Ranking the Top 20 College Football Edge Defenders for 2025

20. Derrick Moore - Michigan Wolverines

The Michigan Wolverines had their fair share of departures this offseason. Nevertheless, they have a handful of elite defenders who should be able to step up to replace that lost production. Derrick Moore is one of those players who is looking to build on his 23 tackles and 4.0 sacks from last season.

2. T.J. Parker - Clemson Tigers

The Clemson Tigers continue to bring in solid defenders to their program, highlighted by T.J. Parker. Parker has a special burst off the edge that helps make him pop immediately on film. His handwork is strong, paired with a dynamic lower frame that he pairs with an impressive amount of athleticism for someone of his size. Parker's physical tools make him a special player, but it's his overall motor and drive that really make him pop as the next great defender in college football. 

3. Rueben Bain Jr. - Miami Hurricanes

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Rueben Bain Jr. is the exact type of EDGE rusher you should have a close eye on entering the 2025 season. Bain Jr. has all the talent in the world, and if it weren't for injuries last year, it wouldn't be hard to make a case he'd be at the top of this list. Bain Jr. has elite handwork, and dangerous hands that make him a difficult problem to solve for opposing offenses. Bain Jr's. explosive ability off the edge with a high-end first step makes him a dangerous prospect moving forward. 

4. Braylan Shelby - USC Trojans

Braylan Shelby is a former 4-star recruit that really stands out as a potential bruiser at USC. Shelby has good range as a defender, and works off the ball really well to close gaps. In addition, his powerful lower burst allows him to get off the edge with ease, creating mismatches for opposing offenses. Shelby has the length and motor to continue developing into a stud for USC. 

5. Boubacar Traore - Notre Dame Fighting Irish

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Boubacar Traore has the size, hands, and motor to be a productive EDGE rusher for Notre Dame. Traore's burst to get to the quarterback is impressive, and he has the overall flexibility to make plays in the running game. Watching his spin move is impressive, which is one of the biggest strengths in his tool box. He still has the ability to add more weight, which will make him even more dangerous off the edge. 

6. Adepoju Adebawore - Oklahoma Sooners

Adepoju Adebawore, a promising young talent in football, demonstrates exceptional skills that make him a standout prospect at Oklahoma. Adebawore has great speed off the edge, which is one of his standout traits that make him a special player. In addition, he also boasts strong athletic skills and the powerful lower body strength needed to beat opposing offensive lines. 

7. LT Overton - Alabama Crimson Tide

LT Overton is a formidable edge rusher with a well-rounded skill set that makes him a constant threat in the defensive front. His combination of size, speed, and technical prowess, along with his football intelligence, positions him as a standout talent likely to make an impact at the professional level. Look for Overton to make an even bigger jump with the Crimson Tide in 2025. 

8. Solomon Tuliaupupu - USC Trojans

Solomon Tuliaupupu is an edge rusher who impresses with his physical build, power, and football IQ. Standing at 6'3" and weighing 250 pounds, he combines size with agility, making him a formidable presence on the defensive line. Tuliaupupu shows a high motor and relentless pursuit of the quarterback, often making plays from sideline to sideline.

9. Matayo Uiagalelei - Oregon Ducks

Matayo Uiagalelei is a powerful edge rusher known for his imposing physical profile and versatile skill set. Standing at an impressive 6'5" and weighing around 265 pounds, he combines size, strength, and athleticism to dominate the line of scrimmage. His technique is polished for a player at his level; he utilizes a quick first step to disrupt timing and has a variety of pass rush moves. He demonstrates solid tackling skills and the ability to close on quarterbacks and running backs quickly and efficiently.

10. Mikail Kamara - Indiana Hoosiers

Mikail Kamara is a top-tier edge rusher prospect whose combination of speed, technique, and tenacity makes him a likely candidate to continue thriving moving forward in college. His potential to grow and refine his game further suggests a high ceiling at the professional level. Kamara's burst off the edge and strong technical ability make him a legitimate threat to put up some big numbers this year. 

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11. Dylan Stewart - South Carolina

Heading into his sophomore season, Dylan Stewart has emerged as one of the top edge rushers in the country. The Washington, DC native recorded 24 tackles in 2024, complemented by his 6.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. It takes a special player to accomplish that in his first season. We cannot wait to see what Stewart has in store next season.

12. Colin Simmons - Texas

Another player who had a dominant freshman campaign was Colin Simmons. The Texas Longhorns' edge rusher will have an even more productive 2025. Last season, Simmons tallied 48 tackles, 14 of which came at a loss, adding a whopping 9.0 sacks and three forced fumbles.

13. Suntarine Perkins - Ole Miss

A former five-star recruit, Suntarine Perkins lived up to his potential in 2024. The Ole Miss Rebel jumped from 3.5 sacks as a freshman to a staggering 10.5 as a sophomore, pointing toward even more productive upper-classman years. Factoring in his 60 tackles, two fumble recoveries, and an interception, Perkins is poised to be one of the top defenders in the country next season.

14. Dani Dennis-Sutton - Penn State

Abdul Carter may have stolen all the thunder, but Dani Dennis-Sutton was crucial to the Penn State Nittany Lions' defensive line. Dennis-Sutton recorded 42 tackles and 8.5 sacks, with his most productive games coming during the College Football Playoff. Now, the edge rusher has to prove he can do it without Carter on the other end of the line.

15. Trey White - San Diego State

We are bullish on Trey White's potential next season. The San Diego State Aztecs' edge rusher was a menace last season, accumulating 60 tackles, 12.5 sacks, and a forced fumble. Most impressively, nearly a third of his tackles (18.5) came at a loss. While he won’t garner the same attention playing with the Aztecs, White has cemented his position as one of the best edge rushers in the game.

16. R Mason Thomas - Oklahoma Sooners

The Oklahoma Sooners feature a tandem of elite pass-rushers who are going to wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks all season. Joining Adepoju Adebawore is R Mason Thomas. The soon-to-be senior is coming off an impressive 9.0-sack campaign and should see his NFL Draft stock soar throughout the year. 

17. Tyreak Sapp - Florida Gators

Tyreak Sapp had a coming-out party in 2024. The Florida native totaled 7.0 sacks, two forced fumbles, and 46 tackles for his home-state Gators. He will be expected to take on more responsibilities as a senior in 2025. If things go as expected, he could vault into conversation as one of the premier edge rushers available in next year's NFL Draft.

18. Isaiah Gibson - Michigan Wolverines

The most highly touted edge rusher in the 2025 recruiting class is ready to make an immediate impact as a freshman. Isaiah Gibson signed on with the Georgia Bulldogs, and he should see plenty of action from the get-go. Gibson will be deployed off the edge, where he's expected to use his ferocious attack and unrelenting speed to pressure opposing quarterbacks.

19. Caleb Banks - Florida Gators

Caleb Banks was a welcome addition to the Florida Gators' defensive line. After failing to gain any traction with the Louisville Cardinals, Banks has spent the past two seasons with the Gators. Most impressively, his 21 tackles and 4.5 as a junior set the tone for what to expect in 2025. Combined with the other standouts on the line, Banks is primed for an even more impactful senior season.

20. Derrick Moore - Michigan Wolverines

The Michigan Wolverines had their fair share of departures this offseason. Nevertheless, they have a handful of elite defenders who should be able to step up to replace that lost production. Derrick Moore is one of those players who is looking to build on his 23 tackles and 4.0 sacks from last season.