Predicting where the top uncommitted DBs in the 2026 Rivals250 will sign

The page has been turned to almost exclusively focus on the 2026 class so this week Rivals national recruiting director Adam Gorney is taking a look at the top five uncommitted prospects at each position and making a prediction on where they sign. We finish with the defensive backs.

The five-star cornerback from Akron (Ohio) Hoban is making the rounds, seeing some top programs and is still pretty cagey about which program stands out most as he has Ohio State, USC, Michigan, Oregon and others involved.

But the Buckeyes are the team to beat. Ohio State’s coaching staff has made Hill a major priority, he’s an in-state kid and he’s taken numerous visits to Columbus. Almost at a 100 percent clip, that means Ohio State is out in front.

Others will try hard because Hill is so talented but if Ohio State doesn’t get him it would be a major surprise.

Prediction: Ohio State

Oregon, Auburn, Georgia, Tennessee and Texas A&M remain the top five for the Baltimore (Md.) St. Frances but one wonders if that list expands again with so many coaches coming through to see him in recent days.

Georgia and Auburn could battle this one out until the end but Oregon also shouldn’t be counted out as he’s a top priority there and there is always significant interest in the Ducks.

Prediction: Georgia

Clemson, South Carolina, Oregon and Florida State make up Matthews’ final four and while all four of them have a real shot to land the Cornelius (N.C.) Hough standout, this is viewed as really good news for the Gamecocks.

It will be tough to fend off Clemson for an area recruit, Florida State is a little bit of an outlier although he did have a great visit to Tallahassee and Oregon can go anywhere for anybody.

But South Carolina has been involved early, it’s close to home but not too close, coach Shane Beamer and his staff have done a great job recruiting Matthews and it now feels like the clear team to beat.

Prediction: South Carolina

After backing off a commitment to Alabama in the fall, Barney has only seen his list grow even longer and he’s taken some important visits recently which could clear up his recruitment.

Texas A&M has emerged as the slight leader for the four-star from Carrollton, Ga., but a visit to Florida State recently went really well and he recently returned from Ole Miss and that trip was excellent as well.

Georgia is making a new push for the in-state standout and then Ohio State, Penn State and Notre Dame feel like outsiders at this point.

Prediction: Texas A&M

Just months ago, LSU and Texas A&M seemed to be battling it out for the four-star safety from Houston (Texas) North Shore and while both programs remain under serious consideration, a new leader has emerged.

Texas was the dream school for Calicut, he said once the Longhorns offered they immediately moved to the top of his list and then he was back in Austin recently for junior day.

It wouldn’t be shocking if a commitment came shortly but even if it doesn’t, his affinity for the Longhorns will be tough to beat.

Prediction: Texas