The Cincinnati Bearcats haven’t always been known for producing elite NFL talent. But in recent years, that narrative has started to change—largely thanks to one rising superstar.
And if you ask Pro Football Focus, that superstar has officially arrived.
PFF just released its top NFL cornerback rankings heading into the upcoming season, and at the top of the list is New York Jets standout—and former Bearcat—Sauce Gardner. He’s ranked ahead of big names like Denver’s Patrick Surtain and Kansas City’s Trent McDuffie.
That recognition puts Gardner firmly in the national spotlight, and PFF’s John Kosko couldn’t be higher on the All-Pro corner.
“Gardner’s 91.9 PFF coverage grade since 2022 leads the league,” Kosko wrote. “He has forced a league-high 46 incompletions and allowed a league-low 0.60 yards per cover snap and 21.4% first-down-plus-touchdown rate over that span.”
It’s not just the numbers that stand out—it’s the way Gardner consistently takes over games. He might not be asked to shadow top receivers on every snap, but when the Jets do lean on him in those moments, he always shows up.
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“Unsurprisingly, Gardner’s PFF advanced coverage grade ranks first, as well,” Kosko added. “While he might not shadow opposing wide receivers at a high rate, he has excelled when asked to do so.”
There’s no question anymore: Gardner is the best NFL prospect to ever come out of the University of Cincinnati. He proved that when he was drafted No. 4 overall in 2022—and he’s continued proving it ever since.
Now, he has the paycheck to match.
The Jets recently signed Gardner to a four-year, $120.4 million extension with $85.65 million guaranteed, making him the highest-paid cornerback in the league. He’ll be staying in New York through the 2030 season and will now begin a new chapter under newly hired head coach Aaron Glenn.
And the crazy part? Gardner is still just 24 years old.
His rise from Cincinnati standout to the top cornerback in the NFL hasn’t just been fast — it’s been remarkable. With the Jets continuing to build around him, Gardner isn’t just the face of their defense. He’s shaping what the future of the position looks like.
