Jim Thorpe Award Watch List (2026)

The following post features the Jim Thorpe Award Watch List (2026).

Some college football teams have an NFL-level cornerback capable of shutting down the other team’s best WR. These are the CBs you need to know about when betting on college football.

Read: Lou Groza Award Watch List

Related: Doak Walker Award Watch List

The Jim Thorpe Award Watch List features the top cornerbacks in the nation heading into the 2026 college football season.

So, who are the best CBs in 2026? Here’s what you need to know.

Jim Thorpe Award Watch List (2026)

Below is a table displaying the cornerbacks on the 2026 Jim Thorpe Award Watch List. Click here for the official Jim Thorpe Award Watch List.

Preseason Player Spotlights

Leonard Moore – Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Leonard Moore enters 2026 as one of the premier shutdown corners in the country after a breakout 2025 season that earned him unanimous All-American honors. With five interceptions in just 10 games, elite coverage grades, and the ability to erase receivers while contributing in run support, Moore has the ball skills, physicality, and consistency to make a serious run at the Jim Thorpe Award.

Koi Perich – Oregon Ducks

Koi Perich arrives at Oregon as a highly regarded transfer with proven Big Ten production and All-American pedigree from his time at Minnesota. A versatile safety who can play in the box, cover ground in space, and create turnovers, Perich brings the range, instincts, and athleticism that should allow him to thrive in the Ducks’ aggressive defensive scheme and contend for national defensive back honors.

Jamel Johnson – TCU Horned Frogs

Jamel Johnson returns as a proven playmaker after earning Jim Thorpe Award semifinalist recognition in 2025. Known for his ability to deliver big hits, generate takeaways, and hold up in both coverage and run support, the TCU safety has the experience and production track record to remain among the top defensive backs in the Big 12 and push for national recognition.

Earl Little Jr. – Ohio State Buckeyes

Earl Little Jr. steps into a prominent role at Ohio State after a productive 2025 season that included multiple interceptions and strong tackling numbers. With starting experience across multiple programs and the size/athleticism to impact the game from the safety position, Little is well-positioned to help replace key departures and establish himself as a national contender in the Buckeyes’ secondary.

Bray Hubbard – Alabama Crimson Tide

Bray Hubbard enters 2026 as a key piece of Alabama’s secondary after a solid 2025 campaign that featured strong tackle production, pass breakups, and forced turnovers. A physical and instinctive defensive back capable of contributing in multiple roles, Hubbard has the tools and SEC experience to elevate his game and emerge as one of the top candidates for the Jim Thorpe Award.

KJ Bolden – Georgia Bulldogs

KJ Bolden is part of Georgia’s traditionally loaded defensive back group and enters the season with high expectations as a versatile safety. With the athleticism, length, and competitive toughness that define Bulldog defenders, Bolden has the opportunity to take on a larger role and establish himself among the nation’s elite defensive backs in 2026.

Jim Thorpe Award

The Jim Thorpe Award is presented annually to the outstanding defensive back in NCAA Division I FBS football. The process begins with a preseason watch list selected by a screening committee based on prior performance and preseason All-America recognition (the list can expand during the season). That same screening committee later narrows the field to as many as 15 semifinalists (typically announced in late October), evaluating candidates on on-field performance, athletic ability, and character. The committee then selects three finalists in late November. A national selection committee of more than 250 voters determine the winner from those finalists. The recipient is announced during the College Football Awards show in December.

Jim Thorpe Award Winner (by Year)

Click here for the Jim Thorpe Award Winner by year.