TJ Inman

Navigating the Brutal SEC Schedule & Its Impact on NFL Draft

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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 <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/caden-curry/38098">Caden Curry</a> and <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/kenyatta-jackson/38093">Kenyatta Jackson Jr.</a>, will finally become starters, and defensive tackle <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/eddrick-houston/38062">Eddrick Houston</a> is a potential star. Still, this group has some question marks. The rest of the defense looks much more solid with guys like <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/sonny-styles/38074">Sonny Styles</a> and <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/arvell-reese/38052">Arvell Reese</a> at linebacker, several blue-chip recruits ready to join <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/davison-igbinosun/38104">Davison Igbinosun</a> at cornerback, and superstar <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/caleb-downs/63885">Caleb Downs</a> at safety.
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1. Ohio State Buckeyes

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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. <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/anthony-hill/41188">Anthony Hill</a>, <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/colin-simmons/41208">Colin Simmons</a>, and <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/trey-moore/41162">Trey Moore</a> all look like surefire future early NFL Draft picks. Five defensive starters return, along with several other players with plenty of experience in 2024.

2. Texas Longhorns

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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. <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/arion-carter/38675">Arion Carter</a> was the team’s leading tackler in 2024 and leads the linebackers again, and star cornerback <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/jermod-mccoy/38616">Jermod McCoy</a>, if he is healthy, is one of the best secondary players in the SEC.

3. Tennessee Volunteers

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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: <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/mikail-kamara/42281">Mikail Kamara</a> is on the line, <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/aiden-fisher/42304">Aiden Fisher</a> is at linebacker, and <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/dangelo-ponds/42344">D’Angelo Ponds</a> is in the secondary at cornerback. Add in established returning players like <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/amare-ferrell/50658">Amare Ferrell</a> and another good portal haul with proven and productive players ready to fill roles, and the Hoosiers should be good on defense again.

4. Indiana Hoosiers

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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. <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/drayk-bowen/46107">Drayk Bowen</a> is a fantastic MIKE linebacker, and guys like <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/kyngstonn-viliamu-asa/46090">Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa</a> and <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/jaylen-sneed/46085">Jaylen Sneed</a> give them excellent options around him. <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/adon-shuler/46081">Adon Shuler</a> is one of the best safeties in the country, and Notre Dame will be as good as anyone at cornerback.
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5. Notre Dame Fighting Irish

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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 <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/peter-woods/37145">Peter Woods</a> and <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/tj-parker/37155">T.J. Parker</a> forming a dynamic inside-outside duo. They have a budding star at linebacker, <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/sammy-brown/37218">Sammy Brown</a>, plus the reliable <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/wade-woodaz/37124">Wade Woodaz</a>. The secondary has a lot of talent, and safety <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/khalil-barnes/37268">Khalil Barnes</a> 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.

6. Clemson Tigers

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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, <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/matayo-uiagalelei/29464">Matayo Uiagalelei</a> is an elite pass rusher, and the Ducks have several redshirt freshmen and sophomores behind him ready for a chance to shine (<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/elijah-rushing/29420">Elijah Rushing</a> is a name to know). <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/bear-alexander/36408">Bear Alexander</a> 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 <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/dillon-thieneman/26377">Dillon Thieneman</a> is expected to be a rock at safety, helping to strengthen an otherwise relatively young secondary.

7. Oregon Ducks

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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. <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/isaiah-glasker/30237">Isaiah Glasker</a> 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.

8. BYU Cougars

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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. <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/maverick-baranowski/32139">Maverick Baranowski</a> has a great name and is a terrific linebacker, joined by <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/jeff-roberson/47830">Jeff Roberson</a> from Oklahoma State and <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/devon-williams/32175">Devon Williams</a>. The defensive tackles were superb against the run and occupied blockers so <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/anthony-smith/32089">Anthony Smith</a> could rush the passer. The Gophers lost a pair of good secondary players, but <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/koi-perich/32182">Koi Perich</a> is a budding star, and he’s back to lead that group.

9. Minnesota Golden Gophers

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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 <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/abdul-carter/49527">Abdul Carter</a>, and you don’t get better after losing a talent like him, but they do have plenty of good pieces returning. <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/dani-dennis-sutton/49471">Dani Dennis-Sutton</a> is back at defensive end. <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/zane-durant/49435">Zane Durant</a> 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.

10. Penn State Nittany Lions

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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. <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/lt-overton/19487">LT Overton</a>, <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/tim-keenan/19409">Tim Keenan</a>, and <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/james-smith/19493">James Smith</a> are all back on the line. <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/deontae-lawson/19415">Deontae Lawson </a>received an injury redshirt, and he chose to forego the NFL Draft to lead the linebacker unit. They got safety <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/keon-sabb/19492">Keon Sabb</a> 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.

11. Alabama Crimson Tide

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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. <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/christen-miller/22578">Christen Miller</a> and <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/xzavier-mcleod/33434">Xzavier McLeod</a>, plus five-star freshman <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/elijah-griffin/88207">Elijah Griffin</a>, should be stout at defensive tackle, and <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/gabe-harris/22676">Gabe Harris</a> offers many tools as a pass rusher. <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/elo-modozie/44925">Elo Modozie</a> 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 <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/kj-bolden/63793">KJ Bolden</a> is a rising star at free safety.

12. Georgia Bulldogs

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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. <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/aaron-graves/39665">Aaron Graves</a> is the standout on the defensive line and will be one of the better tackles in the country. <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/max-llewellyn/39545">Max Llewellyn</a> and <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/ethan-hurkett/39626">Ethan Hurkett</a> form a solid, if unspectacular, pair of defensive ends. The other defensive tackle spot is an unknown that could turn into a problem. <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/jaden-harrell/39585">Jaden Harrell</a> is the next outstanding linebacker for the Hawkeyes, and <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/karson-sharar/39654">Karson Sharar</a> 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.

13. Iowa Hawkeyes

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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 <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/john-mateer/20580">John Mateer</a> should take a ton of pressure off the defense. <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/r-mason-thomas/21216">Mason Thomas</a>, <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/marvin-jones/19706">Marvin Jones Jr.</a>, and <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/danny-okoye/21161">Danny Okoye</a> are good pass rushers on the edge, and <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/jayden-jackson/21226">Jayden Jackson</a> is an emerging force at defensive tackle, giving the Sooners one of the SEC’s top defensive lines. <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/kobie-mckinzie/21158">Kobie McKinzie</a> 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.

14. Oklahoma Sooners

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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. <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/gabe-jacas/22399">Gabe Jacas</a> 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. <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/kenenna-odeluga/22422">Kenenna Odeluga</a> was injured for much of 2024, but Illinois believes he is ready to lead the linebackers in 2025.

15. Illinois Fighting Illini

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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.
<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/walter-nolen/86072">Walter Nolen</a> and <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/jj-pegues/86279">JJ Pegues</a> are impossible to replace, but the Rebels continue to recruit well. Mammoth interior lineman <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/zxavian-harris/48365">Zxavian Harris</a>, plus former blue-chippers <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/princewill-umanmielen/37629">Princewill Umanmielen</a>, <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/dashawn-womack/51376">Da’Shawn Womack</a>, and <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/william-echoles/72132">William Echoles</a>, 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.

16. Ole Miss Rebels

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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 <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/derrick-moore/45257">Derrick Moore</a>. Moore should be one of the nation’s best pass rushers. <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/jaishawn-barham/45388">Jaishawn Barham</a> and <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/ernest-hausmann/45341">Ernest Hausmann</a> 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.

17. Michigan Wolverines

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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.
<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/kyle-kennard/33418" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kyle Kennard</a> is gone, and that’s a huge loss, but <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/dylan-stewart/33435" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dylan Stewart</a> is a bona fide star, while <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/bryan-thomas/33319" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bryan Thomas</a> and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener">Demon Clowney</a> 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.

18. South Carolina Gamecocks

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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 <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/williams-nwaneri/32813">Williams Nwaneri</a> 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.

19. Nebraska Cornhuskers

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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. <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/roy-williams/17661">Roy Williams</a> is one of the best edge players in the league, and they did nice work in the transfer portal. Middle linebacker <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/quinn-urwiler/17604">Quinn Urwiler</a> should lead the team in tackles, and <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/jacob-finley/17631">Jacob Finley</a> is a solid corner.
The Huskies won’t be a top-five unit again, but they should still be pretty good.

20. Northern Illinois Huskies

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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&amp;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 <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/myles-graham/44100">Myles Graham</a> (linebacker), <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/lj-mccray/44114">LJ McCray</a> (defensive line), and <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/grayson-howard/44020">Grayson Howard</a> (linebacker), who are each capable of earning All-SEC honors. Keeping cornerback <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/devin-moore/44068">Devin Moore</a> healthy is key for Florida’s defense.

21. Florida Gators

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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. <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/keldric-faulk/48481">Keldric Faulk</a> 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.

22. Auburn Tigers

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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 <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/logan-fano/21832">Logan Fano</a> 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.

23. Utah Utes

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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.

24. Tulane Green Wave

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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 <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/jalen-catalon/41182">Jalen Catalon</a> 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 <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/chris-mcclellan/32696">Chris McClellan</a> and linebacker Triston Newson are all-SEC caliber players. Missouri has as easy a schedule as possible in the rugged SEC.

25. Missouri Tigers

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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. <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/andon-thomas/44865">Andon Thomas</a> was the leading tackler on the team in 2024. He’s back at inside linebacker while safety <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/casey-larkin/45038">Casey Larkin</a> 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.

26. Army Black Knights

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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 <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/clayton-smith/16662">Clayton Smith</a>, 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.

27. Arizona State Sun Devils

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Kansas State has issues in the secondary with only one proven player returning (<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/vj-payne/18478">VJ Payne</a> 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. <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/austin-romaine/18528">Austin Romaine</a> is probably the best linebacker in the league, and he’s one of the better ones in the country, while defensive end <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/tobi-osunsanmi/18554">Tobi Osunsanmi</a> 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.

28. Kansas State Wildcats

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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.

29. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

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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 <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/carlos-allen/27170">Carlos Allen Jr.</a> back at nose tackle and <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/brandon-mack/23901">Brandon Mack</a> and <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/eddie-walls/40625">Eddie Walls III</a> 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.

30. Houston Cougars

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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 <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/isaiah-nwokobia/30179">Isaiah Nwokobia</a> and <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/ahmaad-moses/30136">Ahmaad Moses</a> 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.

31. SMU Mustangs

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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. <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/patrick-payton/19664">Patrick Payton</a> is a big addition to bolster an already promising pass rush and defensive tackle <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/sydir-mitchell/41120">Sydir Mitchell</a> is a massive (6’6”/355 pounds) space-eater at tackle. The cornerbacks and safeties are young and very talented and then added <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/mansoor-delane/28877">Mansoor Delane</a> from Virginia Tech to add veteran quality. <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/whit-weeks/51319">Whit Weeks</a> is the heart of the defense and he’s back and if <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/harold-perkins/51328">Harold Perkins Jr.</a> is healthy, this unit is going to be potentially much better.

32. LSU Tigers

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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 (<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/russell-davis/63967">Russell Davis</a> and <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/zach-durfee/32615">Zach Durfee</a>) 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 <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/simote-pepa/21804">Simote Pepa</a> from Utah but the best addition is former Arizona cornerback <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/tacario-davis/63995">Tacario Davis</a>.

33. Washington Huskies

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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. <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/rueben-bain/22762">Rueben Bain</a> 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 <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/akheem-mesidor/22820">Ahkeem Mesidor</a> as the returning standout. <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/francis-mauigoa/22726">Francisco Mauigoa</a> 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.

34. Miami Hurricanes

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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. <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/immanuel-bush/42242">Immanuel Bush</a> 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 <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/aiden-gobaira/46146">Aiden Gobaira</a> 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.

35. James Madison Dukes

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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 100th nationally in passing yards allowed per game and 87th 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.

36. Louisville Cardinals

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Iowa State’s defense was not quite as good as people have come to expect from Matt Campbell’s teams, but linebacker <a target="_blank" rel="noopener">Caleb Bacon</a> 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?

37. Iowa State Cyclones

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Texas A&amp;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&amp;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.

38. Texas A&M Aggies

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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.
<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/bradley-weaver/39185">Bradley Weaver</a> (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.

39. Rutgers Scarlet Knights

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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.

40. Kentucky Wildcats

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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 <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/kamari-ramsey/36407">Kamari Ramsey</a>.

41. USC Trojans

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The Northwestern Wildcats' defense got absolutely no help at all from the offense in 2024. <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/preston-stone/30120">Preston Stone</a> 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 <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/mac-uihlein/36063">Mac Uihlein</a> will be joined at linebacker by Purdue transfer <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/yanni-karlaftis/26371">Yanni Karlaftis</a>. The secondary is probably going to be a strength with <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/fred-davis/27644">Fred Davis</a> coming from Jacksonville State and returning safety <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/damon-walters/36074">Damon Walters</a>. 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.

42. Northwestern Wildcats

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Vanderbilt’s quarterback and tight end got all the headlines in 2024 and both <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/diego-pavia/34431">Diego Pavia</a> and <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/eli-stowers/50085">Eli Stowers</a> 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. <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/randon-fontenette/34331">Randon Fontenette</a> and <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/cj-heard/63499">CJ Heard</a> 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.

43. Vanderbilt Commodores

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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 <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/romello-height/71959">Romello Height</a> (Georgia Tech) and <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/david-bailey/33780">David Bailey</a> (Stanford) should improve a pass rush that was 99th 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.

44. Texas Tech Red Raiders

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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! <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/charles-perkins/36820">Charles Perkins</a> from Georgia Tech and <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/corey-walker/49159">Corey Walker</a> 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 <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/ricardo-hallman/34029">Ricardo Hallman</a> and <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/nyzier-fourqurean/33993">Nyzier Fourqurean</a>.

45. Wisconsin Badgers

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Scoring points is a huge deal, but you won't win at the highest level if you don't have a good defense. Which teams will have the best defenses for 2025?

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