NCAAF · 3 months ago

Ranking the Top 60 College Football Defenses for the 2025 Season

TJ Inman

Host · Writer

60. UCLA Bruins
The UCLA Bruins won four of their final six games in the first season for head coach DeShaun Foster. The headline entering the 2025 season is the addition of Nico Iamaleava, but the defensive improvement over last season and entering this season is worth keeping an eye on as well. The top contributors from last season are gone, and the Bruins chose to focus on internal development up front instead of getting players through the portal. Is that gamble going to pay off? They didn’t ignore the portal, though, choosing to bring in multiple players in the secondary, and a few of them will likely start next to returning safety Croix Stewart.

Top Defensive Transfer: Ben Perry - Safety

Week One: Utah at UCLA (+6.5)
1. Ohio State Buckeyes
The Ohio State defense was completely dominant towards the backend of the 2024 season, and despite several personnel losses and a new defensive coordinator in Columbus, the “Silver Bullets” are the top defense in the country. Matt Patricia steps in after Jim Knowles left for Penn State, but don’t expect much to change in how the Buckeyes approach things on that side of the ball. However, the personnel changes could have a much bigger impact, as Ohio State has to replace the starting defensive line. Veterans who have waited their turn, guys like Caden Curry and Kenyatta Jackson Jr., will finally become starters, and defensive tackle Eddrick Houston is a potential star. Still, this group has some question marks. The rest of the defense looks much more solid with guys like Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese at linebacker, several blue-chip recruits ready to join Davison Igbinosun at cornerback, and superstar Caleb Downs at safety.

Top Transfer on Defense: EDGE Beau Atkinson
2. Texas Longhorns
Texas allowed only 15.3 points per game in 2024, and no one is acquiring talent, via high school and the portal, at a higher level than Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns. They have a lot of quality players to replace, but Texas returns some terrific talent and can reload with more blue-chip prospects ready to become stars. “I think more importantly is who we are on defense and the growth of who we have been as a defensive team from Year 1 through Year 4. Going into Year 5, we have real playmakers on the defensive side of the ball,” Sarkisian told the media in April. Anthony Hill, Colin Simmons, and Trey Moore all look like surefire future early NFL Draft picks. Five defensive starters return, along with several other players with plenty of experience in 2024.

Top Transfer on Defense: IDL Maraad Watson
3. Tennessee Volunteers
As Josh Heupel enters year number five in Knoxville, the biggest surprise might be that the defense is the unit for Tennessee that is on much more solid footing. Defensive coordinator Tim Banks is one of the brightest assistant coaches in the country, and they return eight starters from one of the better defenses in 2024. The pass rush will be the area that causes some concern after James Pearce Jr. and Omarr Norman-Lott were selected early in the NFL Draft (first and second round, respectively). Tennessee plays a lot of bodies upfront, which means they have players with experience who can step into larger roles now. Arion Carter was the team’s leading tackler in 2024 and leads the linebackers again, and star cornerback Jermod McCoy, if he is healthy, is one of the best secondary players in the SEC.

Top Transfer on Defense: IDL Redd Hibbler
4. Indiana Hoosiers
This is not a typo. The Indiana Hoosiers had the best rushing defense in the country in 2024 and allowed only 15.6 points per game and just 256.3 yards per game. It was a ridiculous turnaround engineered by defensive coordinator Bryant Haines and head coach Curt Cignetti. IU lost defensive lineman CJ West to the NFL, and it will be tough to replace ultra-athletic linebacker Jailin Walker. Still, Indiana returns an All-American player at each level of the defense: Mikail Kamara is on the line, Aiden Fisher is at linebacker, and D’Angelo Ponds is in the secondary at cornerback. Add in established returning players like Amare Ferrell and another good portal haul with proven and productive players ready to fill roles, and the Hoosiers should be good on defense again.

Top Transfer on Defense: CB Amariyun Knighten
5. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Lost in the discourse surrounding how great Notre Dame’s running game was and how tough Riley Leonard was at quarterback was just how good the Fighting Irish were on defense a season ago. The Irish only surrendered 15.5 points per game and were solid against the run and the pass. Chris Ash is the new defensive coordinator after Al Golden left, but the Irish have recruited well under Marcus Freeman, and they should be even deeper than they were a season ago. Drayk Bowen is a fantastic MIKE linebacker, and guys like Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa and Jaylen Sneed give them excellent options around him. Adon Shuler is one of the best safeties in the country, and Notre Dame will be as good as anyone at cornerback.

Top Transfer on Defense: S DeVonta Smith
6. Clemson Tigers
Tom Allen takes over as the defensive coordinator for the Clemson Tigers after an uneven defensive performance in 2024. Allen left Penn State after another strong showing and has a lot of talent to work with at Clemson. The defensive line is stout with Peter Woods and T.J. Parker forming a dynamic inside-outside duo. They have a budding star at linebacker, Sammy Brown, plus the reliable Wade Woodaz. The secondary has a lot of talent, and safety Khalil Barnes stands out. The biggest issue in 2024 was run defense, which is something Allen should be able to fix pretty quickly. If this unit improves from what they were a season ago, Clemson becomes a genuine title contender.

Top Transfer on Defense: EDGE Will Heldt
7. Oregon Ducks
Dan Lanning continues to recruit at an elite level, and the Oregon Ducks will be a threat until that changes. They lost some pieces, but they have some stars at each level of the defense. On the defensive line, Matayo Uiagalelei is an elite pass rusher, and the Ducks have several redshirt freshmen and sophomores behind him ready for a chance to shine (Elijah Rushing is a name to know). Bear Alexander has a bunch of talent, and early buzz from Eugene suggests he knows it is now or never and that Lanning and his staff are getting the best out of him thus far. If he plays up to his potential, he’s one of the best interior linemen in the nation. The linebackers are excellent, and Purdue transfer Dillon Thieneman is expected to be a rock at safety, helping to strengthen an otherwise relatively young secondary.

Top Transfer on Defense: S Dillon Thieneman
8. BYU Cougars
The BYU Cougars were an anomaly in a league full of potent offenses and pedestrian defenses. The Cougars were 13th nationally in total defense and return a ton of production ahead of the 2025 season. Kalani Sitake is a great coach, underappreciated nationally, and the Cougars return four of their top five tacklers and enter the season with a real chance to make the College Football Playoff. Isaiah Glasker had the most tackles for loss in the conference, and BYU is full of experienced and veteran players. They are expected to start five seniors and four redshirt juniors.

Top Transfer on Defense: IDL Keanu Tanuvasa
9. Minnesota Golden Gophers
Ohio State, Penn State, and Oregon get a ton of attention from Big Ten fans for their defensive acumen. Indiana and Illinois got some love last season as well. Deservedly so. Don’t sleep on the Minnesota Golden Gophers. PJ Fleck’s squad was fifth in the country in total defense and ninth in scoring defense. The Gophers lost a few pieces, but they should be nearly equal to what they produced in 2024. Maverick Baranowski has a great name and is a terrific linebacker, joined by Jeff Roberson from Oklahoma State and Devon Williams. The defensive tackles were superb against the run and occupied blockers so Anthony Smith could rush the passer. The Gophers lost a pair of good secondary players, but Koi Perich is a budding star, and he’s back to lead that group.

Top Transfer on Defense: EDGE Steven Curtis
10. Penn State Nittany Lions
Jim Knowles jumping from Ohio State to Penn State was not on my offseason bingo card, but college football never ceases to surprise. Tom Allen left for Clemson, and Knowles wanted out at Ohio State after not getting an extension offer early enough for his liking. He contacted Penn State’s James Franklin, and the PSU head coach jumped at the opportunity. PSU loses Abdul Carter, and you don’t get better after losing a talent like him, but they do have plenty of good pieces returning. Dani Dennis-Sutton is back at defensive end. Zane Durant is a tremendous force at defensive tackle, but the other pieces of the interior defensive line are largely unproven. The secondary should be pretty good, albeit a bit thin and unproven at cornerback. The most significant question mark is, surprisingly, linebacker. Penn State is known for having excellent linebackers, but that doesn’t appear to be the case this year, and they are searching for answers heading into the summer.

Top Transfer on Defense: LB Amare Campbell
11. Alabama Crimson Tide
The Alabama Crimson Tide did not live up to the defensive standard set by Nick Saban’s teams. Still, Kane Wommack’s first season as the defensive coordinator was relatively successful, and there is reason to believe that 2025 will be better. The former South Alabama head coach played a lot of young players in the secondary. They are back with more experience for this coming season. LT Overton, Tim Keenan, and James Smith are all back on the line. Deontae Lawson received an injury redshirt, and he chose to forego the NFL Draft to lead the linebacker unit. They got safety Keon Sabb back from a broken leg. If Sabb can stay healthy, he’s one of the best safeties in the country. Anything but a top ten finish as a unit would be a disappointment for the Crimson Tide.

Top Transfer on Defense: CB Cameron Calhoun
12. Georgia Bulldogs
The Georgia Bulldogs were not “bad” on defense in 2024, but were well below the standards held by Kirby Smart and the UGA fan base. They surrendered 20.6 points per game and gave up 329.9 yards per game after a rebuild, following another exodus to the NFL Draft. After this past season, there was more talent defection, but Smart’s past tells you he won’t tolerate another down year on defense in Athens. Christen Miller and Xzavier McLeod, plus five-star freshman Elijah Griffin, should be stout at defensive tackle, and Gabe Harris offers many tools as a pass rusher. Elo Modozie is a transfer from Army, and there is a belief that he’ll be a force at outside linebacker along with a pair of returning starters at the other LB spots. The secondary should be better, and KJ Bolden is a rising star at free safety.

Top Transfer on Defense: EDGE Elo Modozie
13. Iowa Hawkeyes
The Iowa Hawkeyes are always good on defense under Kirk Ferentz. We will continue to assume that will be the case until it is proven wrong, and they have a couple of returning studs to add confidence to the defense for 2025. Aaron Graves is the standout on the defensive line and will be one of the better tackles in the country. Max Llewellyn and Ethan Hurkett form a solid, if unspectacular, pair of defensive ends. The other defensive tackle spot is an unknown that could turn into a problem. Jaden Harrell is the next outstanding linebacker for the Hawkeyes, and Karson Sharar emerged as another good outside linebacker. The secondary is inexperienced, but Norm Parker gets the benefit of the doubt as one of the nation’s best defensive coordinators.

Top Transfer on Defense: IDL Bryce Hawthorne
14. Oklahoma Sooners
Oklahoma’s struggles thus far in the Brent Venables era cannot be laid at the feet of the defense. The unit has not been elite, but they have been good enough to be competitive, and would be much better if the offense could be competent. That should be the case in 2025, as John Mateer should take a ton of pressure off the defense. Mason Thomas, Marvin Jones Jr., and Danny Okoye are good pass rushers on the edge, and Jayden Jackson is an emerging force at defensive tackle, giving the Sooners one of the SEC’s top defensive lines. Kobie McKinzie leads an improved group of linebackers, and the secondary should be adequate. A jump in defensive ranking is expected in Norman, and if that fails to transpire, time could be up for Venables.

Top Transfer on Defense: EDGE Marvin Jones Jr.
15. Illinois Fighting Illini
The Illinois Fighting Illini are getting a ton of hype as a College Football Playoff contender in 2025. That stems from a favorable schedule and a strong base of returning production. The Illini’s reputation on defense has been somewhat inflated as we get further away from the 2024 season. Still, Illinois does return some very talented defensive pieces that offer reason for the buzz. Gabe Jacas would have been a relatively early NFL Draft pick, but he elected to return and lead the pass rush, and they landed transfers from Wisconsin and Florida State to bolster depth on the line around him. Kenenna Odeluga was injured for much of 2024, but Illinois believes he is ready to lead the linebackers in 2025.

Top Transfer on Defense: IDL James Thompson Jr.
16. Ole Miss Rebels
Do you know who led the nation in sacks and tackles for loss in 2024? Georgia? No. Ohio State? Nope. Miami, right? Ha, just kidding! If you guessed Ole Miss, you win nothing, but you are correct!

The Ole Miss Rebels were first in the country in sacks and tackles for loss and 14th overall in total defense. Although the Rebels missed the CFP, the defense had an impressive season.

Walter Nolen and JJ Pegues are impossible to replace, but the Rebels continue to recruit well. Mammoth interior lineman Zxavian Harris, plus former blue-chippers Princewill Umanmielen, Da’Shawn Womack, and William Echoles, are a good start. The linebackers are a strength, and they did well in the transfer portal with defensive backs. They won’t top the nation in sacks, but the defense should still be pretty good.

Top Transfer on Defense: EDGE Princewill Umanmielen
17. Michigan Wolverines
The Michigan Wolverines were one of the 10 or 15 best defenses in the country in 2024, but they were not immovable. They lost some truly elite players, especially up front. They won’t fall too far, though.

Defensive coordinator Wink Martindale flirted with a return to the NFL but opted to return, and he’ll lean heavily on edge rusher Derrick Moore. Moore should be one of the nation’s best pass rushers. Jaishawn Barham and Ernest Hausmann are very solid at linebacker, and the secondary is full of potential. The unit got a glimpse at the future in last season’s bowl game against Alabama, and they impressed.

Top Transfer on Defense: IDL Tré Williams
18. South Carolina Gamecocks
The South Carolina defense finished 12th in the country in scoring defense and 16th in total defense, consistently putting the Gamecocks in a position to win. They very nearly reached the College Football Playoff before finishing just outside and losing in the Cheez-It Bowl to Illinois.

Kyle Kennard is gone, and that’s a huge loss, but Dylan Stewart is a bona fide star, while Bryan Thomas and Demon Clowney should form a good pairing opposite him. The secondary is solid with plenty of experience, but the linebacker unit could be a concern as it relies on unproven transfers.

Top Transfer on Defense: CB Brandon Cisse
19. Nebraska Cornhuskers
Defensive coordinator Tony White bolted for Florida State, and that is a huge loss that cannot be overlooked. That being said, Matt Rhule has continued to raise the talent base for the Nebraska Cornhuskers, and this is historically the season (Year 3) in which Rhule’s teams break through.

The interior of the defensive line is stout, but they are relying on former five-star recruit Williams Nwaneri to live up to the hype, something he did not do as a freshman at Missouri. The linebacker corps is deep and has a lot of decent quality, albeit no surefire stars. The strength of this defense should be the secondary, with a really good blend of experience and talent.

There are plenty of question marks, but Nebraska should have enough answers to be solid on this side of the ball.

Top Transfer on Defense: EDGE Williams Nwaneri
20. Northern Illinois Huskies
Northern Illinois famously beat Notre Dame last season, but that was not the only thing they accomplished in 2024. The Huskies limited opponents to just 284.6 yards per game (fourth best in the nation) and only 18.5 points per game.

Unfortunately for NIU, graduation and the transfer portal raided the team, and the core of the stellar defense is largely gone heading into 2025, the team’s last year in the MAC. That doesn’t mean they’ll fall apart on D.

Thomas Hammock is consistently good on this side of the ball, and they do still have some pieces. Roy Williams is one of the best edge players in the league, and they did nice work in the transfer portal. Middle linebacker Quinn Urwiler should lead the team in tackles, and Jacob Finley is a solid corner.

The Huskies won’t be a top-five unit again, but they should still be pretty good.

Top Transfer on Defense: EDGE Dasean Dixon
21. Florida Gators
Florida’s 2024 season got off to a dreadful start and the young defense certainly played a role in the struggles as they were shellacked by Miami and Texas A&M. That written, the young players grew up in the back half of the campaign and the 2025 edition of Billy Napier’s squad should see the dividends of all of those guys getting experience. The defensive line and linebacker corps are loaded with blue-chip prospects like Myles Graham (linebacker), LJ McCray (defensive line), and Grayson Howard (linebacker), who are each capable of earning All-SEC honors. Keeping cornerback Devin Moore healthy is key for Florida’s defense.

Top Transfer on Defense: S Michael Caraway Jr.
22. Auburn Tigers
Much like Florida and Billy Napier, this is a “make or break” season for the Auburn Tigers and Hugh Freeze. Despite an offense that consistently turned the ball over and put the defense into tough spots, the Tigers ranked 28th nationally in points allowed and were a top-ten rushing defense. They lost their leading tackler and one of their best pass-rushers, but there are reasons to hope for more of the same in 2025. Keldric Faulk is one of the SEC’s top sack artists, and the secondary will be one of the nation’s best with most every contributor returning and one of the best defensive players in the MAC being added. The most significant question mark will be whether or not the new defensive tackles can live up to the standard set against the run in 2024.

Top Transfer on Defense: CB Raion Strader
23. Utah Utes
The Utah Utes had a down year in 2024. Kyle Whittingham has already named a successor, and his time left as the head coach is limited, so there is a real sense of urgency in Salt Lake City. They have, quite possibly, the best linebacker group in the Big 12, and Logan Fano is an outstanding defensive end. The Utes also have a pair of veterans in the secondary with all-conference potential. How is Utah’s depth, though? They look pretty thin on the defensive line and at cornerback, which could be a concern, particularly if they are hit again with the injury bug.

Top Transfer on Defense: CB Blake Cotton
24. Tulane Green Wave
Jon Sumrall is a heck of a coach, and keeping him at Tulane for another season was a coup for the Tulane Green Wave. If the Green Wave kept their roster intact, they would be a clear top 25 team and the favorite to be the Group of Five representative in the College Football Playoff. Instead, the transfer portal gutted the roster, and they lost their starting quarterback, star running back, top tight end, top three wide receivers, and a couple of defensive starters. Sumrall said thusly, “When you have a – call it a couple-million-dollar roster versus a $15 million roster, you’re going sometimes into a gun fight with a knife.” At least his defense is going to provide a very sharp blade. The defensive line should be even better than in 2024, and I’d expect a powerful team against the run. Most of the linebacker corps and secondary are back, and Tulane allowed only 177 yards per game through the air. They get an early chance to show off with a home game against Northwestern in Week 1 and the return of Darian Mensah with Duke on September 13.

Top Transfer on Defense: IDL Satana Hopper
25. Missouri Tigers
The Missouri Tigers were a top 20 defense in 2024 and return seven starters for the 2025 campaign. In addition, the Tigers added the Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year (from West Virginia) and UNLV star safety Jalen Catalon via the transfer portal. The pass rush was a strength in 2024, and it’s unknown if the transfer portal additions can replace the players lost. Still, defensive tackle Chris McClellan and linebacker Triston Newson are all-SEC caliber players. Missouri has as easy a schedule as possible in the rugged SEC.

Top Transfer on Defense: EDGE Damon Wilson II
26. Army Black Knights
The Army Black Knights only allowed 297.9 yards per game and just 15.5 points per game in 2024. Those are elite numbers. Sure, the defense is helped substantially by the offensive style and the fact that Army typically wins the time of possession battle every week, but Jeff Monken knows how to coach defense, and they deserve credit. The Black Knights lost a key piece at each level of the defense with Kyle Lewis and Max DiDomenico graduating and star linebacker Elo Modozie transferring to Georgia. Those are heavy losses, and Army doesn’t add players from the transfer portal, so the players that step up and fill the void will need to be “in-house” options. Andon Thomas was the leading tackler on the team in 2024. He’s back at inside linebacker while safety Casey Larkin seems ready to step up as the leader of the secondary. The defensive line has enough answers to avoid a significant drop-off, and Army has not allowed more than 23 points per game since 2015, so it’s a near guarantee that the Black Knights will be solid on defense again.

Top Transfer on Defense: None
27. Arizona State Sun Devils
Arizona State probably should have featured earlier on this list. There is a significant concern in replacing defensive MVP Shamari Simmons, but beyond that, the Sun Devils have many reasons for optimism. They led the Big 12 in rushing defense in 2024 and brought back nine starters for a season with high hopes. The pass rush has to be more effective with Clayton Smith, one of the players who must do more. The three all-conference players (Xavion Alford, C.J. Fite, and Keyshaun Elliott) will lead the way, and the young secondary will now be a year bigger and stronger. Kenny Dillingham has the sun and the fun rising in Tempe.

Top Transfer on Defense: CB Nyland Green
28. Kansas State Wildcats
Kansas State has issues in the secondary with only one proven player returning (VJ Payne at safety) at the back end of the defense. That could bring this unit down, but the defensive line and linebacker corps should be at or near the top of the Big 12. Austin Romaine is probably the best linebacker in the league, and he’s one of the better ones in the country, while defensive end Tobi Osunsanmi could lead the league in sacks. The secondary is the big question mark, and how well the Wildcats have fixed that group (an issue in 2024) will determine how successful Kansas State can be this season.

Top Transfer on Defense: EDGE Jayshawn Ross
29. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
I have not been shy about how highly I think of Georgia Tech’s potential as an ACC sleeper in 2025. They lost their defensive coordinator, but Blake Gideon (an assistant at Texas) is well thought of, so they should not miss a beat on the coaching side. The defense is revamped a bit, and the line is probably the team's strength, as you would expect under head coach Brent Key. Key believes in GT being the toughest team in the fight, embracing physicality and contact. Four incoming transfers will feature up front. The secondary does not have any individual standouts, but this is a veteran and experienced group, and they should be able to pull in more than the five interceptions they had a season ago.

Top Transfer on Defense: EDGE A.J. Hoffler
30. Houston Cougars
Head coach Willie Fritz is not accustomed to losing, so don’t expect the Houston Cougars to stay in the basement of the Big 12 for long. The defense was certainly better than the offense last season, and they were in good shape until a couple of late spring defections from the secondary. Those losses turn the secondary from a strength into a question mark. The defensive line and pass rush should be pretty good with Carlos Allen Jr. back at nose tackle and Brandon Mack and Eddie Walls III on the edge. The two starting linebackers are returning from injuries, and Fritz is counting on them to be healthy and ready to contribute at a high level.

Top Transfer on Defense: CB Zelmar Vedder
31. SMU Mustangs
The SMU Mustangs were a big surprise a season ago and rode a smashingly successful regular season to a near win in the ACC Championship Game and then a loss at Penn State in the College Football Playoff. The Mustangs were outstanding on offense but the defense definitely was not awful. They allowed 22.1 points per game and just 326 yards per contest. The run defense was the real standout with just 100.2 yards per game allowed. Safeties Isaiah Nwokobia and Ahmaad Moses are probably the heart of this defense. That duo is as good as most any in the country. The top two linebackers are both gone so there are question marks in the middle of the defense but the pass rush should be really good again. I’d expect the pass defense to be a bit better but the run defense probably takes a small step back.

Top Transfer on Defense: EDGE DJ Warner
32. LSU Tigers
LSU’s defense has not been good enough for multiple seasons now but they took a step forward last year in the first season for defensive coordinator Blake Baker and a major leap is expected in 2025. After hesitancy to invest via the transfer portal previously, the Tigers jumped in with two feet this past offseason and have added some really good players on each level of the defense. Patrick Payton is a big addition to bolster an already promising pass rush and defensive tackle Sydir Mitchell is a massive (6’6”/355 pounds) space-eater at tackle. The cornerbacks and safeties are young and very talented and then added Mansoor Delane from Virginia Tech to add veteran quality. Whit Weeks is the heart of the defense and he’s back and if Harold Perkins Jr. is healthy, this unit is going to be potentially much better.

Top Transfer on Defense: EDGE Patrick Payton
33. Washington Huskies
Can former Purdue head coach Ryan Walters get back to being one of the nation’s best defensive coordinators? He stood out in that role at Illinois and is now back in that spot at Washington for a Huskies team getting buzz as a sleeper in the Big Ten. A pair of players that were injured most of last season will hopefully be able to lead the pass rush (Russell Davis and Zach Durfee) but they did lose their top two tacklers. That means it was shopping time and UW grabbed a number of players to try and bolster depth. The biggest addition is 350-pound Simote Pepa from Utah but the best addition is former Arizona cornerback Tacario Davis.

Top Transfer on Defense: CB Tacario Davis
34. Miami Hurricanes
Much like LSU, the Miami Hurricanes have struggled on defense recently but their fans and coaches are hoping that talent acquisition is getting ready to solve that problem in 2025. Rueben Bain is an absolute stud and if he’s healthy this season, he could work himself into top ten draft pick conversations. The rest of the defensive line is pretty solid with Ahkeem Mesidor as the returning standout. Francisco Mauigoa is a big departure but Miami was confident enough in what is returning and they have recruited well enough there to develop some good fill-ins. Whether or not the secondary has improved enough is going to be the major question mark for the Hurricanes. They were shredded through the air, at times, in 2024 and there is a brand new set of safeties.

Top Transfer on Defense: CB Xavier Lucas
35. James Madison Dukes
Despite losing a ton of talent via the transfer portal to Indiana University, James Madison’s defense still led the Sun Belt in both total and scoring defense. Immanuel Bush is one of the best defensive players in the league and he’s back for another season and they are relying on Notre Dame transfer Aiden Gobaira to get healthy to help the pass rush. The secondary should be pretty good again and the linebackers are a veteran group. Outside of Bush, nothing really stands out as great but this should again be one of the best defenses in the Group of Five.

Top Transfer on Defense: CB Elijah Culp
36. Louisville Cardinals
The Louisville Cardinals surrendered an average of 24.1 points per game in 2024. That was primarily due to their inability to stop most good passing attacks that they encountered. They were just 100^th nationally in passing yards allowed per game and 87^th in pass efficiency defense, and now they have to replace their best cornerback and top pass rusher.

The defensive line and secondary have been revamped through the transfer portal, and Jeff Brohm must hope those additions are upgrades. The linebacker position will be a real strength, with both starting linebackers and the primary backups returning, as well as a Tennessee transfer being added. This won’t be a great defense, but they could be good enough to help Louisville challenge for the ACC title.

Top Transfer on Defense: S Corey Gordon Jr.
37. Iowa State Cyclones
Iowa State’s defense was not quite as good as people have come to expect from Matt Campbell’s teams, but linebacker Caleb Bacon missed the entirety of the season, and there is hope in Ames that this year’s unit should be better.

The biggest need was to improve the pass rush after Iowa State was near the bottom of the league in quarterback pressures. The secondary should be strong, the linebackers should be strong, but have the transfer portal additions on the edge fixed the biggest weakness this team had a season ago?

Top Transfer on Defense: CB Tre Bell
38. Texas A&M Aggies
Texas A&M was 8-4 in its first regular season under Mike Elko, but then blew a 17-point lead in the second half to USC and finished with an 8-5 record that felt like it should have been better. Mike Elko is proud of the way his teams defend, and he was not at all pleased with the 2024 version of the Aggies on that side of the ball. He is taking over playcalling on defense so that should improve some things but the personnel is a concern.

Texas A&M lacks clear answers on the defensive line, and they may struggle to pressure opposing quarterbacks, potentially getting pushed around. The secondary does look pretty good, but getting a top-half SEC defense from this group will take a great coaching job from Mike Elko.

Top Transfer on Defense: CB Julian Humphrey
39. Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Rutgers fell off a bit on defense in 2024, surrendering 25.4 points per game and nearly 400 yards per contest. Those are not good numbers for any team, particularly one coached by Greg Schiano against a favorable schedule. There were plenty of injuries and Schiano could have hoped the Scarlet Knights would improve with those guys back but he went to the transfer portal and brought in a pair of starters in the secondary and potentially impactful players at edge from the Group of Five level.

Bradley Weaver (Ohio) is a real wildcard, as we’ve seen productive MAC players move up to the Big Ten with success previously. Rutgers has several new assistants on defense, so it will be interesting to see how they adjust to the new leadership.

Top Transfer on Defense: EDGE Bradley Weaver
40. Kentucky Wildcats
The Mark Stoops era in Lexington feels like it is teetering on its last legs. Stoops is known for being a good defensive coach, and he’ll need to find that magic in 2025, as the offense does not look promising. 2024’s defense was filled with young players, and the hope for the Wildcats is that they can improve after getting playing time last season.

Important transfers were added to the defensive line, with three potential starters joining a group that desperately needed to make more plays. Even in a down year, the Kentucky Wildcats gave up only 22.1 points per game last season, so the floor on defense is still reasonably high in Lexington.

Top Transfer on Defense: IDL David Gusta
41. USC Trojans
The USC Trojans were not good on defense in 2024. They allowed an average of 24.1 points per game but that was a gigantic step forward in the first season under defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn. The Trojans were a disaster on that side of the ball in 2023, giving up 34.4 points per game and 6.1 yards per play. USC is primed to take another step after keeping Lynn in town and investing in the transfer portal. The defensive line is bigger and a year older. “Across the board, interior, on the edge, the size, the strength, just the quality of depth and competition, you definitely feel that,” head coach Lincoln Riley said. The main cause for concern would be in the secondary besides safety Kamari Ramsey.

Top Transfer on Defense: IDL Keeshawn Silver
42. Northwestern Wildcats
The Northwestern Wildcats' defense got absolutely no help at all from the offense in 2024. Preston Stone is in at quarterback, and there’s hope the offense can improve enough to at least avoid being an anchor for the defense. The defensive line returns both ends, and leading tackler Mac Uihlein will be joined at linebacker by Purdue transfer Yanni Karlaftis. The secondary is probably going to be a strength with Fred Davis coming from Jacksonville State and returning safety Damon Walters. I am not sure if the interior of the line is big enough or deep enough to hold up against the bigger lines in the Big Ten.

Top Transfer on Defense: S Dillon Tatum
43. Vanderbilt Commodores
Vanderbilt’s quarterback and tight end got all the headlines in 2024 and both Diego Pavia and Eli Stowers are back to lead the team in 2025. It will take more than those two for the Commodores to repeat the success the team had last season. The defense allowed opponents to convert 48 percent of third-down attempts, and that absolutely has to improve. The linebackers should be the strength of the team, with a trio of good players ready to patrol the middle. Randon Fontenette and CJ Heard are good safeties, and Vanderbilt has the size you want in the interior of the line. The potential weaknesses come in at the cornerback position and the lack of a pass rush. The latter was a problem last season, and there have not been any additions that would allay that weakness.

Top Transfer on Defense:EDGE Keanu Koht
44. Texas Tech Red Raiders
Texas Tech in 2024 had the offense to contend at the top of the Big 12 but the defense was a disaster that wrecked any hope of really competing for a league title. Shiel Wood was brought in as defensive coordinator but it’s the additions in the transfer portal that will make or break the season in Lubbock. The top two linebackers return but the rest of the lineup will be players that came from the portal. The secondary added four new starters and some depth. Guys like Romello Height (Georgia Tech) and David Bailey (Stanford) should improve a pass rush that was 99^th in sacks a season ago. The Red Raiders have some very rich boosters who are investing a lot in this team’s improvement, and they are banking on the defense improving a great deal this season.

Top Transfer on Defense: EDGE David Bailey
45. Wisconsin Badgers
Luke Fickell might not be “on the hot seat” entering the 2025 season but man, he better get things going in Madison or his job situation could be really interesting. Wisconsin’s offense has been scrutinized since the hiring of coordinator Phil Longo but the defense has been an equal problem for the Badgers. They were last in the nation in tackles for loss. Dead last! Charles Perkins from Georgia Tech and Corey Walker from Western Michigan are tasked with improving the pass rush, but the interior of the line was gutted by outgoing transfers. The secondary should be a strength to lean on, though, particularly at cornerback with Ricardo Hallman and Nyzier Fourqurean.

Top Transfer on Defense: EDGE Tyreese Fearby
46. Michigan State Spartans
The Michigan State Spartans allowed 28.5 points per game in 2024 and had a rough first season under new head coach Jonathan Smith after poaching him from Oregon State. The biggest issue for the defense was a lack of pressure on the quarterback. MSU only had five sacks in Big Ten play and three of those came against the cellar-dwelling Purdue Boilermakers. The Spartans were unable to land any transfers that seem to instantly cure that problem and they are counting on internal development. The rest of the defense is more promising with a good group of safeties and linebackers, some really good size on the interior of the line and solid corners from the transfer portal.

Top Transfer on Defense: CB Joshua Eaton (Texas State)
47. Colorado Buffaloes
Colorado’s defense took a massive step forward from 2023 to 2024. They led the Big 12 in sacks and tackles for loss and were eighth in the nation in turnover margin. Of course, having the Heisman Trophy winner at cornerback certainly helps but there is a lot of talent returning to Boulder and there is reason for optimism. Colorado is big on the defensive line and Alabama transfer Jeheim Oatis is a difference-maker while the outside linebackers bring the pressure in this defensive scheme. DJ McKinney won’t replicate Travis Hunter, but he is a top corner, and the pass defense should not fall off a cliff.

Top Defensive Transfer: Jeheim Oatis
48. Navy Midshipmen
Navy’s ball control offense surely aids their defensive numbers, but they are still a solid unit, and that really strong offense is back to help again. The secondary lost two players who were among the best in the American Athletic Conference, but the front and middle of the defense are pretty strong. That includes big nose tackle Landon Robinson, an All-AAC candidate. They really need the pass rush to produce and are counting on Luke Pirris to cause havoc off the edge.
49. Miami (OH) RedHawks
Chuck Martin’s Miami RedHawks are almost always really solid on defense and despite major roster turnover, I am expecting more of the same. In 2024, they allowed only 18.8 points per game and would be a top 25 defense if they held onto their personnel but that’s rarely a luxury MAC schools have and Chuck Martin has to carve a new defense. The secondary will be good with both starting safeties back and good options at cornerback. The defensive line is the largest concern as they are undersized in the middle and unproven on the edge.

Top Defensive Transfer: Bai Jobe - EDGE - Kansas
50. Liberty Flames
The Liberty Flames have more resources and overall talent than their cohorts in Conference USA. There is a very real gap between them and everyone else in the league and it would not be shocking to see the Flames try and get out of the CUSA in the near future. That written, there are concerns about the defense after they lost a lot of talent on the line to the transfer portal. CJ Bazile and FSU transfer Aaron Hester will be counted on to improve the pass rush (an issue in 2024). Joseph Carter is one of the best linebackers in the conference, and the starting corners are back after being a team strength last season.

Top Transfer on Defense: Aaron Hester - EDGE - FSU
51. Duke Blue Devils
Manny Diaz is a defensive-minded head coach, and it’s hard to envision Duke’s defense being anything other than rock solid. Wesley Williams and Vincent Anthony Jr. form one of the ACC’s better pass rushing duos, and the middle of the line is big enough to be stout against the run. The rest of the defense is more of a question mark. Terry Moore is really good at one safety, but they are relying on Caleb Weaver from Sam Houston to step in and start right away, and there’s not proven depth beyond that, and the linebackers have to replace the team’s top two tacklers.

Top Defensive Transfer: Caleb Weaver - Safety

2025 Win Total: 6.5
52. Florida State Seminoles
Florida State has to bounce back from a disastrous 2024 season. If they cannot do so adequately, head coach Mike Norvell will likely be shown the exit door. As is regularly the case, Norvell is attempting to fix the roster almost exclusively through the transfer portal. Massive Darrell Jackson is back at nose tackle, but the rest of the starters will be newcomers. The safeties should be a strength with Shyheim Brown and K.J. Kirkland both returning, and I like the additions at linebacker, but cornerback is a potentially fatal flaw. They are relying on either underperforming transfers or very young recruits to fill every spot in the rotation.

Top Defensive Transfer: Stefon Thompson - LB

2025 Win Total: 7.5
53. Baylor Bears
The Baylor Bears have a strong offense and a potentially stout defense that could lead to a charge towards the Big 12 title. Unfortunately, the schedule is really tough and that could hamper hopes of a push for the College Football Playoff. Dave Aranda has struggled to field consistently good defenses but the 2025 group has a lot of experience. Watch for defensive tackle Samu Taumanupepe from Texas A&M, he’s 345 pounds and hard to miss! The safeties are outstanding and very experienced, and the linebacker corps reloaded in the portal to join All-Big 12 player Keaton Thomas. It all needs to click, and it's now or never for Aranda in Waco.

Top Defensive Transfer: Matthew Fobbs-White - EDGE

2025 Win Total: 7.5
54. North Carolina Tar Heels
Bill Belichick and his son, Steve Belichick, are bright defensive minds (in Bill’s case, one of the brightest in history) and they are tasked with piecing together a strong defense from a bunch of transfers and holdovers in Chapel Hill. Basically every player in the front seven will be new from the portal and the main concern is whether or not the defensive line is big enough to hold up against the run. The skepticism is legitimate but the secondary should be pretty good with a good set of safeties and Thaddeus Dixon following Steve Belichick from Washington to lock up one corner spot. It seems odd to write that Bill Belichick will struggle to field a good defense but that appears the most likely outcome in 2025.

Top Defensive Transfer: Thaddeus Dixon - CB

2025 Win Total: 7.5
55. North Carolina State Wolfpack
After years of steady defense under Dave Doeren, the NC State defense collapsed in 2024. They gave up more than 50 points to both Tennessee and Clemson and allowed the most points in Raleigh since 1996. There’s a new defensive coordinator, and Doeren has to replace last season’s best sack artist. Leading tackler Sean Brown is back to lead the linebacker corps, and Cian Slone is a promising addition from Utah State. The secondary should be alright and has the potential to be quite good with promising transfers brought in at each spot. How much improvement is seen will come down to whether or not the pass rush is fixed at all.

Top Defensive Transfer: Cian Slone - LB

2025 Win Total: 6.5
56. Virginia Tech Hokies
The Virginia Tech Hokies were alright on defense in 2024, surrendering 22.8 points per game, and when the defense held opponents to less than 24 points, the Hokies were 6-0. If the reverse happened, VT failed to win and went 0-7. Brent Pry knows his job is on the line, and he’s brought in a new defensive coordinator to try and take the unit from solid to good as Sam Siefkes comes in from the NFL. The defensive line should be good again with the return of Kelvin Gilliam and a few portal additions, and the linebacker corps is the team’s best position, but the secondary is the major question mark. The top cornerback and safety from 2024 are both gone, and they are relying on transfers and unknown younger players to fill in.

Top Defensive Transfer: Isaiah Cash - Safety

Week One: South Carolina vs. Virginia Tech (+7.5)
57. Boston College Eagles
Star defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku is off to the NFL, and it will be impossible to fully replace his 16.5 sacks and overall impact. Still, the Eagles hit the transfer portal and brought in eight players along the front seven of the defense to try and fill the gaps. The strength of the defense should be the secondary, as Amari Jackson returns after an injury kept him out of the 2024 season, and the two starting cornerbacks from last season are back to join him. The safeties should be among the best in the ACC. Whether or not Boston College exceeds this ranking will come down to how well they can figure out how to move on from the absence of their star playmaker, who got so much attention from opposing offenses.

Top Defensive Transfer: Jason Hewlett Jr. - LB
58. Arkansas Razorbacks
Sam Pittman’s job is on the line in 2025, and while a lot of attention is paid to the offense and coordinator Bobby Petrino, the defense has to make a jump after a very mediocre 2024 campaign. Star pass rusher Landon Jackson is now with the Buffalo Bills, and that means the pass rush is a potential weakness. The interior of the line is not as the Razorbacks have a trio of massive individuals, including the 387-pound Ian Geffrard, to clog the middle and stop the run. The linebackers are okay and could be quite good if blue-chip recruit Tavion Wallace can contribute early. Can the secondary improve with the additions from the portal?

Top Defensive Preview: Julian Neal - CB

2025 Win Totals: 5.5
59. Cincinnati Bearcats
How do you define success at Cincinnati now that the Bearcats are in a Power Four Conference as members of the Big 12? The fan base and administration can still remember the Brian Kelly era and the Luke Fickell era, but it’s so much tougher to compete at that level now than it was in the American Athletic Conference or Conference USA. The 2024 defense was not bad, but they had to fight through substantial injuries on the defensive line and are hopeful that a healthier line can lead to improvement in 2025. Dontay Corleone is one of the best defensive linemen in the country, and certainly in the Big 12, and they invested in the portal to try and improve the pass rush. Both starting linebackers are back, and that should be a strength, but it’s the transfer portal additions in the secondary that will determine how much this unit can improve.

Top Defensive Transfer: Matthew McDoom - CB

Week One: Nebraska vs. Cincinnati (+7)
60. UCLA Bruins
The UCLA Bruins won four of their final six games in the first season for head coach DeShaun Foster. The headline entering the 2025 season is the addition of Nico Iamaleava, but the defensive improvement over last season and entering this season is worth keeping an eye on as well. The top contributors from last season are gone, and the Bruins chose to focus on internal development up front instead of getting players through the portal. Is that gamble going to pay off? They didn’t ignore the portal, though, choosing to bring in multiple players in the secondary, and a few of them will likely start next to returning safety Croix Stewart.

Top Defensive Transfer: Ben Perry - Safety

Week One: Utah at UCLA (+6.5)
1. Ohio State Buckeyes
The Ohio State defense was completely dominant towards the backend of the 2024 season, and despite several personnel losses and a new defensive coordinator in Columbus, the “Silver Bullets” are the top defense in the country. Matt Patricia steps in after Jim Knowles left for Penn State, but don’t expect much to change in how the Buckeyes approach things on that side of the ball. However, the personnel changes could have a much bigger impact, as Ohio State has to replace the starting defensive line. Veterans who have waited their turn, guys like Caden Curry and Kenyatta Jackson Jr., will finally become starters, and defensive tackle Eddrick Houston is a potential star. Still, this group has some question marks. The rest of the defense looks much more solid with guys like Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese at linebacker, several blue-chip recruits ready to join Davison Igbinosun at cornerback, and superstar Caleb Downs at safety.

Top Transfer on Defense: EDGE Beau Atkinson

Ranking the Top 60 College Football Defenses for the 2025 Season

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