Vote for the top Arizona high school football defensive backs in 2026

The Arizona Republic has broken down the top 10 players in each of the offensive positions to see in the 2026 high school football season. So far on defense, we've ranked the edge rushers, defensive tackles and linebackers. Now we look at the defensive backs, the last layer of defense that is tough to crack. This state is stacked with DBs, making it hard to narrow it down to just 10.

Vote in our poll for the player from our list you think is No. 1 entering the 2026 season. Print readers can find the poll online with this story at azcentral.com/sports/high-schools.

The Republic's top 10 defensive backs

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1. Mikyal Davis, Goodyear Desert Edge, 5-11, 180, Sr.

The Oklahoma commit is another in the long line of great cornerbacks that Desert Edge has produced in recent years. He's got all the skills needed to lock down receivers. He had 36 tackles, 7.5 for losses, an interception and 11 pass breakups last season.

2. Nasim Eason, Gilbert Higley, 6-2, 170, Sr.

He flipped his commitment from San Diego State to Arizona State this summer. Had an outstanding June in 7-on-7 tournaments. A long cornerback, he has the skill set to keep quarterbacks from throwing in his direction.

3. Ezra Spivey, Tucson, 5-11, 180, Jr.

He already has 12 career varsity interceptions, including seven as a freshman. He also had four fumble recoveries his freshman year. Great speed and as good a ball hawk as there is.

4. Keaton Fields, Chandler Hamilton, 6-3, 185, Jr.

One of the best safeties in the country, Fields started on varsity as a sophomore, showing off skills that have only improved. Hamilton could have one of the best secondaries in the state.

5. Kacey Allen Jr., Hamilton, 6-1, 180, Jr.

Another elite safety who can also play cornerback, watch for Allen to take off his junior season as a defensive difference maker.

6. Nekhi Lambeth, Desert Edge, 6-0, 180, Jr.

Another piece to maybe the best secondary in the state. The four-star cornerback has 20 Division I offers, including Arizona, Georgia and Indiana.

7. Elijah Carothers, Peoria Centennial, 6-0, 180, Sr.

Excellent skills in the middle of the secondary, great hands, fearless hitter. Northern Arizona got a steal with his commitment to the Lumberjacks.

8. Ryder Noche, Brophy Prep, 5-7, 175, Sr.

He's been a force in the secondary the last two years. He also is an electric punt returner. Brophy's secondary is in great shape between Noche, sophomore Bishop Allen and junior Xavier Sandhu.

9. Jaelyn Easterling-Flores, Desert Edge, 6-2, 180, Jr.

A versatile safety/corner who has started since his freshman year and seen his recruiting blow up. Great ball skills, anticipation. Not afraid to hit.

10. Tre Kennard, Chandler Basha, 5-10, 180, Sr.

The Nevada commit is ready to break out with a big senior season. A workhorse on and off the field. Great student and athlete. Comes from NFL bloodlines.

Richard Obert has been covering high school sports since the 1980s for The Arizona Republic. Catch the best high school sports coverage in the state. Sign up for Azcentral Preps Now. And be sure to subscribe to our daily sports newsletters so you don't miss a thing. To suggest human-interest story ideas and other news, reach Obert at [email protected] or 602-316-8827. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter:@azc_obert

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Vote for the top Arizona high school football defensive backs in 2026