NCAAF · 2 months ago

Ranking the Top 40 College Football Edge Defenders for 2025

Grant White

Host · Writer

40. Zach Chapman - TCU Horned Frogs
Zach Chapman is set to bite off a bigger chunk of the workload for the TCU Horned Frogs. The redshirt sophomore totaled 24 tackles and 3.0 sacks last season while appearing in all 13 games. Named to the Second-Team Freshman All-American, everyone is excited to see what Chapman unleashes in 2025.
1. Keldric Faulk - Auburn Tigers
Top 10 CFB OL in 2025

We've already started to see some production from Keldric Faulk, and those numbers are only going to escalate in a big way at Auburn. Faulk is a physical specimen that is extremely difficult to contain off the edge. He has the flexibility and size to move off blockers and push through an opposing offensive line. Even with his big frame, Faulk has very impressive mobility that allows him to be a run stopper and also get to the quarterback. The sky is the limit for this player in 2025 at Auburn.
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
Top 35 CFB QBs in 2025

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
Top 20 CFB RBs in 2025

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. Beau Atkinson - Ohio State Buckeyes
Beau Atkinson was one of the most heavily sought-after prospects available in the transfer portal. The former North Carolina standout recorded 35 tackles and 7.5 sacks as a sophomore, capturing the attention of most programs when he entered the portal. Ultimately, Atkinson signed on with the Ohio State Buckeyes and is expected to make a big splash in the Big Ten.
17. Dean Miller - Kansas Jayhawks
The Kansas Jayhawks have emerged as contenders in the Big 12, and their stout defensive play is a big reason why. Dean Miller stands among those stalwarts as one of the most disruptive presences on the defensive line. In 2024, the California native recorded a career-best 32 tackles, 10 tackles for a loss, and 6.0 sacks. He will be looking to improve on those benchmarks in his redshirt senior season.
18. 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.
19. 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.
20. Wesley Williams - Duke Blue Devils
By the end of this season, Wesley Williams should become a household name. At the very least, he should see his draft profile increase with another dominant campaign. As a sophomore, Williams recorded 48 tackles, 13.5 tackles for a loss, 8.0 sacks, and one forced fumble. Not surprisingly, the Duke Blue Devils' standout earned an Honorable Mention for the All-ACC team and was the team's Defensive Lineman of the Year.
21. 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.
22. 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.
23. 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.
24. Eric O'Neill - Rutgers Scarlet Knights
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights have rebuilt their defensive line, and newcomer Eric O'Neill figures to be a prominent figure on their ferocious attack. The edge rusher is coming off a monstrous 13.0 sacks last season with James Madison, hitting double-digits in two of his first three seasons. Expect another dominant 2025 campaign.
25. Clev Lubin - Louisville Cardinals
Clev Lubin was an absolute beast in 2024. With the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers, Lubin totaled 43 tackles, 9.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and three passes defensed. Those numbers will be harder to replicate with the Louisville Cardinals. Nevertheless, Lubin will be up to the challenge.
26. Jayden Virgin-Morgan - Boise State Broncos
The Boise State Broncos' offense usually gets the lion's share of the recognition. However, Jayden Virgin-Morgan is here to remind everyone just how impactful the Broncos' defense can be. The edge rusher recorded 10.0 sacks as a sophomore and will be an even more disruptive presence as he enters his upper-classmen years.
27. Bradley Weaver - Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Another transfer portal arrival, Bradley Weaver, figures to anchor the Rutgers Scarlet Knights' defensive line throughout 2025. Last season with the Ohio Bobcats, Weaver totaled 44 tackles and 8.5 sacks and skillfully added three forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. Assuredly, Weaver will be a game-changing contributor throughout his senior season.
28. Kyran Duhon - Oklahoma State Cowboys
It takes a special kind of athlete to step up and make an immediate impact as a freshman, but that's exactly what Kyran Duhon did in 2024. With the UTEP Miners, Duhon registered 7.0 sacks and 43 tackles while shouldering most of the defensive workload. He's off to the Oklahoma State Cowboys, where he will be tasked with transforming a faltering defense.
29. Kalil Alexander - Texas State Bobcats
Kalil Alexander heads into his upperclassman years on firm footing. The Texas State Bobcat is coming off a 40-tackle and 6.5-sack campaign, while being a regular feature off the edge. Alexander only started five of his 12 appearances, but should be on the field a lot more in 2025.
30. Kam Olds - Kentucky Wildcats
It took a few years, but Kam Olds has finally found his rhythm on the defensive line. Failing to make an impact with the Buffalo Bulls, Olds transferred to the Kent State Golden Flashes ahead of last season. There, he recorded 42 tackles, 6.0 sacks, and an interception while appearing in 11 of 12 contests. Olds will be tested this upcoming campaign, as he joins the Kentucky Wildcats in the SEC.
31. TJ Guy - Michigan Wolverines
TJ Guy started to scratch the surface of his full potential last season, and he's ready to make a big jump in 2025. The Michigan Wolverines edge rusher was named the program's most improved player on defense in 2024, in recognition of his 32 tackles and 5.5 sacks. With several integral pieces moving on to greener pastures, Guy is the next man up in Ann Arbor.
32. Nyjalik Kelly - UCF Knights
Nyjalik Kelly was a force off the edge for the UCF Knights, and he looks even better heading into his upcoming campaign. The senior recorded a robust 56 tackles and 5.5 sacks in 2024, emerging as an every-down playmaker in Central Florida. We could see Kelly rocket up draft boards by the end of this season.
33. George Gumbs Jr. - Florida Gators
Defense has become a strength for the Florida Gators again, and that's thanks to players like George Gumbs. In his first season with the Gators, the Chicago native recorded a career-best 35 tackles and 5.0 sacks. With two passes defended and two forced fumbles over the past couple of seasons, Gumbs could earn a mean reputation in the SEC.
34. Devean Deal - TCU Horned Frogs
The accolades started to pile up for Devean Deal in 2024. As a junior, the TCU Horned Frogs edge rusher was an Honorable Mention All-Big 12 defender, New Mexico Bowl Defensive Most Valuable Player, and Honorable Mention for Newcomer of the Year. With 9.5 tackles for a loss and 5.5 sacks, you can expect to see Deal in opposing teams' backfields all year.
35. Malachi Lawrence - UCF Knights
Take a look at the end of the UCF Knights' defensive line and you'll likely find Malachi Lawrence. While he'll be competing for playing time with Sincere Edwards, Lawrence proved to be the disruptive presence UCF desperately needs. The senior recorded 12.5 sacks over the past couple of seasons, complemented by his 42 tackles. We expect Lawrence to earn the lion's share of snaps on the left edge.
36. Isaiah Ward - Washington Huskies
Isaiah Ward has been a reliable contributor over the past few seasons, but he's still only starting to scratch the surface of his potential. Ward has back-to-back seasons with at least 28 tackles and 3.0 sacks, one with Arizona and more recently with Washington. If the Huskies unleash Ward in 2025, we could see them return to playoff contention.
37. Miles Capers - Vanderbilt Commodores
Miles Capers is the exception to the modern-day college football rules. The senior linebacker has spent all four seasons with the Vanderbilt Commodores, increasing his production year over year. If he continues his trajectory, we should see Capers blow past the 46 tackles and 3.0 sacks he had last season.
38. Derrick Moore - Michigan Wolverines
Derrick Moore enters the 2025 season with renewed optimism. Moore has been deployed as a complementary edge rusher, but after the Wolverines' defensive line was gutted, there is plenty of room for growth. Don't be surprised if Moore blows past his previous career-highs of 34 tackles and 5.0 sacks.
39. Kofi Asare - Florida Gators
The Florida Gators weren't about to let Kofi Asare waste his talent with UMass. The National Championship contenders brought on Asare this offseason, following his 30-tackle and 3.0-sack sophomore campaign. With all eyes on the Gators in the swamp, Asare could become a more household name.
40. Zach Chapman - TCU Horned Frogs
Zach Chapman is set to bite off a bigger chunk of the workload for the TCU Horned Frogs. The redshirt sophomore totaled 24 tackles and 3.0 sacks last season while appearing in all 13 games. Named to the Second-Team Freshman All-American, everyone is excited to see what Chapman unleashes in 2025.
1. Keldric Faulk - Auburn Tigers
Top 10 CFB OL in 2025

We've already started to see some production from Keldric Faulk, and those numbers are only going to escalate in a big way at Auburn. Faulk is a physical specimen that is extremely difficult to contain off the edge. He has the flexibility and size to move off blockers and push through an opposing offensive line. Even with his big frame, Faulk has very impressive mobility that allows him to be a run stopper and also get to the quarterback. The sky is the limit for this player in 2025 at Auburn.

Ranking the Top 40 College Football Edge Defenders for 2025

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