NCAAF · 1 year ago

Ranking College Football’s Top 60 Defenses for the 2024 Season

TJ Inman

Host · Writer

60. Toledo Rockets
The third-best MAC defense, at least in terms of numbers, belonged to the Toledo Rockets. Toledo was No. 2 in the league in terms of points allowed. While the transfer portal gutted the offense, the defense gets back a lot of key pieces, including edge player D’Andre Ragin and terrific linebacker Daniel Bolden (94 stops in 2023). Unfortunately, they lost the best pass rusher, Judge Culpepper, leading tackler Dallas Gant, and top corner Quinyon Mitchell. That’s a lot of top-end talent for a MAC team to replace. While the Rockets could be a solid defense again, they will not have the talent edge on every conference foe they had in 2023.

Toledo 2024 Win Total: 8.5
1. Michigan Wolverines
The Michigan Wolverines have undergone a lot of change since winning the national title, but one thing that should not change is that Michigan will be excellent on defense. The Wolverines have multiple All-American candidates at each level of the defense. Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant are incredibly stout upfront, and Maryland transfer Jaishawn Barham has earned rave reviews for his play during the spring as a leader at linebacker. The secondary has some question marks with depth, but Will Johnson is one of the best cornerbacks in the country, and he should anchor the unit. Wink Martindale, a blitz-happy NFL guy, is the new defensive coordinator, and that will be an interesting wrinkle. Still, the Wolverines have enough talent to overcome their personnel losses and remain elite on defense. They are the top dogs until proven otherwise.

Michigan 2024 Win Total: 9.5
2. Ohio State Buckeyes
Always inextricably linked to one another, Ohio State immediately follows Michigan on this list. Surprisingly, the Buckeyes brought back nearly everyone, as several contributors turned down the NFL Draft to come back and star in Columbus. Defensive ends Jack Sawyer and J.T. Tuimoloau are top-notch, and the secondary is perhaps the best in the country. Caleb Downs, transferring in from Alabama, takes things to another level, and he joins Denzel Burke, Davison Igbinosun, and Jordan Hancock to form a secondary that will make teams think twice before throwing the ball. The only real question marks are replacing great production at linebacker and a lack of true difference-makers on the interior of the defensive line. Jim Knowles is one of the nation’s best defensive coordinators, and he has terrific talent throughout the lineup to work with.

Ohio State 2024 Win Total: 10.5
3. Clemson Tigers
The Clemson Tigers lost Jeremiah Trotter Jr., cornerback Nate Wiggins, and some outstanding interior linemen. Still, the Tigers' defense has a real chance to be elite, thanks to the emergence and development of several outstanding young players. As is often the case for Clemson, it starts with the defensive line, as Peter Woods and T.J. Parker are both potential All-Americans after great freshman campaigns. DeMonte Capehart, Cade Denhoff, Payton Page, and A.J. Hoffler add great depth and versatility. Barrett Carter will be one of the better linebackers in the country and will be joined by veteran Wade Woodaz and five-star freshman Sammy Brown. The secondary is another strength as R.J. Mickens returns for another season. Then, young players like Avieon Terrell, Tavoy Feagin, Jeadyn Lukus, Jamal Anderson, and Shelton Lewis are ready to step up. The Tigers also have Khalil Barnes, a potential All-American at safety. Coordinator Wes Goodwin elevated his stock last season, and he’ll be tested early with a showdown against Georgia in the opener.

Clemson 2024 Win Total: 9.5
4. Iowa Hawkeyes
Is Kirk Ferentz still at Iowa? Yes. Is Norm Parker still the defensive coordinator? Yes. Those two constants ensure the Iowa Hawkeyes will have another elite defense in 2024. Despite the loss of playmaker Cooper DeJean, Iowa should be good at all levels of the defense this coming season with Sebastian Castro, Quinn Schulte, and Jermari Harris all returning in the secondary, plus All-Big Ten linebackers Nick Jackson and Jay Higgins. The defensive line does have some question marks, but Deontae Craig, Ethan Hurkett, and Yahya Black are all redshirt seniors who should be starting. Give Iowa a bunch of experienced players on the front and proven players on the back, plus Norm Parker’s magic, and the Hawkeyes should be right back near the top of the rankings.

Iowa 2024 Win Total: 7.5
5. Georgia Bulldogs
The Georgia Bulldogs have too much talent to leave out of the top five. The Bulldogs lost three outstanding players in the secondary to the NFL Draft, and they missed out on Caleb Downs when he transferred to Ohio State. Kirby Smart pointed that out as an area of interest but not necessarily a concern. That is because UGA does not rebuild; they reload. Four five-star freshmen arrived in the spring, and all of them will play early and often. Malaki Starks should be the leader in the secondary, and Jalon Walker or CJ Allen will be the next fearsome edge rushers to emerge from Georgia. Smart and the Georgia fan base grade on a curve because it is either the national title or bust for the Bulldogs, and to reach that level, they’ll need a couple of defensive linemen to emerge as game-wreckers. Nazir Stackhouse has the talent but needs to become more consistent. The same could be said for young players Jordan Hall and Jamaal Jarrett. Anyone not producing early can be replaced by a five-star freshman or redshirt freshman, as this depth chart is loaded with blue-chip prospects.

Georgia 2024 Win Total: 10.5
6. Oregon Ducks
Dan Lanning continues to use elite recruiting to build the Oregon Ducks into a national title contender. The Ducks lost some talent to the NFL Draft but returned quite a bit and added a few impactful transfers and high school recruits. Jordan Burch is back as the top edge rusher, and they added five-star prospect Elijah Rushing along with Houston transfer Jamaree Caldwell. The pass rush should be among the best in the Big Ten. Washington picked Oregon apart by the air and prioritized improving that part of the defense for the 2024 season. They grabbed Jabbar Muhammad from Washington when Kalen DeBoer left for Alabama. Jeffrey Bassa returns at inside linebacker and will act as the leader for this unit. The Ducks are known for offense, but the defense's growth will determine whether or not Oregon can push for a title.

Oregon 2024 Win Total: 10.5
7. Nebraska Cornhuskers
The Nebraska Cornhuskers have one of the best defensive coaching staffs in the country and were outstanding in Year 1 under Matt Rhule. There is potential for them to be even better in Year 2. Despite being put into difficult situations by a turnover-prone offense, the Huskers were 11th in the country in total defense. The defensive line returns Nash Hutmacher, Ty Robinson, and Jimari Butler, and they have enough options to give defensive coordinator Tony White some choices to create unique looks. The secondary returns multiple starters, including Tommi Hill and Isaac Gifford. The Huskers don’t have any bonafide stars on this unit, but they don’t have any obvious weaknesses. They should be one of the better units nationally.

Nebraska 2024 Win Total: 7.5
8. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish were primarily fueled by a strong defense in 2023, which helped them go 10-3. With a weaker-than-normal schedule and the addition of Riley Leonard at quarterback, plus many returning starters on defense, a trip to the new 12-team College Football Playoff seems like the floor for the Irish in 2024. The defensive line should be one of the better ones in the country. They have Jordan Botelho, Howard Cross, and Rylie Mills all returning as starters, and Josh Burnham should be ready to step up at the end. The secondary should be top-notch, thanks to the return of star safety Xavier Watts. Notre Dame returns 15 defenders who played at least 100 snaps during the 2023 season. If they can find a couple of difference-makers at linebacker, they should improve on the 15.9 points per game they surrendered last season (good for eighth nationally).

Notre Dame 2024 Win Total: 10.5
9. Penn State Nittany Lions
The Penn State Nittany Lions had the third-ranked defense in 2023. They bring back six starters plus several depth pieces that now have experience. Former Indiana University head coach Tom Allen is now the defensive coordinator and should offer a slightly different look for the Nittany Lions. PSU was number one in the country in rush defense, something they’ll be hard-pressed to replicate, but they return three starters on the line. That includes defensive tackles Zane Durant and Dvon Ellies. Abdul Carter is now exclusively playing on the edge instead of at linebacker. The Nittany Lions need him to be an All-American. The secondary is the most significant question mark, and PSU hopes the portal additions at cornerback will be able to replace what was lost to graduation. Safeties Jaylen Reed and Kevin Winston will lead the secondary after good 2023 seasons.

Penn State 2024 Win Total: 9.5
10. Missouri Tigers
The Missouri Tigers went 11-2 in 2023, which was not a fluke. The Tigers finished eighth in the AP poll and won the Cotton Bowl over Ohio State. There were some losses on the coaching side, but the Tigers backfilled very well and hired Corey Batoon to lead the defense. The Tigers allowed 14 or fewer points in four of the final six games and then filled personnel holes in the portal. Key veterans Johnny Walker Jr., Kristian Williams, Chuck Hicks, and Triston Newson are back in the front seven. The secondary returns two starters, including star safety Daylan Carnell. The biggest issue will be replacing Darius Robinson, but Missouri feels like they have recruited well enough to find some answers at the edge. The Tigers have a very weak schedule, according to SEC standards, as they miss Georgia, Texas, and Ole Miss. They have road games at Texas A&M and Alabama but only face a projected three ranked teams all season, which should dramatically boost those defensive numbers.

Missouri 2024 Win Total: 9.5
11. Wisconsin Badgers
The Wisconsin Badgers have changed offensive schemes and ideology, but Luke Fickell does not plan to let their solid defensive identity slip away. They gave up 20.2 points per game and defensive coordinator Mike Tressel brought in a pair of transfer linebackers, who the Badgers hope will revamp the athleticism in the middle of the defense. The secondary is the defense's strength, with two All-Big Ten players, Hunter Wohler and Ricardo Hallman, returning. The defensive line's depth could be an issue, and Wisconsin has to find a way to generate a more consistent pass rush against what projects as a challenging schedule in 2024. S&P+ projects Wisconsin as the seventh-ranked defense nationally, but they’ll be hard-pressed to reach that number against such a tough slate.

Wisconsin 2024 Win Total: 6.5
12. Alabama Crimson Tide
The Alabama Crimson Tide were consistently among the nation’s best defensive teams during the Nick Saban era. New head coach Kalen DeBoer brought in former South Alabama head coach Kane Wommack to lead the Tide defense and try to keep them among the nation’s elite. The issue in 2024 will be the attrition they suffered, particularly in the secondary, during the transfer portal. The most notable departure is safety Caleb Downs and he is the quality of player that you can’t replace. Wommack primarily deploys a 3-4 or 3-3-5 formation, and they’ll have to rely on young players immediately. Alabama has a great recruiting class, but there will undoubtedly be a learning curve. Tim Keenan III and Jaheim Oatis will need to be game-wreckers on the interior of the defensive line, and they need to find a replacement on the edge for Dallas Turner.

Alabama 2024 Win Total: 9.5
13. Florida State Seminoles
The Florida State Seminoles lost nine of their top rotation players from last season’s defense. Still, Mike Norvell and defensive coordinator Adam Fuller have somewhat earned the benefit of the doubt thanks to continued top-end recruiting in Tallahassee. According to S&P+, Florida State was one of the nation’s top defenses in the final half of the 2023 season. During the last six games, they were first in the country in yards per play allowed (3.3) and gave up only 34 points over the last three games. Replacing all the production they lost in the pass rush will be a real challenge. However, they still have a lot of developing talent, and they again supplemented well in the transfer portal with four linemen coming in, plus a couple of Alabama transfers.

Florida State 2024 Win Total: 9.5
14. Utah Utes
Kyle Whittingham has built a culture of toughness in Utah, and the Utes are now importing that culture into the Big 12. In 2023, they suffered many injuries on both sides of the ball and still managed to hold opponents to only 19.3 points per game. They now return eight starters and have added a couple of starting-caliber players via the transfer portal. Logan Fano and Lander Barton are expected to provide the pass rush for this unit, but the most significant question mark is how they will replace safeties Cole Bishop and Sione Vaki. They hope that the experience gained by Johnathan Hall and Nate Ritchie last season during the tail end of the season is enough to help them fill in adequately. The defensive line is almost always a strength for Utah, which should be the case again in Salt Lake City.

Utah 2024 Win Total: 9.5
15. Rutgers Scarlet Knights
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights have the Big Ten’s easiest schedule, and they might have the rushing attack and defense to take advantage of it. Replacing cornerback Max Melton will be very difficult, but Robert Longerbeam, Eric Rogers, and Bo Mascoe have experience and can fill the void. The defensive line will be quite good, thanks to the return of multiple starters and the addition of Florida State transfer Malcolm Ray. Overall, Rutgers returned six senior starters plus several depth pieces, and they were 16th in scoring defense plus tenth in passing defense in 2023. Thanks to that fortunate slate, they somehow avoid Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State, and Oregon and have the potential for a special season.

Rutgers 2024 Win Total: 6.5
16. Texas Longhorns
The Texas Longhorns surrendered only 18.9 points per game, placing them 15th nationally in scoring defense. They lost key interior linemen that helped give the Longhorns the nation’s best-rushing defense. Still, they have bolstered that area through the transfer portal and high school recruiting and have added depth to improve the secondary. The Longhorns added Arizona defensive coordinator Johnny Nansen to an already solid staff. The pass rush needs to be better, and they’ll be hoping UTSA transfer Trey Moore, plus Ethan Burke and Barryn Sorrell, can improve on the edge. A better pass rush will help the pass defense improve, and improvement is sorely needed, as it was the critical weakness of the 2023 team. Andrew Mukuba transferred from Clemson, and he’s a decent addition at safety. Plus, Malik Muhammad is ready to make a jump at the corner. If Trey Moore is as good as Texas thinks he can be, the Longhorns will have one of the top defenses in the SEC.

Texas 2024 Win Total: 10.5
17. Louisville Cardinals
Jeff Brohm is known for the offenses he produces, but the Louisville defense was the strength of the 2023 squad as they gave up only 21.3 points per game, and they should be even better in 2024. The secondary is one of the best in the country under coordinator Ron English. Devin Neal and Benjamin Perry are potential All-ACC safeties, and they have veteran cornerbacks in place. Ashton Gillotte is a star pass rusher coming off of an 11-sack season, and the run defense was first in the ACC last season. Louisville did get fortunate with a weak schedule in 2023 and will likely not repeat having the nation’s top red zone defense, but this unit will likely be excellent again in 2024.

Louisville 2024 Win Total: 8.5
18. Tulane Green Wave
Placing Tulane in the top 20 of this list is a bet on new head coach Jon Sumrall. That bet is not made blindly. Sumrall came to Tulane from Troy, and his Trojans were tenth nationally in 2023 in scoring defense as they held opponents to only 17.1 points per game and less than one passing touchdown allowed per contest. The cupboard is not bare at Tulane as the Green Wave were 24th in scoring defense last season. That was the best-scoring defense in the AAC. They should be right back there again as linebacker Tyler Grubbs and three other starters return, plus a strong group of incoming transfers brought in by Sumrall to supplement the existing roster.

Tulane 2024 Win Total: 7.5
19. Texas A&M Aggies
Mike Elko knows defense, and he will not have a bad defense at a program with as many resources as he has at Texas A&M. The Aggies were not bad last season, finishing 36th nationally in scoring defense. Look at what Elko did with Duke. The Blue Devils were 17th in the country and allowed only 19 points per game. Purdue transfer Nic Scourton may have been the most underrated prospect in the transfer portal and could lead the SEC in sacks or at least land himself on an All-SEC squad. Shemar Turner and Albert Regis are a handful on the interior, and the Aggies will have one of the best defensive lines in the league. Linebacker Taurean York had 74 tackles as a freshman, and he’s back. The secondary added a bunch of transfers that will make a big difference and join nickel corner Bryce Anderson. With this talent level, Elko is almost certain to improve on what the Aggies did in 2023.

Texas A&M 2024 Win Total: 8.5
20. Miami (OH) RedHawks
Chuck Martin is an underappreciated but outstanding defensive head coach, and the Miami RedHawks are the defending MAC Champions. They were seventh nationally in the 2023 season and surrendered only 15.9 points per game. Miami should be strong on defense again as they return several starters, including three All-MAC performers. The MAC Defensive Player of the Year was Matt Salopek, and the linebacker returns to anchor the defense as a terrific tackling machine. Ty Wise is his partner in that group, and they are a duo that would fit right in on a good power conference team. Brian Ugwu and Kobe Hilton are back on the defensive line, and the secondary returns Freshman All-American corner Raion Strader and safety Eli Blakey. Martin should have the RedHawks back in the top 20 defensively in 2024.

Miami (OH) 2024 Win Total: 7.5
21. Auburn Tigers
The Auburn Tigers have added significant talent as Hugh Freeze begins to build a program that could be an SEC contender as early as 2025 (if they get the quarterback position figured out). They have beefed up the defensive line through the transfer portal and believe the pass rush will be much more effective this time. Jalen McLeod is one of the better pass rushers in the SEC, and they have a pair of outstanding corners (Keionte Scott and Kayin Lee). Auburn gave up only 22.6 points per game in 2023, which included lockdown performances against Cal, Mississippi State, and Arkansas and strong showings against Alabama and Georgia. As Freeze continues to stock talent, Auburn should continue to improve.

Auburn 2024 Win Total: 7.5
22. Oklahoma State Cowboys
Over the past five seasons, Oklahoma won 31 regular-season Big 12 games. That led the way for the conference during that time frame. Texas was third with 28, and Kansas State was fourth with 28. Who was second? Mike Gundy and the Oklahoma State Cowboys. They have done it with solid defenses in some years and explosive offenses in others, but they have found ways to win. With Oklahoma and Texas gone from the Big 12, the Cowboys can step up as a program. The defense is solid in the back seven. Nickolas Martin had 140 tackles with 16 tackles for loss, while Collin Oliver had 15.5 tackles for loss in 2023. Those two return to form a terrific linebacker duo. The secondary returns four starters, including star safety Kendal Daniels. The big question mark is whether or not the defensive line can improve against the run. Oklahoma State forced many turnovers last season and will need to replicate that this season.

Oklahoma State 2024 Win Total: 8.5
23. Kansas State Wildcats
The Kansas State Wildcats have one of the country's most robust winning cultures. Head coach Chris Klieman is a consistent success and has proven repeatedly that he knows what buttons to press. The offense should be very exciting. Can the defense be good enough to propel Kansas State to the Big 12 title? The Wildcats will need to find more of a pass rush, but some promising pieces could make that a reality. Austin Moore and Desmond Purnell must make more plays on the edge. Uso Seumalo anchors the interior of the line. The secondary is outstanding, with a pair of excellent safeties leading the way. Brendan Mott might be the key to the unit. The Wildcats could be a playoff team if the end can provide a consistent pass rush.

Kansas State 2024 Win Total: 9.5
24. Virginia Tech Hokies
The Virginia Tech were a bit of a surprise in 2023, and they have turned into a real sleeper for the 2024 campaign as a dark horse to win the ACC. Virginia Tech finished in the top 20 nationally and was particularly good in pass coverage. The top cornerback duo in the ACC, Dorian Strong and Mansoor Delane, returns and so does edge rusher Antwaun Powell-Ryland. To take the next step, Virginia Tech must be better against the run and hit the transfer portal to address those shortcomings. A trio of portal additions should help, but Aeneas Peebles from Duke is being counted on to solve the issue.

Virginia Tech 2024 Win Total: 8.5
25. Florida Gators
Billy Napier is squarely and firmly on the hot seat, and Florida has a demanding schedule. The defense's progress is critical to his survival as he tries to build his program in Gainesville. Florida’s defense was pretty good to begin the 2023 season. They held Utah to 24 points, limited Tennessee well, and were good against McNeese State and Charlotte. Once injuries hit and the weight of the season ground Florida down, things fell off the map. The defensive line is now healthier and has more depth, and the linebacking corps added South Carolina transfer Grayson Howard. The secondary was incredibly young a season ago and should now reap the benefits of that gained experience. They supplemented this with Washington’s Asa Turner, and corner Jason Marshall is a potential star after breaking up 18 passes in 2022 and 2023.

Florida 2024 Win Total: 4.5
26. Tennessee Volunteers
Josh Heupel is known as an offensive whiz, and the Tennessee Volunteers offense is expected to make a leap forward this season under Nico Iamaleava. When Heupel has a great quarterback, his offense finishes near the top of the country, which could happen this season if Nico is as good as they hope. Seeing the defense be solid in the second half was a surprise. The Volunteers finished 22nd nationally, allowing only 20.3 points per game in 2023. Tennessee got their work done up front as the pass rush was fourth in the nation in tackles for loss and eighth in sacks. They bring back star pass rusher James Pearce Jr., who could be a top-five draft pick with a strong season. On the inside of him are a pair of 310-plus pound behemoths that clog up the run game. Keenan Pili is healthy now and expected to lead the team in tackles from his linebacker position. The big question mark is how the secondary will fare. They have five new starters and dipped into the transfer portal to fortify at the back. The top-notch pass rush should help the secondary find their legs.

Tennessee Volunteers 2024 Win Total: 8.5
27. North Carolina State Wolfpack
North Carolina State is expected to be stronger on offense than they typically are under Dave Doeren, but that does not mean the Wolfpack defense will fall off a cliff. North Carolina State was third-best in the nation in third-down defense and fourth in interceptions. Still, they lost do-everything linebacker Payton Wilson, who will be impossible to replace. The secondary should be a strength as cornerback Aydan White and safeties Ja’Had Carter and Sean Brown form a strong nucleus. Davin Vann returns as the team’s best defensive lineman, and the Wolfpack did pretty well in reloading in the transfer portal. The biggest reason to expect a solid defense in Raleigh is Doeren's track record combined with a manageable schedule.

NC State 2024 Win Total: 8.5
28. Miami Hurricanes
The Miami Hurricanes loaded up in the transfer portal and landed quarterback Cam Ward, giving them every hope that they can make a run at the ACC title and a berth in the College Football Playoff. None of that will be possible if the defense cannot perform. The good news starts up front as the Hurricanes have star interior lineman Rueben Bain (possibly the best defensive lineman in the ACC) and end Akheem Mesidor. Mesidor has had trouble staying healthy but can provide good pressure from the edge if he is on the field. Francisco Mauigoa is back at linebacker after leading the team in tackles for loss, and the secondary returns Daryl Porter Jr., a potential All-ACC selection at corner. They also added a pair of transfers that should be immediately helpful. The Hurricanes gave up 22.8 points per game, and if they can improve that number by a couple of points per contest, Miami will be a threat to make some noise.

Miami 2024 Win Total: 9.5
29. Ohio Bobcats
The transfer portal decimated the Ohio Bobcats, but the track record of the program and head coach Tim Albin deserves some respect. Ohio was sixth in the country in points per game allowed, surrendering only 15.8 points. That places them behind only elite defenses: Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State, Iowa, and Georgia. Ohio needs to adjust to a new defensive coordinator after the previous DC left for Memphis. The secondary is in good shape, with multiple starters returning after having a top-15 pass defense. The linebackers and the defensive front have to be completely rebuilt. Shay Taylor looked good in the Myrtle Beach Bowl, and they brought in a couple of transfers on the line to shore up potential weaknesses. Ohio nearly always has solid defenses, and they are sometimes great on that side of the ball. It will be difficult to come close to replicating last season’s success, but they can still be pretty good.

Ohio 2024 Win Total: 6.5
30. Arizona Wildcats
Head coach Brent Brennan is now the man in charge in Tucson after Jedd Fisch left for Washington. Brennan and his staff did an excellent job keeping much of the roster intact instead of falling apart via the transfer portal. The offense is the headliner, but the defense was solid in 2023 (30th in scoring defense) and returns some key pieces for the 2024 season. The interior of the defensive line is anchored by 347-pound Chubba Maae (UC Davis transfer) and an excellent linebacker corps led by Jacob Manu and Justin Flowe. Flowe was a blue-chip prospect, and Arizona needs him to play like one. Tacario Davis entered the transfer portal before returning to Tucson, and he will be one of the best corners in the Big 12. Both starting safeties return as well, and Arizona is one of several teams capable of winning the league.

Arizona 2024 Win Total: 7.5
31. Ole Miss Rebels
The Ole Miss Rebels surrendered 22.5 points per game in 2023 but needed to upgrade the pass rush and secondary. Lane Kiffin invested heavily in the transfer portal to improve those areas, and Ole Miss is now equipped with its best roster in the modern era. The Rebels struggled mightily against the better offenses they played: Georgia and LSU torched them. Walter Nolen is the main prize from the transfer portal, and he’ll join JJ Pegues to form an excellent interior combo. Nolen was not the only portal addition; Princely Umanmielen joined from Florida to help the pass rush. The secondary has more question marks as the corners are brand new and will be something teams look to pick on until they prove they can withstand an aerial assault.

Ole Miss 2024 Win Total: 9.5
32. Boise State Broncos
Boise State has slipped from being a part of what many consider the premier Group of Five programs but still won the Mountain West in 2023. The defense gave up 25.6 points per game but should be better in 2024. The Broncos return eight starters, including Ahmed Hassanein, a sack specialist who had 12.5 sacks per game. They also get Andrew Simpson back. He was second on the team in sacks and should lead the linebackers. The secondary should be a strength with both starting safeties returning and A’Marion McCoy back as the starting cornerbacks. If that group can improve as much as they hope, the Broncos will have the best defense in the Mountain West.

Boise State 2024 Win Total: 9.5
33. Oklahoma Sooners
The Oklahoma Sooners defense got a lot of grief from fans as defensive-minded coach Brent Venables was expected to turn that unit into a bonafide strength, but it has not quite come together. Oklahoma’s defense was pretty good, but injuries and depth issues robbed them later in the year. They shut out Arkansas State, held SMU to just 11 points, and then gave up a combined 43 points against Tulsa, Cincinnati, and Iowa State. Even giving up 30 against Texas is not bad at all. They need to pick up the sack numbers, but Danny Stutsman and Kip Lewis are All-SEC caliber linebackers, and the Sooners added some key pieces to the line in the transfer portal. If they can find depth that can withstand the rigors of the SEC, Oklahoma can immediately make some noise despite a demanding schedule.

Oklahoma 2024 Win Total: 7.5
34. Iowa State Cyclones
The Big 12 is wide open. There are a lot of good teams, but no great teams and probably no truly bad teams. In short, this league is going to be a ton of fun. Much of the attention has been paid to Utah as a slight favorite, but the Iowa State Cyclones return a lot of experience, and this might be the year Matt Campbell’s squad can get through. Iowa State’s defense trailed only Texas in the Big 12 in 2023, and the run defense should be excellent again. The biggest concern is that the pass defense and the pass rush must improve. The Cyclones were gouged through the air later in the season, and much of that can be blamed on a lack of a pass rush. TJ Tampa was the best corner, but he’s gone, so expecting a significant improvement without the group's best player is a lot to ask. The returning safeties are excellent, and if they can impact the game and force more takeaways, the Cyclones will be a significant player in the crowded Big 12.

Iowa State 2024 Win Total: 7.5
35. UCLA Bruins
UCLA has a ton of turnover all over the place. The defensive coordinator is new, the head coach is new, the offensive coordinator is new, and the roster looks quite different. The defense will almost certainly take a step back after ranking 14th in the country in points allowed per game in 2023. They lost Laiatu Latu and Gabriel Murphy, a duo that combined for 21 sacks last season. Luckily for UCLA, they convinced Jay Toia to return and anchor the interior of the defensive line. They then dove into the transfer portal to try and fix the secondary, with Bryan Addison and Ramon Henderson highlighting the additions. There are a lot of question marks, but enough of a track record from returning players to think the Bruins can at least be solid on defense in 2024.

UCLA 2024 Win Total: 5.5
36. Kentucky Wildcats
The University of Kentucky has settled into a consistent spot under head coach Mark Stoops. UK is not a threat to win the SEC, but they are a consistent bowl team that typically beats who they are supposed to. In 2023, the Wildcats beat Louisville, plus six teams that had missed a bowl game. A big part of the team coming up short in games against the better teams on their schedule was a pass defense that failed to produce. Thanks to a trio of massive interior tackles, the run defense will be good again. Deone Walker is a likely first-round NFL Draft pick. He’s a mountain of a man at 6’6” and 348 pounds. Another pair of 320-pound interior linemen are in the rotation. The big question mark will be if UK’s rebuilt secondary can step up and prevent teams from throwing the ball on them. The schedule is manageable, but four tough road games likely cap this team's ceiling at six or seven wins.

Kentucky 2024 Win Total: 6.5
37. Northwestern Wildcats
The Northwestern Wildcats got the benefit of playing in the Big Ten West, and the manageable schedule certainly helped their numbers, but the defense was outstanding at the back end of the season. They only gave up ten points to Iowa, ten to Wisconsin, 15 to Purdue, and seven to Utah in the bowl game victory. In total, the Wildcats only surrendered 22.5 points per game. The biggest concerns for 2024 will be whether or not Northwestern can repeat the takeaways they got last season (24) and how the secondary will deal with losing the top three players from that group. The trio transferred to Notre Dame and West Virginia, while Northwestern has not recruited well enough to replenish that group with equal talent. Edge rusher Aidan Hubbard and linebacker Xander Mueller will be the leaders. Northwestern plays at a tempo on offense that should minimize the defense's exposure and keep their numbers respectable.

Northwestern 2024 Win Total: 4.5
38. Jacksonville State Gamecocks
Jacksonville State had an excellent introduction season to the FBS, going 9-4 and winning a bowl game over Lafayette. Rich Rodriguez will always focus more on offense, but the Gamecocks defense was a pleasant surprise in 2023. They surrendered only 21.2 points per game and had strong performances against UTEP, East Tennessee State, Eastern Michigan (shutout), Western Kentucky (17), FIU (16) and Louisiana Tech (17). Jacksonville State was excellent against the run, giving up only 2.79 yards per carry. Things looked promising for the program’s second season in Conference USA. However, the transfer portal struck as Chris Hardie went to Ole Miss and Kamari Stephens moved to Arkansas State, damaging the defensive line. There are major personnel questions, but the coaching staff has shown that they can orchestrate a successful unit with perceived lesser talent.

Jacksonville State 2024 Win Total: 7.5
39. UCF Knights
Gus Malzahn is an offensive coach, and his Knights should be fun to watch. He has a powerful stable of running backs paired with quarterback KJ Jefferson and a veteran offensive line. The defense is not bad, though, and UCF could be a sleeper in the Big 12. Jason Johnson returns as the top linebacker and leader of the unit, while the defensive tackle Lee Hunter anchors an excellent defensive line. Brandon Adams is the top player in the secondary, but that is a unit that could be a concern, particularly after the top few players. Ethan Barr helps provide stability and tackling at linebacker in the middle of the defense. The defense was outstanding in wins over Boise State, Houston, and Oklahoma State, but they need to find a different level of consistency after getting torched in a few contests.

UCF 2024 Win Total: 7.5
40. Syracuse Orange
Syracuse will be a drastically different team than Dino Babers fielded in 2023. Georgia assistant Fran Brown is now the head coach, and Kyle McCord is in at quarterback. The Orange brought in a slew of transfers that should raise the ceiling on defense, and the schedule for 2024 is about as favorable as possible. They do not play Clemson or Florida State; the non-conference should be four victories. Brown coached UGA’s secondary for the last few seasons, bringing in a few transfers to help with that group. Marlowe Wax is a terrific linebacker who gets overlooked because of the lack of help around him. The defensive line was reworked, with Fadil Diggs and Dion Wilson likely immediately thrust into the starting lineup after transferring in. This unit won’t be fantastic, but they should improve on the 25.4 points per game they allowed in 2023.

Syracuse 2024 Win Total: 7.5
41. Maryland Terrapins
Mike Locksley’s Maryland Terrapins rode Taulia Tagovailoa and a stronger than expected defense to a win in the Music City Bowl over Auburn in 2023. The Terrapins gave up 22.5 points per game a season ago and they limited opponents to only 4.86 yards per play. The best part of the defense was the rushing defense that clogged up the middle and held teams to just 3.4 yards per rush. Maryland held Virginia to 14 points, Michigan State to nine points, Nebraska to ten and Auburn to 13. The issues came when the Terps took on teams with more talented rosters. Penn State racked up 51 points and Michigan had 31. Maryland should be strong again against the run as multiple 320-plus pounders are back to man the defensive line. Ruben Hyppolite and Fa’Najee Gotay are back at linebacker but they are relying on some transfers in the secondary, mainly former Bowling Green corner Jalen Huskey, to start right away and replace Tarheeb Still.

Maryland 2024 Win Total: 6.5
42. West Virginia Mountaineers
Without looking it up, do you know which team led the Big 12 in sacks in 2023? You may have guessed Texas. Or perhaps Oklahoma with Brent Venables leading the defense. The answer was actually the West Virginia Mountaineers. WVU racked up 33 sacks on the season but no single player had more than 4.5 sacks (Jared Bartlett). Lee Kpogba was the leading tackler and he is gone but West Virginia should be able to create similar pressure in 2024. The defense relies on a group of very active defensive backs to constantly be around the ball and finish plays. Of the team’s top ten tacklers, seven were from the secondary. Anthony Wilson is a really good safety and he’s joined by Aubrey Burks to form a strong safety duo. Sean Martin might be the best pass rusher eventually but again, WVU relies on the collective group to continue getting after the QB.

West Virginia 2024 Win Total: 6.5
43. LSU Tigers
LSU’s defense was an abject disaster in 2023. There is no sugarcoating it. The lack of defense mostly wasted a historic Heisman Trophy winning season from a star quarterback and a duo of amazing wide receivers. There is way more talent in Baton Rouge than the performance they put on the field and this is a bet on a rebuilt defensive staff fixing some of the issues in 2024 and improving by a decent amount. Blake Baker migrates from Missouri to LSU as defensive coordinator and the run defense needs to be a lot better. They are counting on improvement from big interior players like Jacobian Guillory, Jalen Lee and Sai’vion Jones. Harold Perkins has the potential and athleticism to be a top ten draft pick but he needs to turn that potential into actual production as a pass rusher. A good pass rush would help a beleaguered secondary.

LSU 2024 Win Total: 9.5
44. Duke Blue Devils
The Duke Blue Devils had a near top 20 defense in 2023. The unit carried the team while Riley Leonard was out with his ankle injury. Opponents only scored 19 points per game and they limited five teams to ten points or fewer. How much of the 2023 performance carries over to 2024? The personnel has changed some and the coaching staff is completely different but Manny Diaz is a defensive coach and a complete drop-off would be a surprise. Duke was 1-5 when they allowed 21 points or more so the pressure will be on to make sure it plays out that way. All four starters from a strong defensive line are gone but leading tackler Tre Freeman is back at linebacker. The secondary will be led by Joshua Pickett, Chandler Rivers and Jaylen Stinson all back as starters.

Duke 2024 Win Total: 5.5
45. Liberty Flames
The Liberty Flames are powered by Jamey Chadwell’s offense and that unit plus a very poor schedule is likely enough to propel them into a Conference USA crown. The top Group of Five team makes the expanded College Football Playoff this season and the defense needs to improve some if the Flames are to have a chance at making that field. The pass defense was the biggest culprit and they now have to replace their top cornerback (transfer to Oregon State) and top safety (transfer to Colorado). Joseph Carter and Eldric Griffin have to step up and they did at least cultivate some depth during blowout wins last season. Finding capable interior defensive linemen that can disrupt opposing offenses is difficult at the G5 level but Liberty was alright against the run and is expected to be slightly better with the players they have returning.

Liberty Flames 2024 Win Total: 10.5
46. Washington Huskies
Very little about the 2023 Washington Huskies defense is going to provide any meaningful guidance towards what the 2024 Washington defense is going to be. There is a new head coach, new coaching staff, and nearly entirely new personnel. Speaking of the new coaching staff, the defensive coordinator is a man by the name of Stephen Belichick. Yes, the son of Bill Belichick. Carson Bruener and Alphonzo Tuputala are back as the leaders of the defense at linebacker. Those two were third and fourth in tackles a season ago. Nearly everything else is going to be new. The defensive line will be counting on transfers from Arizona and Montana State to mesh with depth pieces from last season’s Washington team. The secondary is full of a lot of options but very little proven production. There are good pieces for Fisch and Belichick to work with but how it all coalesces is a total mystery.

Washington 2024 Win Total: 6.5
47. Texas Tech Red Raiders
It should not come as a shocking revelation but Texas Tech was really dangerous when the defense held opponents in check. They were 5-1 when they gave up less than 27 points and just 2-5 when allowing 27 points or more. The defensive front is basically starting over from a production standpoint and Texas Tech desperately needs a few pass rushers to emerge. If they can unearth some good defensive linemen, things could be pretty good in Lubbock because the linebackers and secondary are above-average. Ben Roberts and Jacob Rodriguez are a good duo in the middle of the defense and they return a lot of production at corner and safety. Texas Tech’s season might come down to how well they can develop what they have on the defensive line.

Texas Tech 2024 Win Total: 7.5
48. Indiana Hoosiers
Curt Cignetti has spent much of this offseason telling his players, IU fans, and the media to forget what you know about Indiana football. The painful and often woeful history for the Cream and Crimson makes that difficult to do but Cignetti has completely reworked the roster and hope is high in Bloomington. Indiana hit the transfer portal at every level and will be starting at least two transfer defensive linemen, a pair of transfer linebackers, one transfer cornerback and a pair of transfer safeties. In short, what was on the field last season was really bad but this is a nearly brand new roster. Sometimes continuity is good but if the results were awful, change is completely necessary. Names to watch include CJ West on the defensive line, Aiden Fisher and Jaylin Walker (a duo from James Madison) and young rover Amare Ferrell. Indiana should benefit from a schedule that is not overly difficult, particularly early on, giving them time to potentially gel.

Indiana 2024 Win Total: 5.5
49. Minnesota Golden Gophers
The Minnesota Golden Gophers have a magic number: 24. In 2023, when allowing 24 points or fewer, the Gophers went 6-0. They were 0-7 when teams scored more than 24 points on the Gophers. Minnesota does not have much size up front and there is a risk they could be pushed around a bit by physical teams with big offensive lines. They open the season with Omarion Hampton and North Carolina and have games against Iowa, Michigan, UCLA, Rutgers and Penn State so that could be a real problem. Defensive end duo Jah Joyner and Danny Striggow are solid and the linebacker corps should be alright. The strength of the team is going to be the defensive backfield with Jack Henderson and Justin Walley both potential All-Big Ten players.

Minnesota 2024 Win Total: 5.5
50. TCU Horned Frogs
Sonny Dykes’ teams have never really been particularly strong on the defensive end and that likely won’t be any different in 2024. There are three reasons for optimism though: transfer linebackers Kaleb Elarms-Orr from Cal and Devean Deal from Tulane joining with Namdi Obiazor, an All-Big 12 caliber player. The Horned Frogs lost a couple of meaningful defensive linemen and the pass rush is a major concern because the secondary was a weakness in 2023. Were there enough transfer additions to turn that weakness into a neutral unit? That is very iffy. The schedule is not easy and while the defense should progress some, it won’t be a major strength anytime soon.

TCU 2024 Win Total: 7.5
51. North Carolina Tar Heels
The North Carolina Tar Heels were led by Drake Maye and an offense that scored 34.5 points per game in 2023. Maye is gone, and Mack Brown’s squad has to find balance to remain competitive. The defense surrendered 27.3 points per game, and they’ll need to be better. The biggest weakness was the run defense, as UNC surrendered 4.21 yards per rush and more than 2100 total yards on the ground. They return three starters on the defensive line, which could either be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on how those starters have progressed. Kevin Hester, a big defensive tackle, is one of the keys to UNC’s season. The linebacker group and secondary should both be adequate, so the success of North Carolina’s defense will come down to creating timely stops and limiting the damage against the run.

UNC 2024 Win Total: 7.5
52. South Carolina Gamecocks
Shane Beamer and the South Carolina Gamecocks are hoping quarterback LaNorris Sellers is ready to be a star. He has tremendous upside, but if the other side of the ball does not dramatically improve, it will not matter what Sellers does in 2024. Beamer hit the transfer portal to augment the depth of the defense and try to find some pass rushers. The hope is that the returning interior players, Tonka Hemingway, Alex Huntley, and TJ Sanders, can mesh with transfer additions from the ACC, Gilber Edmond and Kyle Kennard. If the pass rush improves, the secondary should perform pretty well. There is talent and experience at safety and cornerback, and the linebacker group is in good hands with Debo Williams returning. This defense should improve, but the pass rush additions will determine how much.

South Carolina 2024 Win Total: 5.5
53. Kansas Jayhawks
The Kansas Jayhawks have to feel good about their offense. As long as their star quarterback stays healthy, KU will put up points and give themselves a chance to contend for the Big 12 title. Whether or not they can do more than contend will depend on how much improvement the defense can make after allowing 26.5 points per game and 5.76 yards per play. That unit took a big step forward from 2022 to 2023, and they are hoping for another leap this season. The secondary is quite good, with a pair of strong cornerbacks leading the way. Lance Leipold is hoping the transfer portal additions can plug some gaps on the defensive front. He added Javier Derritt from North Dakota State to start on the interior of the line and Bai Jobe to try and replace the departed Austin Booker on the edge.

Kansas 2024 Win Total: 8.5
54. Arkansas Razorbacks
Sam Pittman is well-liked in Fayetteville and a friend to many big-time Arkansas boosters. However, all of that goodwill likely won’t save him from getting the axe if the Razorbacks struggle to another losing season. The Hogs brought in Bobby Petrino to help on offense, but the defense also needs to improve. The hope for that improvement starts on the defensive line as Landon Jackson returns as one of the best defensive ends in the country. Arkansas has a good group of defensive tackles and should have one of the better defensive lines in the conference. The reasons for pessimism start with the defensive line, as the linebackers are in flux after losing their top two tacklers to the portal and having an unsettled secondary. There is some buzz from Arkansas’ fall camp that the defense is performing well, and they have figured some things out at the back end, but they’ll be tested with a demanding schedule.

Arkansas 2024 Win Total: 4.5
55. Army Black Knights
Army’s defensive numbers are undoubtedly helped by the option offense the Black Knights run and the pace at which they play. Chewing up that clock and keeping the opposing offense on the sideline is a big part of the game plan, which helps the stats for the defense look better. Still, Army is better on defense than the average Group of Five program. They gave up 5.88 yards per play but limited opponents to only 21.1 points per game. Army has now joined the American Athletic Conference, and they must quickly figure out how to do better against the run. Army was 106th in the country against the run in 2023, and improvement has to come internally, as the Black Knights did not take any transfers. Jeff Monken typically produces a sound defense and gets the benefit of the doubt.

Army 2024 Win Total: 5.5
56. Air Force Falcons
The Air Force Falcons' defensive numbers were, no doubt, aided by the option offense that aims to control the time of possession battle and limit the opposition’s attempts on offense. Still, they only surrendered 18.2 points per game, which is good for 12th in the country. The Falcons are ranked this low because they have to start nearly completely over on both sides of the ball after the senior-laden roster moved on. Air Force is used to replacing many key pieces, so that should limit the regression, but expecting a top-20 defense is likely too ambitious. Troy Calhoun gets the benefit of the doubt, and he’ll have the Falcons playing competently so the bottom won’t fall entirely out.

Air Force 2024 Win Total: 6.5
57. Wyoming Cowboys
Two things can be expected from Wyoming football: home games will be windy, and there will be doubts about the quality of the roster, but the Cowboys will find themselves in a bowl game at the end of the season. Longtime head coach Craig Bohl retired, but his son, Aaron Bohl, is now the defensive coordinator. The Cowboys are typically physical up front, and they should have one of the best defensive lines in the Mountain West, thanks to the return of Jordan Bertagnole. The backend is led by terrific tackler Wyett Ekeler. Expect the Cowboys to produce very similar numbers to what they did in 2023.

Wyoming 2024 Win Total: 6.5
58. Fresno State Bulldogs
Fresno State began the 2023 season with an upset win at Purdue and a much closer-than-expected win over Eastern Washington. The defense was not clicking, but the Bulldogs were 2-0. After Week 2, the defense turned up and shut out Arizona State, held Kent State to ten points, limited Nevada to nine points, and held Wyoming to 24 points. In total, Fresno State only gave up 23.5 points. They added former USC five-star prospect Korey Foreman as an edge rusher and leading tackler Malachi Langley is back at linebacker. The secondary should be okay even though they do not have anyone that would be labeled a star. The Bulldogs need to find their footing earlier than they did in 2023.

Fresno State 2024 Win Total: 7.5
59. Northern Illinois Huskies
The Northern Illinois Huskies rallied late in 2023 to finish the season at 7-6 and keep head coach Thomas Hammock off the hot seat going into 2024. The Huskies return a lot of good pieces, and there is an expectation that they can seize on the momentum from the end of 2023 and return to the bowl season. NIU gave up only 320 yards and 21 points per game last year, but they need more of a pass rush to repeat that success. Raishein Thomas and Roy Williams are both back to lead the line and linebacker corps, and the secondary should be a significant plus with three starters returning after a strong season.

Northern Illinois 2024 Win Total: 6.5
60. Toledo Rockets
The third-best MAC defense, at least in terms of numbers, belonged to the Toledo Rockets. Toledo was No. 2 in the league in terms of points allowed. While the transfer portal gutted the offense, the defense gets back a lot of key pieces, including edge player D’Andre Ragin and terrific linebacker Daniel Bolden (94 stops in 2023). Unfortunately, they lost the best pass rusher, Judge Culpepper, leading tackler Dallas Gant, and top corner Quinyon Mitchell. That’s a lot of top-end talent for a MAC team to replace. While the Rockets could be a solid defense again, they will not have the talent edge on every conference foe they had in 2023.

Toledo 2024 Win Total: 8.5
1. Michigan Wolverines
The Michigan Wolverines have undergone a lot of change since winning the national title, but one thing that should not change is that Michigan will be excellent on defense. The Wolverines have multiple All-American candidates at each level of the defense. Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant are incredibly stout upfront, and Maryland transfer Jaishawn Barham has earned rave reviews for his play during the spring as a leader at linebacker. The secondary has some question marks with depth, but Will Johnson is one of the best cornerbacks in the country, and he should anchor the unit. Wink Martindale, a blitz-happy NFL guy, is the new defensive coordinator, and that will be an interesting wrinkle. Still, the Wolverines have enough talent to overcome their personnel losses and remain elite on defense. They are the top dogs until proven otherwise.

Michigan 2024 Win Total: 9.5

Ranking College Football’s Top 60 Defenses for the 2024 Season

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