CB: Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama

Some of the highest praise you can give Kool-Aid McKinstry is that quarterbacks rarely threw in his direction. McKinstry ceded an incredibly low 4.9 yards per target, per Pro Football Focus. Between him and Terrion Arnold, the Crimson Tide showcased a pair of tremendous corners.

CB: Beanie Bishop Jr., West Virginia

West Virginia quietly won eight games in 2023, removing head coach Neal Brown from the hot seat. Beanie Bishop Jr., a transfer from Minnesota (and previously Western Kentucky) had a breakout season of his own. Bishop tallied 59 tackles with an incredible 20 pass breakups, and the first-team All-Big 12 corner snagged four interceptions.

NB: Sebastian Castro, Iowa

What a season for Iowa's defense. Despite the Hawkeyes' issues on the other side of the ball, they finished 10-2 behind this stingy unit. Sebastian Castro excelled at slot corner, totaling 61 tackles (eight for loss) with three interceptions and zero touchdowns allowed.

Georgia fell narrowly short of the College Football Playoff, but Tykee Smith enjoyed a resurgent year. Once an All-American at West Virginia, Smith transferred to UGA and held a complementary role until 2023. He earned a starting spot and posted a co-team-best 68 tackles with 8.5 for loss and intercepted four passes.

S: Xavier Watts, Notre Dame

Recently presented with the coveted Nagurski Trophy, Xavier Watts demanded the ball-hawk label in 2023. He snared an FBS-leading seven interceptions, including two in consecutive games against USC and Pitt. Watts totaled 47 tackles.