The SEC looks to win its first National Championship in two years, but to do that, the secondaries have to step up. Here at Last Word on College Football, we continue our summer series talking about the best returning talent in each power conference. Now, the most prominent and productive conference, the SEC takes center stage. Here are the top returning defensive backs in the SEC, in no particular order.
Top Returning DBs in the SEC
Honorable Mentions:
- Zabien Brown, CB, Alabama
- Jalen Catalon, S, Missouri
- Peyton Bowen, S, Oklahoma
- Isaac Smith, S, Mississippi State
- Will Lee III, CB, Texas A&M
Cornerbacks/Nicklebacks
Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas
Last season, Texas was the only SEC team to have a top-ten defense in passing yards per game. They successfully limited offenses to 173.8 passing yards a game. On top of that, they held teams to only 15.3 points a game, the third-best in the nation. Now with lead corner Jahdae Barron in the pros, the next man up is cornerback Malik Muhammad.
Muhammad is a junior this upcoming season, where he has helped build one of the best secondaries. In 2023, as a freshman, he played in all 14 games, including the AllState Sugar Bowl against Washington. He contributed 32 total tackles and a touchdown off a punt block in the Red River Rivalry. In 2024, he played in all 15 games, totaling 32 solo tackles and eight pass deflections. Now cornerback one for the Longhorns, Muhammad enters this season as the top corner in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft.
Daylen Everette, CB, Georgia
The Dawgs’ leader in the secondary, Everette, leads a young cornerback room of sophomores KJ Bolden and Ellis Robinson IV. Last season, Everette put up the best stats of his life. After a slow sophomore campaign, his junior season could not have gone better. He totalled 45 solo tackles, three interceptions, and two forced fumbles. Against Texas twice, Everette picked off Quinn Ewers three times and forced a fumble against him. In the SEC Championship alone, Everette picked off Ewers twice. Now heading into his senior season, Everette leads the Dawgs.
Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
The biggest addition to the SEC last season via the transfer portal, McCoy, returns as one of the best corners in all of college football. As a freshman at Oregon State, McCoy immediately jumped into the role as the top corner. He racked in two interceptions and seven pass deflections in 2023. When he transferred to Knoxville, McCoy became one of the best cornerbacks in the nation. He would go on to have four interceptions and once again have seven pass deflections. His biggest moment came against Alabama in week eight, where he brought down a one-handed interception on the goal line, guarding freshman phenom Ryan Williams. McCoy ended the season as an All-American second team selection and a Thorpe Award finalist. He now is a preseason Thorpe award finalist, a preseason first-team All-American, and a projected first-round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.
Jalon Kilgore, NB/CB, South Carolina
Kilgore is a do-everything type of player, guarding the slot, the outside, and playing over the top. As a freshman, Kilgore played in all 12 games, receiving first-team, Freshman All-American honors from ESPN and 247Sports. He produced 76 total tackles, six pass deflections, a forced fumble, and an interception. In 2024, as a sophomore, Kilgore’s tackling took a small dip, but his coverage stats skyrocketed. He had five interceptions, the fourth most in the nation. Now with safety Nick Emmanwori in the pros, the role for Kilgore could change, and his production could improve even more. Kilgore’s current projection is first-to-second round in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Domani Jackson, CB, Alabama
Jackson returns to the Crimson Tide as their number-one corner. Before arriving in Tuscaloosa, Jackson played his first two seasons for USC. In two years, Jackson played in 12 games, totaling 27 tackles and four pass deflections. Just last season for the Tide, Jackson put up his best stats. He had two interceptions, a forced fumble, and seven pass deflections. Between young players like Zabien Brown and veteran players like DaShawn Jones, Jackson becomes the leader in the cornerback room.
Safeties
Jordan Castell, S, Florida
Castell, the general in the secondary for the Gators, returns to the Swamp for his junior season. One of Billy Napier’s first recruits, Castell has been one of the most reliable players in the secondary. As a freshman in 2023, Castell made an instant impact, playing in all 12 games. He produced 59 total tackles and an interception. After a rough 5-7 season, 2024 was nothing but positive, especially for Castell. He produced 55 total tackles and nine pass deflections. His production continues to improve as he becomes one of the most experienced players in the secondary.
Keon Sabb, S, and Bray Hubbard, S, Alabama
The duo of Sabb and Hubbard is set to take action in 2025. In 2024, safety Keon Sabb transferred from Michigan to the Crimson Tide just months after Michigan beat the Tide in the Rose Bowl. Once in Tuscaloosa, Sabb became the top safety. He quickly made an instant impact with two interceptions in his debut game against Western Kentucky. The rest of his sophomore campaign was consistent and productive until he got injured against Tennessee.
Once Sabb went down, fellow sophomore Bray Hubbard was promoted on the depth chart and never looked back. In the last six games of the season, Hubbard produced three interceptions, all against SEC teams, and forced a fumble. This out-of-nowhere display made Hubbard a top safety in the SEC.
Now, both return to TitleTown as an expected dynamic duo, especially with safety Malachi Moore in the pros. They are set up to build one of the best secondaries in the nation.
Michael Taaffe, S, Texas
Taaffe, the final player in the SEC’s top returning defensive backs, has made waves since his freshman campaign. Three years with Coach Steve Sarkisian, Taaffe has been Mr. Reliable. As a freshman, Taaffe appeared in nine games, including the Alamo Bowl. One year later, Taaffe saw an increase in snaps and productivity. Taaffe played in 14 games, putting up 48 total tackles and three interceptions. Last season, he became an even better tackler, racking in 78 total tackles and 40 solo tackles. Through the air, he had one forced fumble and two interceptions. Taaffe, now the leader in the secondary, becomes the most important player in the third level.
To stop standout receivers like Ryan Williams, Cam Coleman, and Kevin Concepcion, these defensive backs have to play extremely well. Look for these guys all season long as some of them will be playing on Sundays. SEC Media Day takes place on July 14-17. Stay tuned for articles on other position groups in the SEC.
Main Image: Will McLelland-Imagn Images
