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The Big 12 features some of the most competitive teams in college football, making it vital to have an elite-level defensive unit. The cornerbacks in the secondary are tasked with shutting down an opponent's pass game and locking down some of the nation's top receivers.
As the upcoming season quickly approaches, a number of top corners are preparing to return for another season of college football. Here is a look at ten returning Big 12 cornerbacks that fans should watch out for in 2024.
Top 10 returning cornerbacks to watch out for during the 2024 college football season
#10. Kriston Davis, Houston
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Kriston Davis spent five seasons with the Southern Jaguars before transferring to Houston and returning for another college football season in 2024. He will be a welcome addition to a Houston team that played poorly on the defensive side of the ball last season, allowing 31.5 opponent points per game. He finished last season with 28 total tackles with 12 passes defended and one interception.
#9. Treydan Stukes, Arizona
Arizona will be joining the Big 12 this season as they transition from the Pac-12 and will put quarterbacks in their new conference on notice with their dominant secondary. Treydan Stukes will return for his sixth season of college football eligibility as a veteran in the Wildcats secondary.
Stukes was one of eight captains selected for the 2023 season and finished with 55 tackles, one interception and seven pass breakups. He was named an All-Pac-12 honorable mention last season and will return for a final season in 2024.
#8. Carl Williams IV, Baylor
Carl Williams IV appeared in all 12 games for the Baylor Bears as a freshman last season. He was the third-highest-graded freshman cornerback in college football, tallying 20 total tackles, one interception, and two pass breakups. Williams will return for his sophomore season at Baylor and will attempt to help the defense improve from last season, allowing opponents 33.3 points per game.
#7. Cobee Bryant, Kansas
Cobee Bryant will return to college football for his senior season after three years with the Kansas Jayhawks. Bryant is a two-time first-team All-Big 12 in 2022 and 2023 and had a career-high four interceptions last season. His experience on the field makes him a key part of the Jayhawks secondary, appearing in 36 games with 24 career passes defended.
#6. Mello Dotson, Kansas
The second player of the dynamic cornerback duo at Kansas is Mello Dotson, who will be returning to college football for his fifth season of eligibility. Dotson defended 15 passes last season and returned two of his four interceptions for touchdowns. He also added 48 total tackles with 1.0 sacks in 2023 as well.
#5. Myles Purchase, Iowa State
Iowa State cornerback Myles Purchase will return for his senior season with the Cyclones after having a career year in 2023. Purchase recorded 56 total tackles with 1.0 sacks and defended 15 passes. He also spent time on special teams, returning three kicks for 51 yards.
#4. Kekoura Tarnue, West Virginia
Cornerback Kekoura Tarnue will be a new addition to the West Virginia roster following his transfer from Jacksonville State. Tarnue spent two seasons at Rochester Community and Technical College before moving to Jacksonville State in 2023. He made eight starts for the Gamecocks last season, led the team with three interceptions, and added four pass breakups and a single sack.
#3. Ayden Garnes, West Virginia
Redshirt junior Ayden Garnes will return to college football and join West Virginia after three seasons with Duquesne. Garnes will pair with Kekoura Tarnue at the cornerback position after grabbing two interceptions last season and knocking down 11 passes. He started seven games during his freshman season at Duquesne and was a starter in all 12 games for the team in 2023.
#2. Preston Hodge, Colorado
Preston Hodge will join head coach Deion Sanders' squad as they move from the Pac-12 to the Big 12. Hodge played for Liberty in 2022 and 2023 after spending his freshman year at Navarro College. He's made 25 appearances for Liberty and finished last season with 48 total tackles, two interceptions and eight pass breakups.
#1. Tacario Davis, Arizona
Tacario Davis will lead the one-two punch at cornerback alongside Treydan Stukes for Arizona in 2024. Davis will return for his junior season at Arizona after a monster sophomore season. He made 25 total tackles last season while adding 16 pass breakups and one interception.
Which returning Big 12 college football cornerback will have the best season in 2024? Let us know in the comment section.
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