The Big Ten is loaded with elite defensive talent and the cornerback position is no exception. Here are our top five Big Ten cornerbacks entering the 2025 football season:
The Big Ten is loaded with elite cornerbacks entering the 2025 season. Despite losing several cornerbacks to the NFL Draft , a ton of dynamic cornerbacks are set to return to the Big Ten this year.
Here are our five best cornerbacks in the conference.
5. Deshaun Lee (Iowa)
Lee was forced into action as a freshman in 2023, and he more than held his own early in his career. He continued to make a significant impact last year, totaling 42 tackles and one interception.
The Hawkeyes always seem to have a high quality defensive backfield, and it appears Lee is the latest in a long line of skilled cornerbacks at Iowa.
4. Jyaire Hill (Michigan)
Hill had an up and down campaign in his first year as a starter in 2024, but there were more than enough flashes of excellence that gave the coaching staff confidence in his ability to become a top tier cornerback.
With a full year of experience under his belt, Hill should be much more consistent in 2025 . He possesses the physical tools to be one of the Big Ten’s best, but he must avoid mental lapses in order to reach his full potential.
Hill was leaned on more heavily than expected following an injury to Will Johnson last season, but Hill improved throughout the year and should be able to build on that momentum due to his blend of length and speed.
3. Davison Igbinosun (Ohio State)
Igbinosun exploded onto the scene in his first season with the Buckeyes in 2023 and he continued to produce at a high level with 45 tackles and nine pass deflections last year. Now as a senior, Igbinosun is slated to take on an even larger role.
During a win at Penn State last season, Igbinosun came up clutch by putting up four tackles and a critical interception. If the Buckeyes are going to compete for a Big Ten title in 2025, Igbinosun will be a key part of the defensive game plan, especially with Denzel Burke and Jordan Hancock off to the NFL.
2. D’Angelo Ponds (Indiana)
Ponds was one of the biggest breakout players in the conference in 2024, racking up 55 tackles and three interceptions en route to earning All-Big Ten honors. Heading into his junior season, Ponds could become the Big Ten’s best cornerback.
He was seemingly unstoppable in a win over Washington last season, putting together an impressive performance that included five tackles and two interceptions, highlighted by a 70-yard touchdown return.
Indiana finished with a program-record 11 wins in 2024, and Ponds was a massive reason why the defense found so much success. If the Hoosiers are going to remain near the top of the Big Ten, Ponds will certainly lead the way defensively.
1. A.J. Harris (Penn State)
Harris had a limited role as a freshman at Georgia before transferring to Penn State and breaking out as a sophomore with 48 tackles and one interception last season. The All-Ten honoree is hoping to continue his ascension as one of the nation’s premier cornerbacks and put Penn State in title contention again.
In a win over Illinois last year, Harris displayed his potential by posting four tackles, one interception and one pass breakup. He is projected to be a 2026 NFL Draft first-round pick, so we’re definitely expecting another big campaign from him.