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This is gearing up to be a very interesting and very talented year of college football. Several teams across the country have position groups that have been the talk of the offseason. Ohio State's receiving corps, Oregon's defensive line and Notre Dame's secondary have all drawn a lot of rightful offseason attention. CBS Sports and writer Brad Crawford recently ranked their Top 10 position groups in all of college football. The Fighting Irish secondary was No. 3 overall in their rankings. 

"The Fighting Irish have produced plenty of elite secondaries over the years, but the back end of their defense this season has a chance to top them all," Crawford shared. "Marcus Freeman returns four proven starters in the defensive backfield, led by Leonard Moore, who enters the season as the nation's top cornerback after a dominant 2025 campaign that included five interceptions and national awards recognition. What's scary for opposing offenses is that Moore isn't carrying the load alone. 

"Christian Gray returns as a multi-year starter with NFL talent and positional versatility, giving Notre Dame another lockdown defender capable of matching up with elite receivers. Gray played the last two seasons at cornerback, but is likely moving to nickel as the fifth starter this fall. Transfer Jayden Sanders repped there during the spring as well, along with Dallas Golden. At safety, Adon Shuler and Tae Johnson form one of the country's most complete tandems. Shuler brings veteran leadership and playmaking ability, while Johnson emerged as one of college football's breakout defensive backs last season." 

I'm usually quick to critique when I think an outlet has missed the boat, especially with a unit as talented as Notre Dame's secondary. But Crawford hit the nail on the head here. This is the most talented secondary in the country, but what makes this season of college football so exciting is that they aren't the only program with this potential on the back end. Schools like Ohio State, Oregon, Alabama, Oklahoma and Georgia could all have elite secondaries this season. 

It's the depth of talent that separates Notre Dame from its competitors. Their starting lineup bests any other in the country and when you factor in the depth they have across the board with players like Golden, Marck Zackery, Sanders, Joey O'Brien, Luke Talich and a host of talented true freshman from the 2026 class, the Irish are poised to keep this train rolling. 

"Much like Ohio State's wideout room and Oregon's effort along the defensive line, Notre Dame's depth is elite," Crawford stated. "This program has developed a reputation for stockpiling defensive back talent, and several former blue-chip recruits are waiting in the wins behind the starters. The additions of cornerback transfer DJ McKinney from Colorado only adds more competition and athleticism to an already loaded room. McKinney collected four interceptions in two years with the Buffaloes after spending the first two seasons of his college career at Oklahoma State." 

Notre Dame is expected to make a run at a title in 2026, and they have the pieces in the place to do it. This the deepest and arguably the most talented roster Freeman has had during his tenure in South Bend, and that's saying something considered some of their offensive losses to the NFL Draft this past season. The secondary will play a major role in their overall success this season and could lead this defense to it's 12th national championship. 

CBS Sports Top Position Groups For 2026 

1. Ohio State Buckeyes – Wide Receiving Corps 
2. Oregon Ducks – Defensive Line 
3. Notre Dame Fighting Irish – Secondary 
4. Texas Longhorns – Wide Receiving Corps 
5. Indiana Hoosiers – Offensive Line 
6. Ole Miss Rebels – Backfield (QB and RB) 
7. Georgia Bulldogs – Linebackers
8. Miami Hurricanes – Backfield (QB and RB) 
9. Texas Longhorns – Offensive Line 
10. Alabama Crimson Tide – Secondary 

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