florida schools, beginning with the Gators. If there has been one area of success over the past few years in Gainesville, it’s come via the defensive back room.

Not only have the NFL come calling but Florida DBs have produced at a high level in college. CJ Henderson and Kaiir Ellam were both All-SEC performers during the 2020 and 2021 seasons, respectively.

5. Miami Hurricanes

With the data ESPN uses going back to 1998, some great Miami defensive backs are included. However, the program has struggled recently, having just one first-round pick in the secondary since 2009.

Back in the early 2000s was when Miami really thrived. In the 2002 NFL Draft alone, following a national championship, four defensive backs alone were picked in the NFL Draft. At some point, the Hurricanes will have to get back to producing talent to keep its ranking.

6. Florida State Seminoles

The final Florida school resides in Tallahassee, the Florida State Seminoles. A program proud of their defensive back production, they fall just short of the top five.

Jalen Ramsey is most likely the player of note at the moment for Florida State, developing into one of the NFL’s best defensive backs. Derwin James is up there as well for the Seminoles.

7. Georgia Bulldogs

Six other programs might be higher than Georgia but nobody likely had as sweet of a moment as Kelee Ringo. He was able to haul in a game-winning interception against Alabama in the 2021 national championship game and then returned it for a touchdown. A moment that will live in Georgia’s history forever.

More than just Ringo makes up the list for Georgia, though. ESPN has them as potential risers in the future as well thanks to the great talent acquisition of head coach Kirby Smart.

8. Texas Longhorns

If you go back to the 2019 LSU game in Austin, Texas players were seen wearing shirts with DBU on them during warmups. It’s a program with a lot of defensive back success, especially during the Mack Brown era. However, they have slightly slipped in recent years.

Even so, Texas is able to hold onto a top 10 spot and potentially become a riser in the upcoming years. Plenty of defensive back talent is currently on the 40 Acres, hoping to get back to the old ways — both as an overall program and a defensive back room.

9. USC Trojans

Just one team from out West finds itself in the conversation. Even through a few down years, USC has had solid defensive back play. Five out of the last eight seasons have resulted in a Trojans DB being named first-team All-Pac-12.

Lincoln Riley is hoping to continue the tradition, even with his offensive background. Recruiting the position should be a strength, hopefully developing them into future All-Big Ten performers and NFL caliber players.

10. Virginia Tech Hokies

Virginia Tech is a program historically known for playing great defense under Bud Foster. While he might have been a linebackers coach, the Hokies were able to have plenty of great defensive backs along the way.

Caleb Farley was the latest first-round selection in Blacksburg, earning first-team All-ACC recognition during the 2019 season. However, Virginia Tech DBs are constantly hearing their name called by the NFL.

As ESPN mentioned, the DBU landscape could look completely different this time next year. The race at the top is so close between LSU, Alabama, and Ohio State. Great seasons from players currently on campus plus NFL production could mean we have a new No. 1 entering the 2024 season.