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Ranking the top defensive backs in Orange County going into the 2026 high school football season:
TOP DEFENSIVE BACKS
1. Danny Lang, Mater Dei, Sr.: It’s a stellar year for defensive backs in Southern California, and Lang (6-1, 170) is among the best in the region. The USC commit is a wiry cornerback who has the height and physicality to lock down different types of receivers. Lang ranks only behind Long Beach Poly’s Donte’ Wright Jr. (Miami commit) on Rivals/On3’s list of top senior corners in the state. Lang had 10 passes defensed last season in nine games en route to second-team All-Trinity League honors.
2. Khalil Terry, Tustin, Sr.: The UCLA commit has been a first-team All-County selection the past two seasons. Terry (6-0, 185) is a hard-hitting safety who can rack up interceptions. The reigning Delta League defensive player of the year collected 62 tackles and four interceptions last season. Terry added 16 passes defensed.
3. Jaxson Rex, San Clemente, Sr.: Rex, who is committed to BYU, is the reigning CIF-SS Division 2 co-defensive player of the year. As a safety last season, Rex (6-1, 200) collected 68 tackles, five interceptions and eight passes defensed. In a display of his instincts and athleticism, he returned two of the interceptions for touchdowns. Rex also is a standout wide receiver.
4. Jordan Hicks, Mission Viejo, Jr.: The versatile Hicks (6-1, 180) earned first-team All-Alpha League honors last season on the strength of his play at cornerback. In summer passing tournaments, Hicks played cornerback and safety. At either spot, he is a playmaker. Hicks had five interceptions, 62 tackles and three forced fumbles last season.
5. Ca’ron Williams, Santa Margarita, Jr.: Williams (6-0, 170) is California’s top-ranked cornerback in the Class of 2028, according to Rivals/On3. The second-team All-Trinity League selection is a well-rounded defender. Williams possesses excellent cover stills and offers strong support against the run. His balance showed last season with 47 tackles and three interceptions for the CIF-SS Division 1 and state champion.
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6. Troy Bishop, Mater Dei, Jr.: Bishop (6-1, 195) is an all-around cornerback to watch opposite of Danny Lang. He tallied 39 tackles last season to rank second in the Monarchs’ secondary and grabbed three interceptions. Bishop had five tackles and an interception in a win against St. John Bosco.
7. Chauncey Washington II, Orange Lutheran, Jr.: Washington (6-2, 190) is becoming a complete defensive back. He impressed at the Battle at the Beach passing tournament in July as a tall cornerback with cover skills. Last season, Washington finished third on the Lancers in tackles (66) and added two interceptions.
8. Ace Leutele, Mater Dei, Jr.: Rivals/On3 ranks Leutele (6-2, 193) as Orange County’s top safety in the Class of 2028. He was limited to seven games last season but showed his instincts with some big plays on fourth down. This fall, Leutele will add wide receiver to his duties.
9. Evan Mack, Crean Lutheran, Sr.: At 6-foot-3 and 175 pounds, the Arizona commit is another tall cornerback whose reach gives receivers difficulty. Mack had 49 tackles, two interceptions and 10 passes defensed last season en route to first-team All-Epsilon League honors.
10T. Dylin Bruce, Huntington Beach, Sr.: The Arizona State commit brings superb man-to-man cover skills and playmaking to his cornerback spot. If Bruce (6-1, 170) grabs an interception, watch out. He returned an interception, kickoff and punt for scores last season and also caught six TDs.
10T. Tucker Murray, Corona del Mar, Sr.: Murray (6-2, 185) is a safety who is committed to Princeton for football and lacrosse. The first-team All-Bravo League selection collected 43 tackles and two interceptions last season. He shined on defense and at wide receiver in the South County Classic passing tournament in July.
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