The 14 best EFL League One centre-backs right now ranked | OneFootball

Plenty of defenders in League One have caught the eye this season, but which are the best 14 centre-backs in the third tier right now?

League One has plenty of players that could potentially be playing at a higher level than they currently are, with many of those dreaming of winning promotion from the third tier.

Lincoln City have already confirmed their promotion into the Championship, with many of their players catching the eye, whilst others from other clubs have also had memorable seasons on a personal level.

Here at Football League World, we'll look into the 14 best EFL League One centre-backs right now.

14 ? ? Tom Lees

Lees is vastly experienced in the EFL, and the centre-back is currently playing for Peterborough United, who have shown much-needed improvement under the management of Luke Williams.

Lees was previously on the books with the likes of Sheffield Wednesday and Huddersfield Town, and will certainly feel as though he can play in the third tier once again for at least another season.

13 ? ? Murray Wallace

Wallace is another player that has played in the Championship earlier in his career, having spent seven years with Millwall, before going on to sign for Huddersfield Town in League One.

The former Scottish youth international has become a regular in the Huddersfield team this season, and is a versatile option for the Terriers, as he can also feature at left-back if required.

12 ? ? Paudie O'Connor

There were high hopes for O'Connor when he signed along the dotted line with Reading last summer, and the Irishman has caught the eye for them.

His aerial ability has been there for all to see, which is something that the Royals have lacked in previous seasons at times, especially from set-pieces at both ends of the pitch.

He's 28-years-old, and has been busy defensively with Leam Richardson's direct style of play often meaning that Reading don't see too much of the ball as they have previously.

O'Connor will be wondering what could have been though, having signed for Reading from Lincoln City, who went on to win promotion from League One this season.

11 ? ? Mathias Ross

Ross signed for Plymouth in August 2025 after featuring for Turkish giants, Galatasaray, and so there was the weight of expectation his shoulders when he arrived.

The Argyle defender has gone on to feature regularly for Tom Cleverley's side, who are still in with a chance of earning promotion back into the Championship.

Ross is still only 25, and he'll be looking to continue to impress for Plymouth, as he's proven effective at both ends.

10 ? ? Derrick Williams

There wasn't too much hype surrounding Williams' arrival at the Select Car Leasing Stadium with Reading, but the Canadian has proven to be a smart addition for the Berkshire-based outfit.

He has Championship experience whilst with Blackburn Rovers earlier in his career, and has caught the eye amongst Reading's supporters this term for plenty of last-ditch tackles throughout matches.

Williams is certainly in with a chance of winning the club's Player of the Season this term, and considering he was signed on a free after a spell with American side, Atlanta United, he's a player that will be worth a lot to the Royals nowadays.

The Irishman is a versatile option to have for Wycombe Wanderers boss, Michael Duff, and he's deserving of a spot on the list.

Casey was previously on the books with Scottish side, Motherwell, but went on to sign on a free transfer for Wycombe last summer, and he's caught the eye for all the right reasons.

His no-nonsense approach at the back has been effective for the Chairboys this term, who look as though they're set for another year in the third tier of English football.

At the age of 28, he's still got plenty of his best years ahead of him, and Casey will be eager to hunt for promotion next season.

8 ? ? Matthew Pennington

Pennington has plenty of experience in the EFL, whilst also playing for Everton much earlier in his professional career. The 31-year-old signed for Bradford City back in the summer of 2025, and has been a useful player within their squad, as they look to win promotion from League One.

He scored his first goal for the Bantams against Rotherham United in February 2026, and is more than capable of stepping up to the second tier if Bradford were to get the job done this term.

7 ? ? William Fish

The former Manchester United youngster signed for Cardiff City on a four-year deal back in 2024, and he's gone on to show promising signs for the Bluebirds, as they look to return to the Championship.

Fish has been a regular in the Cardiff starting XI this term, and at the age of 23, many will say that he's still got his best years ahead of him.

He also has experience whilst with Cardiff in the Championship last season, and will be a key member of their squad moving forward if he can continue to develop in senior football, in what has been a promising spell to date.

6 ? ? George Johnston

Johnston has been a fantastic servant to Bolton Wanderers so far, and this year's campaign is his sixth season with the club, and considering all of them have been played in League One, he'll be desperate more than most to earn promotion into the Championship.

The central defender has been a regular for the Trotters this season, and formed a strong partnership with Eoin Toal for the majority of this term.

5 ? ? Charlie Goode

Stevenage have surprised many this season, as they're in the mix to challenge for promotion into the Championship, in what would be their first spell in the second tier of English football.

Goode first caught the eye whilst with Northampton Town, which saw his impressive showings earn a move to Brentford whilst they were in the Championship.

Promotion with the Bees saw his regular game time limited, but he's gone on to make a name for himself with Stevenage, and his aerial threat is a real positive for Alex Revell's side.