A First-team All-Big 12 cornerback out of Arizona State who flipped his commitment on signing day and turned into a fifth-round steal for Detroit.
Keith Abney II started for three seasons at Arizona State, including a College Football Playoff run in 2024, before Detroit selected him with the 157th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. At 5-foot-10 and 187 pounds, the Lions see him as a candidate to kick inside and compete for the team's open nickel cornerback role.
Path to the league
A three-star recruit at Waxahachie High School in Texas, Abney originally committed to Utah State before flipping to Arizona State on National Signing Day after a late offer. He broke into the Sun Devils' rotation as a freshman in 2023, picking off his first career pass against Oregon.
Career highlights
Abney's breakout came in 2024, when he recorded 52 tackles, nine pass deflections and three interceptions and earned Second-team All-Big 12 honors as Arizona State reached the College Football Playoff. He started 26 games on the outside across his final two seasons and finished his career with 96 tackles, 21 passes defended and five interceptions.
2025 season recap
Abney capped his Arizona State career in 2025 with 44 tackles, 12 pass deflections, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and a sack, earning First-team All-Big 12 recognition. Detroit drafted him in the fifth round in 2026, viewing his ball skills and instincts as a fit to compete for the Lions' nickel cornerback job.
Sources
- Wikipedia: Keith Abney II
- Detroit Lions: Lions draft CB Keith Abney II
Player Profile
Background
- Position
- Cornerback
- Group
- defense
- College
- Arizona State
- Hometown
- Dallas, TX, USA
- Age
- 21
- Status
- active
