The 2026 recruiting class is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent years, and Texas high school football continues to produce elite defensive backs. Among the top cornerback rankings and high school football prospects are Ryan Gilbert (North Forney), Brandon Ford (Crowley), Brock King (Memorial), Jermaine Bishop (Willis), and Chace Calicut (North Shore). These top high school football recruits have caught the attention of college programs nationwide with their standout performances, elite athleticism, and strong football IQ.
With numerous scholarship offers, impressive stats, and growing national recognition, these defensive playmakers are poised to make a major impact at the next level. This scouting report, based on insights from Dave Campbell’s Texas Football and Next Level Athlete, provides an in-depth breakdown of their recruitment status, latest offers, and key attributes that separate them from the competition in the Texas high school football recruiting landscape. Whether it’s Gilbert’s lockdown coverage, Ford’s ball-hawking skills, or Calicut’s elite size, these prospects are among the best cb in football and are drawing interest from top college programs.
Ryan Gilbert – CB, North Forney (5-10, 170 lbs)
Offers: Ryan Gilbert has garnered attention from many Division I programs. Notably, he received offers from Kansas State and Tulane on March 8, 2025.
Latest News: On July 3, 2024, Gilbert committed to Texas A&M, becoming the second defensive back pledge in their 2026 recruiting class.
Scouting Report: Gilbert is recognized as one of the top cb prospects in the 247Sports 2026 rankings. His lockdown coverage abilities, quick feet, and excellent change of direction allow him to effectively shadow receivers. His ball-tracking skills enable seamless transitions from defense to offense, and his physicality contributes to impactful open-field plays. Additionally, Gilbert has a track background, recording a 22.04-second 200-meter dash as a sophomore, showcasing the speed that makes him a standout cornerback football player.
Brandon Ford – CB, Crowley (5-10.5, 170 lbs)
credit: texasfootball.com
Offers: Brandon Ford has attracted interest from multiple programs. On October 28, 2024, he committed to Kansas State, marking their first pledge for the 2026 class.
Latest News: Ford’s commitment to Kansas State was announced on October 28, 2024, solidifying his position in the recruiting rankings.
Scouting Report: Ford is noted for his agility and coverage skills. Standing at 5-10.5 and weighing 170 pounds, he has demonstrated the ability to effectively defend against opposing receivers. His performance has caught the attention of recruiting analysts, who praise his potential as a corner back football player.
Brock King – CB, Memorial (5-10, 170 lbs)
Offers: Specific details regarding Brock King’s college offers are not readily available, but he is expected to climb in the ESPN cornerback rankings.
Latest News: King was named the Texas District 8-5A Division I Defensive Newcomer of the Year as a sophomore in 2023, highlighting his immediate impact on the field and earning him all-district honors.
Scouting Report: King is a versatile athlete with a strong track background, recording a 10.85-second 100-meter dash and a 22.33-second 200-meter dash during his sophomore year. His speed translates well to the football field, allowing him to excel in coverage and closing speed. King’s performance has put him on the radar of top-tier players in the 2026 cornerback rankings.
Jermaine Bishop – CB/ATH, Willis (5-11, 155 lbs)
credit: houstonchronicle.com
Offers: Jermaine Bishop has received offers from multiple programs, including Texas A&M, Arkansas, Baylor, Duke, Florida, Houston, Michigan, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Penn State, SMU, TCU, Tennessee, Texas, Texas Tech, USC, Utah, and UTSA.
Latest News: Bishop had an outstanding sophomore season, recording 80 receptions for 1,414 yards and 17 touchdowns, along with 384 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns, significantly contributing to Willis High School’s 12-1 record.
Scouting Report: As a versatile athlete, Bishop excels in both receiving and rushing, making him a dynamic offensive threat. His impressive performance has positioned him as one of the top 100 high school football players in the Class of 2026. Bishop’s ability to read plays and make interceptions has also caught the eye of defensive minds across the state.
Chace Calicut – CB, North Shore (6-3, 190 lbs)
credit: collegefootballnetwork.com
Offers: Calicut has received offers from many programs, including Washington and UNLV on March 9, 2025.
Latest News: Calicut has been recognized as one of the top Houston-area high school football recruits for the Class of 2026, highlighting his prominence in the region’s talent pool.
Scouting Report: Standing at 6-3 and weighing 190 pounds, Calicut’s size and athleticism make him a formidable presence in the secondary. His recognition among top recruits underscores his potential at the collegiate level. Calicut’s ability to make tackles and record pass breakups has made him a standout in the evaluation process for college-bound prospects.
As the Texas high school football recruiting season progresses, these cornerback recruits continue to showcase their skills and climb the rankings. With their impressive performances, college commitments, and potential for growth, Gilbert, Ford, King, Bishop, and Calicut represent the cream of the crop in Texas high school football’s 2026 cornerback class. Keep an eye on these players as they continue their journey towards becoming the next generation of defensive talent in college football.
