After kicking off ESPN’s college football Future Power Rankings with quarterbacks, the series switches to the other side of the ball with the defenses.
Georgia and other recent national champions will appear below, but so will several teams that have yet to reach the College Football Playoff and might struggle to ever take that leap. Iowa, for example, has become a mainstay on this list because of a historically opportunistic defense (offsetting a historically inept offense), but the Hawkeyes’ best CFP finish was No. 5 in 2015. Programs such as Utah, NC State and San Diego State have risen in their respective conferences because of their strength on defense.
Some elite defenses have shown impressive staying power despite change. Georgia and Michigan both finished in the top seven in fewest points allowed last season, after going through significant changes both with personnel and coaches. Other units rose in 2022, such as Illinois and Troy, and now must maintain the trajectory without some key players.
The biggest challenge here was assessing the lost production for perennial top defenses and how much, if at all, they will fall off.
As a reminder, these rankings cover the top 25 defenses during the next three seasons — 2023, 2024 and 2025 — and examine both current rosters and future recruiting. Coaching and consistency also factor into which teams make the cut.
Here’s a look at last year’s Future Power Rankings for defense. Now, for the latest rundown.
2022 future defense power ranking: 2
Scouting the Bulldogs: One of the major curiosities entering last season was how Georgia’s defense would fare after losing a record five NFL first-round draft picks, several other notable players and coordinator Dan Lanning. The 2022 unit wasn’t quite as dominant but barely dropped off in helping the team to its second straight national title. The Bulldogs led the nation in rushing defense, ranked second in third-down efficiency and fifth in points allowed. They don’t lose as much star power this season, although Jalen Carter is irreplaceable in the middle of the line, and standouts such as linebacker Nolan Smith and defensive backs Christopher Smith and Kelee Ringo also exit Athens. Georgia looks loaded at positions such as inside linebacker and safety. Smael Mondon and Jamon Dumas-Johnson combined for 146 tackles, including 17 for loss (four sacks by Dumas-Johnson). Free safety Malaki Starks and star Javon Bullard help anchor a secondary that also brings back starting cornerback Kamari Lassiter.
Carter leaves a massive void, but Georgia’s overall line depth is strong with 2022 sacks leader Mykel Williams as well as veterans Nazir Stackhouse, Tramel Walthour and Warren Brinson. There’s some turnover at outside linebacker, but sophomore Chaz Chambliss is expected to emerge alongside second-year Jalon Walker, who also has worked inside. Georgia also has overtaken Clemson as the nation’s premier defensive recruiting operation. The team’s six highest-rated recruits for 2023 play defense, headlined by linebacker Raylen Wilson (ESPN’s No. 15 overall recruit) and safety Joenel Aguero (ESPN’s No. 27 overall). Georgia also has commitments from four 2024 defensive recruits ranked in ESPN’s top 50 nationally, led by cornerback Ellis Robinson IV (No. 5 overall).
2022 future defense power ranking: 1
Scouting the Tigers: Despite a step back last fall, Clemson projects well through 2025. Coordinator Wes Goodwin is no longer new, but the unit loses several mainstays, including linemen Myles Murphy, Bryan Bresee and K.J. Henry, and linebacker Trenton Simpson. But Clemson retained more production than some expected, as linemen Tyler Davis, Xavier Thomas and Ruke Orhorhoro are all back for their fifth or sixth seasons. Davis is a three-time All-ACC selection who earned All-America honors in 2022, while Thomas and Orhorhoro both have earned third-team All-ACC honors. Senior end Justin Mascoll is another veteran presence. The key is building for 2024 and 2025 with junior tackles Payton Page and Tre Williams, among others. Clemson adds Peter Woods, ESPN’s top defensive tackle and No. 4 overall recruit for the 2023 class, as well as four other ESPN 300 line recruits.
Linebacker also looks strong with Jeremiah Trotter Jr., a second-team AP All-America selection, leading the group alongside Barrett Carter, who earned first-team All-ACC honors. The two combined for 12 sacks and 24 tackles for loss in 2022. Sophomore Wade Woodaz emerged last season and will take on an even bigger role, especially in 2024. Clemson will look to second-year players T.J. Dudley and Kobe McCloud to provide more depth. Injuries hit Clemson’s secondary hard in 2022, but there were some bright spots, such as safety Jalyn Phillips, who returns for his final year, and cornerbacks Sheridan Jones and Nate Wiggins. Toriano Pride Jr. and Jeadyn Lukus, both sophomores, help the cornerback outlook beyond 2023. Safety Andrew Mukuba, the ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2021, will try to rebound from a disappointing season. Clemson has nice depth at safety with senior R.J. Mickens. The team also has two ESPN 300 recruits committed for 2024.
2022 future defense power rankings: 10
Scouting the Wolverines: After a surprise breakthrough in 2021, the entire Michigan program showed it had staying power last fall, but especially the defense. The unit lost NFL first-round draft picks Aidan Hutchinson and Daxton Hill and second-round pick David Ojabo, as well as coordinator Mike Macdonald. But Michigan once again finished in the top 10 in many categories, and it transitioned well from Macdonald to Jesse Minter, a Broyles Award finalist who is back. Key returning players include safety Rod Moore, lineman Kris Jenkins, linebackers Junior Colson and Michael Barrett, and cornerback Will Johnson, who blossomed late in his freshman year and will play at least two more seasons. Defensive lineman Mason Graham is another key returnee who will play at least through 2024. Sophomore cornerback Amorion Walker drew strong reviews during spring practice and adds to a playmaking secondary that features Moore, Johnson, senior nickel Mike Sainristil, senior safety Makari Paige and others.
Defensive end will be one of the most interesting positions to watch, as Michigan clearly needs a pass-rushing boost the next few years. Jaylen Harrell showed promise in 2022 with 3.5 sacks and a team-high five quarterback hurries. Michigan is hopeful senior Braiden McGregor, a top-35 recruit in 2020, finally breaks through. But there are other options, such as Derrick Moore, a decorated 2022 recruit who had two sacks last season, or Coastal Carolina transfer Josaiah Stewart. Michigan added several key transfers on defense, including linebacker Ernest Hausmann, who had 54 tackles and started seven games as a true freshman at Nebraska last fall. The Wolverines’ recruiting is on the upswing, as the team signed lineman Enow Etta and two other ESPN 300 defenders for 2023, and have three committed for 2024.
2022 future defense power ranking: 4
Scouting the Tide: Some might be surprised to see the Tide not drop in these rankings, given the angst around their defense at times last season and the departures of star pass-rusher Will Anderson Jr., safety Brian Branch, coordinator Pete Golding and others. But Alabama has a chance to reestablish its dominance on defense, thanks to exceptional recruiting in 2023 and the return of veteran playcaller Kevin Steele to Tuscaloosa. Plus, the Tide actually held up well last season, finishing ninth nationally in points allowed and 12th in yards allowed. Let’s start with who returns: Alabama has several proven standouts in junior cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry (team-high 15 pass breakups in 2022) and linebacker Dallas Turner, who has 12.5 sacks and 18 tackles for loss the past two seasons. If Turner recaptures his 2021 form and boosts the pass rush along with others, including senior Chris Braswell, Alabama should be in good shape for the short term.
The defensive line projects as an area of strength, although Anderson’s production will be missed. The Tide return experience with seniors Justin Eboigbe and Tim Smith, and promising young players such as sophomore Jaheim Oatis and juniors Jamil Burroughs and Kendrick Blackshire. Linebacker also should be solid with Turner, Braswell, redshirt sophomore Deontae Lawson and others. McKinstry, senior star/nickel Malachi Moore and versatile sophomore Terrion Arnold provide a nice foundation in the secondary. Alabama will need others to emerge for short-term depth, but the 2024 and 2025 outlook is excellent. The team signed ESPN’s top-rated outside linebacker (Jaquavious Russaw), safety (Caleb Downs) and defensive end (Keon Keeley) in the 2023 recruiting class, along with the No. 2 cornerback (Desmond Ricks). Cornerback Jaylen Mbakwe, ESPN’s No. 4 overall 2024 recruit, is committed to the Tide.
2022 future defense power ranking: 7
Scouting the Hawkeyes: There’s temptation to move Iowa even higher, especially after an exceptional season that helped offset a woeful offense in 2022. The Hawkeyes finished second nationally in both points allowed and yards allowed, and fourth in pass efficiency defense. Phil Parker, entering his 12th season as coordinator, is arguably the nation’s top playcaller and defensive architect. But Parker will be challenged to reload after Iowa lost several standouts, including first-team All-America linebacker Jack Campbell, All-Big Ten defensive backs Kaevon Merriweather and Riley Moss, emerging pass-rusher Lukas Van Ness and linebackers Seth Benson and Jestin Jacobs. Iowa needs a new group to carry the torch, such as ends Deontae Craig and Joe Evans, a group of veteran interior linemen headlined by Logan Lee, first-team All-Big Ten cornerback Cooper DeJean and emerging young safety Xavier Nwankpa, an ESPN four-star recruit in 2022.
Iowa’s overall depth in the secondary actually might improve this fall as seniors Quinn Schulte and Sebastian Castro join Nwankpa at safety, and DeJean forms a solid cornerback tandem with Jermari Harris, who missed all of last season with injuries after recording four interceptions in 2021. The Hawkeyes also have plenty of options up front, even behind Craig and Evans at end with junior Ethan Hurkett. Linebacker is by far the biggest short-term question, as Iowa must build around senior Jay Higgins, who had 39 tackles last season. The team added productive Virginia transfer Nick Jackson. Iowa’s recruiting rarely pops nationally, but linebacker Ben Kueter, a four-time state wrestling champion, headlines the 2023 class. The team also has 2024 commitments from ESPN 300 Preston Ries and four-star Cam Buffington.
2022 future defense power ranking: 17
Scouting the Nittany Lions: Penn State is set up to push for its first Big Ten championship since 2016, and much of the optimism around Happy Valley stems from who returns on defense. Coordinator Manny Diaz had a solid first season and is back despite generating some interest for head-coaching vacancies. Diaz’s aggressive scheme suits returning players such as ends Chop Robinson and Adisa Isaac, and linebacker Abdul Carter, a national awards candidate who recorded 6.5 sacks, 10.5 tackles for loss and two forced fumbles as a true freshman. Carter will help lead the defense through at least 2024, and Robinson is a true junior. Linebacker U has an excellent opportunity to uphold its tradition with Carter, Curtis Jacobs and Kobe King, who are all experienced and boast multiple years of eligibility left. Penn State actually has no seniors in its linebacker room and will lean on players such as junior Tyler Elsdon, who finished fourth on the team with 44 tackles last season.
Defensive end projects as a strength with Robinson, Isaac, sophomore Dani Dennis-Sutton and junior Amin Vanover. Penn State loses mainstay P.J. Mustipher in the interior line but returns some experience with Hakeem Beamon and Coziah Izzard, who combined for 10 tackles for loss last fall. Zane Durant also emerged this spring as a young interior option. The secondary will miss standouts Ji’Ayir Brown and Joey Porter Jr., but junior Kalen King, senior Johnny Dixon and sophomore Zakee Wheatley are back after combining for seven interceptions last season. Jaylen Reed and Keaton Ellis provide some depth in the back end, and freshman Tony Rojas also impressed this spring. Penn State signed two of ESPN’s top eight safety recruits for 2023 but could use a surge to solidify the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
2022 future defense power ranking: 9
Scouting the Tigers: LSU’s defense is in a good spot after a solid but not spectacular 2022 season under a new coaching staff. The unit brings back star power, especially with linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. for at least two more seasons. But there are some holes to fill, especially in the secondary and up front, as B.J. Ojulari moves on to the NFL. The return of dynamic defensive tackle Maason Smith, injured while celebrating during the 2022 opener, helps a line that loses both Ojulari and end Ali Gaye. Smith and Mekhi Wingo, a third-team AP All-America selection who had three sacks and six tackles for loss, give the Tigers two interior stalwarts, both with multiple years of eligibility left. Junior end Sai’vion Jones could see a bigger role after finishing third on the team in sacks (4.5) last fall. Jacobian Guillory and Arizona transfer Paris Shand provide depth inside. Ovie Oghoufo, a Texas transfer with 13 career sacks, should help fill the pass-rushing gap.
The Tigers have one of the nation’s best linebacker tandems in Perkins and Omar Speights, an Oregon State transfer who earned first-team All-Pac-12 honors in 2022. The group also boasts junior Greg Penn III, who finished second on the team in tackles last season (78). Junior West Weeks is a solid depth player who had 28 tackles last season. Veteran safety Greg Brooks Jr. will lead the secondary after showing production and playmaking in 2022. Brooks and junior Major Burns project to start at safety. The cornerback spot is a bigger mystery, although LSU has options with transfers Duce Chestnut (Syracuse), Denver Harris (Texas A&M), JK Johnson (Ohio State) and Zy Alexander (Southeastern Louisiana), as well as holdovers such as Sage Ryan, an ESPN top-65 recruit in 2021. LSU also signed Javien Toviano (cornerback) and Da’Shawn Wommack (defensive end). The team’s overall defensive recruiting remains promising.
2022 future defense power ranking: 12
Scouting the Utes: Utah has become a more balanced program in recent years, but the defense remains the Utes’ signature unit. Coach Kyle Whittingham’s teams are never bad on defense, and often produce one of the nation’s best groups. The 2023 Utes could be very good again, despite losing star cornerback Clark Phillips III and a few other key contributors. Utah returns its core, though, especially along the line and in the secondary, from a defense that finished second in the Pac-12 in scoring. Sacks leader Gabe Reid departs, but Utah brings back almost everyone else from its line, including tackles Junior Tafuna and Aliki Vimahi and ends Connor O’Toole, Van Fillinger and Jonah Elliss. Whittingham praised the ends this spring as arguably the team’s deepest position group. Fillinger tied for second on the team with five sacks, while Elliss’ two forced fumbles tied for the team lead. Tafuna earned second-team all-league honors. The best news: All five linemen have eligibility to return in 2024.
Phillips’ six interceptions will be tough to replace, but Utah has returning production in the secondary with junior safety Cole Bishop, the team’s leading tackler in 2022, and several others. JaTravis Broughton is an experienced cornerback and safety Sione Vaki showed promise last fall as a true freshman, recording 41 tackles, 3.5 for loss and a forced fumble. Safety Nate Ritchie also came back from a church mission after starting five games in 2020, and Utah added cornerback transfer Miles Battle, who started four games at Ole Miss. Utah’s linebacker group brings back junior Karene Reid and sophomore Lander Barton, who combined for 9.5 sacks and 17 tackles for loss last season, with Reid earning second-team All-Pac-12 honors. The Utes signed ESPN 300 end Hunter Clegg in the 2023 class.
2022 future defense power ranking: 5
Scouting the Badgers: A jarring 2022 season for Wisconsin ended with Luke Fickell as head coach and defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard no longer with the team. Fickell’s arrival brought sweeping changes, but less so for a defense that has been on a strong trajectory. Although the defense slipped a bit in 2022, it still finished 17th nationally in points allowed and 13th in yards per play allowed. Fickell’s roots on defense run deep, and coordinator Mike Tressel has spent most of his career in the Big Ten at Michigan State. They inherit a unit that loses standouts in linebacker Nick Herbig and nose tackle Keeanu Benton, but returns strong overall production at linebacker, defensive end and elsewhere. Inside linebackers Maema Njongmeta and Jordan Turner combined for 163 tackles, including 5.5 sacks and 16.5 tackles for loss. Senior C.J. Goetz anchors the outside linebacker group after a productive 2022 season, and there’s good depth with sophomore Darryl Peterson and junior Kaden Johnson.
Benton will be missed up front, but Wisconsin returns veterans Rodas Johnson, James Thompson Jr. and Isaiah Mullens, who has 40 career appearances. The group needs pass-rushers, though, and seemingly received a major jolt with Temple transfer Darian Varner, who ranked 16th nationally in sacks per game last season. Senior Kamo’i Latu will stabilize the safety spot as Wisconsin tries to replace the opportunistic John Torchio (six interceptions). Junior Hunter Wohler and sophomore Preston Zachman add depth, and the Badgers regain Travian Blaylock, a projected starter last spring, from an ACL tear. Cornerback Alexander Smith also is back from injury, and sophomore Ricardo Hallman stood out this spring after starting eight games in 2022. Wisconsin added versatile Boston College transfer Jason Maitre. ESPN four-star recruit Jace Arnold also enters the mix. Fickell and his assistants should not only elevate Wisconsin’s defensive recruiting but its ability to add key players from the portal.
2022 future defense power ranking: Not ranked
Scouting the Falcons: Not including the Falcons in last year’s rankings was a significant oversight, as they rank eighth nationally in points allowed since 2018. I’m making up for it by placing them in the top 10. Last fall, Air Force led the nation in total defense, finished third in points allowed and second against the pass. Despite a coordinator change from John Rudzinski to Brian Knorr, the former Ohio head coach, Air Force remained on a very positive trajectory. The Falcons bring back several key contributors from their 2022 defense, including lineman Peyton Zdroik, who finished second on the team in both sacks (5.5) and tackles for loss (10) last season. Zdroik and Jayden Thiergood (seven tackles for loss in 2022) form a solid tandem up front, and will be supported by linebackers Alec Mock, Bo Richter and Johnathan Youngblood.
The secondary projects as the unit’s strength, especially in the short term. Leading tackler Trey Taylor, a second-team All-Mountain West selection last season, is back at safety alongside Camby Goff and Jayden Goodwin. The three combined for seven interceptions and 18 pass breakups in 2022. Veteran cornerback Eian Castonguay (32 tackles last season) is also back with Jamari Bellamy. Air Force will lose a lot in 2024, although Zdroik, Bellamy and others are expected to return. Freshman defensive end Jack Curtis stood out during spring practice and could be pegged for a bigger role after this coming season.
2022 future defense power ranking: 20
Scouting the Wolfpack: NC State’s defense has reached a level where drop-offs should be limited despite key personnel turnover. The Wolfpack will miss All-ACC selections Drake Thomas (linebacker) and Tanner Ingle (safety), but coach Dave Doeren and veteran coordinator Tony Gibson have enough back to sustain momentum. Linebacker Payton Wilson‘s return for a sixth season gives NC State a proven leader for the unit. Wilson has 264 career tackles, including 30.5 for loss and nine sacks, as well as four interceptions. He’ll be joined by senior Jaylon Scott, junior Devon Betty and younger players such as Caden Fordham. NC State returns an experienced line led by junior Davin Vann, who tied with Wilson for second on the team in sacks (4.5) last fall. Both Vann and junior tackle C.J. Clark could play through 2024, while senior end Savion Jackson has started parts of the past three seasons. NC State added end Red Hibbler, ESPN’s No. 3 junior college transfer, as well as Cincinnati transfer Noah Potter for short-term depth. Sophomore end Travali Price should continue to blossom.
The secondary projects as the unit’s strength for 2023 and possibly beyond. First-team All-ACC cornerback Aydan White leads the group after recording four interceptions and nine pass breakups last season. Junior Shyheim Battle is set to play opposite White, and both could return in 2024. Senior safety Jakeen Harris enters his third season as a starter, and will lead a group featuring some experience with Sean Brown and Rakeim Ashford. NC State signed ESPN four-star cornerback Daemon Fagan for 2023, and it continues to recruit well under Doeren.
2022 future defense power ranking: 6
Scouting the Irish: Despite some late struggles, Notre Dame’s defense remained on the right path in 2022. The challenge ahead for second-year coach Marcus Freeman and coordinator Al Golden is addressing key personnel losses up front, and ultimately taking the next step. Notre Dame returns an emerging superstar in sophomore cornerback Benjamin Morrison, who had six interceptions as a true freshman and will play at least through 2024. The Irish also have one of the nation’s most seasoned linebacker groups, as seniors JD Bertrand, Jack Kiser and Marist Liufau are all back after combining for 191 tackles — 18.5 for loss — last season. Sophomore Jaylen Sneed and others, including incoming freshman Jaiden Ausberry — ESPN’s No. 59 overall recruit in 2023 — should lead the group in 2023 and beyond.
The secondary has experience with Morrison, seniors DJ Brown, Clarence Lewis and Cam Hart, and Oklahoma State transfer Thomas Harper (35 career appearances). Sophomore cornerback Jaden Mickey should see an increased role, and incoming freshman Christian Gray is set to contribute, especially in 2024 and 2025. Notre Dame’s line is the short-term concern after losing all-time sacks leader Isaiah Foskey and the Ademilola brothers (Justin and Jayson). Seniors Howard Cross III and Rylie Mills provide a nice foundation in the interior, and Jordan Botelho finished second on the team in sacks (4.5). The Irish also added Ohio State graduate transfer Javontae Jean-Baptiste, who will play significantly. Nana Osafo-Mensah is a veteran depth player, but the Irish will look to fast-track younger players such as sophomores Junior Tuihalamaka and Jason Onye and freshman Donovan Hinish. Notre Dame signed eight ESPN 300 defenders in 2023.
2022 future defense power ranking: Not ranked
Scouting the Illini: The Illinois defense seemed to be trending well after 2021, but few expected the spike that would follow last season. Illinois led the nation in fewest points allowed and ranked in the top 10 in all the major statistical categories. The unit produced All-America cornerback Devon Witherspoon and other standouts, and coordinator Ryan Walters was a Broyles Award finalist before taking the Purdue head-coaching job. Witherspoon and Walters are both gone, alongside All-Big Ten defensive backs Sydney Brown and Jartavius Martin, who combined for nine interceptions and 18 pass breakups. But Illinois received a big boost up front when Jer’Zhan Newton and Keith Randolph Jr., who combined for 10 sacks and 27 tackles for loss, both returned for the 2023 season. The Illini will need to build around them and prepare for 2024, as players such as TeRah Edwards and Bryce Barnes step into bigger roles.
Much like the defensive front, the linebackers project solidly for Illinois, which returns starting experience with Tarique Barnes and Calvin Hart Jr. Barnes, a senior, finished third on the team with 8.5 tackles for loss in 2022. Depth players such as sophomore Kenenna Odeluga, who had two sacks and 3.5 tackles for loss in limited work last fall, should help for 2024 and beyond. Coach Bret Bielema promoted defensive backs coach Aaron Henry as coordinator, and Henry’s familiarity with a mostly new-look secondary should help. Both safety and cornerback have short-term questions, although Illinois should be able to rely on sophomore safety Matthew Bailey, who had three interceptions in 2022. Transfer Nicario Harper, an all-league player at Jacksonville State who spent last season at Louisville, also could help. Illinois signed ESPN 300 cornerback Saboor Karriem in the 2023 class.
2022 future defense power ranking: Not ranked
Scouting the Gophers: Every Power Rankings release has teams that should have been included in the previous version, including Minnesota, which continues to be one of the most consistent defenses in college football. The Gophers ranked fourth nationally in fewest points allowed last season and are 10th since 2019. Joe Rossi is one of the nation’s best emerging coordinators, and will return for his fifth season as playcaller and seventh overall. The Gophers lose linebacker Mariano Sori-Marin, safety Jordan Howden and other mainstays but bring back a nice core, especially with Tyler Nubin and Justin Walley both returning in the secondary. Nubin, a second-team All-Big Ten selection, and Walley combined for seven interceptions last season. They lead a secondary returning veteran safeties Darius Green and Coleman Bryson, and Southeastern Louisiana safety transfer Jack Henderson. But Minnesota needs cornerback help opposite Walley. Young corners Tariq Watson and Rhyland Kelly have a big summer ahead.
Cody Lindenberg moves into Minnesota’s lead linebacker role following Sori-Marin’s departure, and he should headline the group through at least the 2024 season. The Gophers added Western Michigan transfer Ryan Selig, who has 154 career tackles (13 for loss), but will rely on several young linebackers, including Devon Williams and Joey Gerlach. Junior end Danny Striggow and senior tackle Kyler Baugh, both honorable-mention All-Big Ten selections in 2022, anchor a defensive front that also includes veterans Darnell Jefferies and Jah Joyner, who should boost a lagging pass rush. The Gophers also added transfer end Chris Collins, who appeared in 46 games with North Carolina.
2022 future defense power ranking: 3
Scouting the Aggies: Projecting Texas A&M’s overall outlook beyond 2023 isn’t easy, given the disastrous results last season and what they could mean if coach Jimbo Fisher doesn’t turn things around soon. But the Aggies’ defense still finished in the top 25 nationally in points allowed, and it returns a sizable group of high-level recruits who could break out this coming season. Texas A&M’s historic 2022 defensive recruiting haul included linemen Walter Nolen, Shemar Stewart and LT Overton. Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy, another headliner of the 2022 class, should be a bigger factor as he comes off of a knee injury. The line also has veterans such as senior McKinnley Jackson and juniors Fadil Diggs and Shemar Turner, so depth should be a strength.
Texas A&M lost several transfers in the back seven, including linebacker Andre White Jr. But senior Chris Russell Jr. and junior Edgerrin Cooper are back to lead the linebackers. Russell finished third on the team in tackles (66) and tied for second in tackles for loss (7), while Cooper led the team in TFLs in 2022. The Aggies must improve at cornerback and hope North Carolina transfer Tony Grimes will provide a lift alongside junior Tyreek Chappell and others. Their safety tandem of fifth-year senior Demani Richardson and junior Jardin Gilbert provides production and system knowledge. Richardson has 43 career starts, 245 tackles and four interceptions. The Aggies didn’t match 2022 with their 2023 recruiting class but still landed lineman David Hicks, ESPN’s No. 8 overall prospect, decorated cornerback Bravion Rogers (ESPN No. 63) and safety Dalton Brooks (No. 79 overall).
2022 future defense power ranking: 18
Scouting the Wildcats: Kentucky fell well short of expectations last season, but the defense held up its end, finishing 11th nationally in yards allowed, 13th in points allowed and seventh against the pass. Coach Mark Stoops and coordinator Brad White have established a standard that should sustain through 2025. The immediate concern is bolstering a linebacker group that loses mainstays DeAndre Square and Jordan Wright, as well as All-SEC safety Keidron Smith. Senior inside linebacker D’Eryk Jackson will lead the linebacker group after recording a team-high 67 tackles last season. Kentucky also got a big boost with the return of J.J. Weaver, a captain in 2022 who has made starts in each of the past three seasons. Junior Trevin Wallace also is back after recording two interceptions and 5.5 tackles for loss last fall. Wallace, sophomore Keaten Wade and others will be key beyond 2023, including incoming freshmen Jayvant Brown and Grant Godfrey, both ESPN four-star recruits.
Sophomore tackle Deone Walker is a 6-foot-6, 348-pound force who should anchor the line for at least two more seasons. Kentucky needs more around him, especially at end, where sophomore Khalil Saunders, junior Tre’vonn Rybka and others will compete. Jamarius Dinkins is another intriguing interior lineman who should play several more seasons for UK, which added North Carolina transfer Keeshawn Silver. Like the line, Kentucky’s secondary is filled with promising non-seniors, including sophomore safety Jordan Lovett, the team’s No. 2 tackler last fall. Junior Zion Childress could play opposite Lovett this fall, and sophomore Maxwell Hairston stood out this spring. Cincinnati transfer JQ Hardaway is an interesting addition at cornerback, where junior Andru Phillips also returns. Cornerback Avery Stuart, an ESPN 300 selection, headlines Kentucky’s 2023 recruiting class, along with ESPN four-star safety Jaremiah Anglin Jr.
2022 future defense power ranking: Not ranked
Scouting the Longhorns: Texas saw the improvement it hoped for on defense in 2022. The unit rose from 99th nationally in points allowed in 2021 to 27th, and from 102nd in yards per play allowed to 18th. The Longhorns held Alabama to 20 points, TCU to 17 points and shut out short-handed Oklahoma in the Red River game. Veteran coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski seemed to settle in, and Gary Patterson’s influence on the defense also showed. Texas loses key contributors in the front seven but should be able to build around junior edge rusher Barryn Sorrell, linebacker Jaylan Ford, senior tackle T’Vondre Sweat and others. Ford earned first-team All-Big 12 honors in 2022 after leading Texas in tackles (119), interceptions (4) and forced fumbles (3), while tying for second in tackles for loss (10). He’ll be complemented by veterans such as senior Jett Bush and junior Morice Blackwell Jr., and also emerging young players like freshman Anthony Hill, ESPN’s top inside linebacker and No. 16 overall recruit in the 2023 class.
There’s some reloading up front around Sowell and Sweat, as Texas loses Keondre Coburn, Moro Ojomo and Oghoufo. The team will turn to junior Byron Murphy II, senior Alfred Collins, junior Vernon Broughton and several younger players, including sophomore edge Justice Finkley and incoming freshman Sydir Mitchell, an ESPN top-70 national recruit. Texas projects well in the back end with dynamic safeties Jahdae Barron and Jerrin Thompson. Arkansas transfer Jalen Catalon, a Thorpe Award semifinalist in 2020 who struggled with injuries the past two seasons, could provide a big boost if healthy. Sophomore Michael Taaffe and others will emerge in 2024 and 2025. Texas has several non-senior options at cornerback, led by Ryan Watts but also including sophomore Terrance Brooks and Wake Forest transfer Gavin Holmes. The Longhorns signed four 2023 recruits ranked in ESPN’s top 68, including defensive backs Malik Muhammad and Derek Williams.
2022 future defense power rankings: Not ranked
Scouting the Seminoles: After languishing for several years during the Willie Taggart-Mike Norvell transition, FSU’s defense took a significant step in 2022. The Seminoles led the ACC in yards allowed and finished third in points allowed, ranking in the top 20 nationally in both categories. They return many of their top players, including defensive end Jared Verse, the Albany transfer who earned first-team All-ACC honors after recording nine sacks and 17 tackles for loss in his first season with FSU. Verse leads a line that should continue to ascend. Redshirt sophomore end Patrick Payton is back after a five-sack season, along with veteran interior linemen Fabien Lovett Sr., Dennis Briggs Jr. and Malcolm Ray. Florida State added defensive tackle transfers Braden Fiske (Western Michigan) and Darrell Jackson Jr. (Miami) — a massive body (6-foot-5, 326 pounds) who the coaches think could make a seismic impact. Along with Payton, sophomore Joshua Farmer should help for the next few seasons after recording six tackles for loss in 2022.
Senior linebackers Tatum Bethune and Kalen DeLoach lead the linebackers after combining for 149 tackles, six sacks, 17 tackles for loss and 10 pass breakups. D.J. Lundy brings even more experience and production, although FSU will need to fill some gaps in 2024 and 2025 with Omar Graham Jr. and others. Jammie Robinson certainly will be missed at safety, but FSU boasts a good group of holdovers and transfers in the secondary, after finishing No. 4 nationally against the pass. Renardo Green and Akeem Dent are both back, along with fellow senior Jarrian Jones and junior Kevin Knowles II. Shyheim Brown started two games in his first full season and will be a multiyear factor. Virginia transfer Fentrell Cypress II is a major addition who led the nation in pass breakups per game (1.6) in 2022. FSU has been transfer-heavy but signed three ESPN 300 defenders in the 2023 class.
2022 future defense power rankings: 25
Scouting the Broncos: After squeaking into the defense rankings last year, Boise State continued to strengthen the unit under coach Andy Avalos and coordinator Spencer Danielson. The Broncos finished sixth nationally in yards allowed and 15th in points allowed last season. They will miss All-Mountain West standouts JL Skinner and Ezekiel Noa but return linebacker DJ Schramm, who led the team in total tackles (110) and tackles for loss (11.5). Schramm will pair with sophomore Andrew Simpson, who had 29 tackles and three sacks last year, although Boise State will need to build depth for 2024 and 2025. The Broncos lose tackle Scott Matlock and several other key line contributors. Edge rusher Demitri Washington, who tied for the team lead with 4.5 sacks last season, returns for his sixth year. Junior Gabe Hunter and senior Cortez Hogans add depth on the perimeter. Juniors Herbert Gums and Ahmed Hassanein should solidify the interior line through 2024. Boise State bolstered its depth by adding line transfers Kivon Wright (Boston College), Tyler Wegis (Utah) and Sheldon Newton (Northern Arizona).
The secondary projects well through 2025, although there are some short-term gaps to fill after losing Skinner and others. Junior safety Rodney Robinson finished second on the team in interceptions (3) and fourth in tackles (50), and will lead the unit alongside versatile junior Seyi Oladipo. Junior Jaylen Clark is also back after recording an interception and five pass breakups last year. Senior cornerback Markel Reed missed all but one game last season with injury but started four contests in 2021. Linebacker Wyatt Milkovic, an ESPN three-star recruit, headlined Boise State’s 2023 class.
2022 future defense power ranking: Not ranked
Scouting the Trojans: Troy won the increasingly competitive Sun Belt Conference under a first-year coach (Jon Sumrall) with an offense that finished 80th nationally in scoring and failed to score 18 points in five games. The defense was exceptional under Sumrall and coordinator Shiel Wood, who left for the same post at Tulane. Troy ranked No. 8 nationally in both points allowed and turnovers gained and in the top 25 in several other key statistical categories. The unit will miss linebacker Carlton Martial, who set the FBS career tackles record with 526, and other key members. But Troy brings back several standouts, including top pass-rushers T.J. Jackson and Richard Jibunor, both All-Sun Belt selections who combined for 15.5 sacks and 25.5 tackles for loss last season. Junior bandit Javon Solomon complements the rush after recording 4.5 sacks in 2022. Reddy Steward, who led Troy in interceptions (3) and pass breakups (12), also will be back to team with fellow senior cornerback O’shai Fletcher.
Troy’s immediate challenge is replacing Martial and safety Craig Slocum Jr., who combined for 237 tackles last season, as well as first-team all-conference lineman Will Choloh and safety TJ Harris. Senior safety Dell Pettus is back after a 65-tackle season, and junior Keyshawn Swanson will take on a bigger role through 2024. The Trojans also added Iowa transfer Reggie Bracy, who appeared in 22 games for the Hawkeyes. Like safety, linebacker is an immediate question, as sophomores Terry Thomas and Jordan Stringer emerge alongside Jayden McDonald, who was limited to three games last season. Troy also added junior college standouts Raymond Cutts and T.J. Thompson.
2022 future defense power ranking: 11
Scouting the Buckeyes: The unit has regressed for most of coach Ryan Day’s tenure, although it showed clear improvement last season, especially on third down, before breakdowns in losses to Michigan and Georgia. For Day, a coach who has taken the quarterback position to historic heights in Columbus, the primary mission remains getting the defense back on track. Coordinator Jim Knowles enters his second season and will be working with enough high-level talent to clean things up in the next three years. All three levels of defense return key contributors. The line should become a major strength again, especially if ends J.T. Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer, both ESPN top-five recruits, consistently hit their potential. Sophomores Caden Curry and Kenyatta Jackson should provide production, especially in 2024. Hopes are high at the defensive tackle spot where veterans Ty Hamilton and Tyleik Williams return, as well as junior Mike Hall Jr., who logged 4.5 sacks last fall.
Linebacker projects well in the short term with seniors Tommy Eichenberg and Steele Chambers both back in 2023. Eichenberg earned first-team All-Big Ten honors last fall after recording 120 tackles, including 12 for loss. Cody Simon is a solid third option who should lead the group in 2024, along with sophomores C.J. Hicks and Gabe Powers. The secondary faces pressure this season but also has some familiar names — senior safety Lathan Ransom and junior cornerback Denzel Burke — as well as a key new one in safety Ja’Had Carter, a transfer from Syracuse who started three seasons. Junior Jordan Hancock, sophomore Jyaire Brown and Ole Miss transfer Davison Igbinosun are in the mix at cornerback, while Sonny Styles, ESPN’s No. 15 overall recruit in 2022, should be a bigger contributor soon along with Cameron Martinez. Ohio State’s 2023 recruiting class was underwhelming by their standard but still includes six ESPN 300 defenders.
2022 future defense power ranking: Not ranked
Scouting the Beavers: Few units had a bigger breakthrough in 2022 than Oregon State, which led the Pac-12 in total defense, scoring defense and rushing defense, after struggling for much of 2021. Trent Bray, promoted from interim coordinator to the permanent role in December 2021, masterfully oversaw a renaissance, as Oregon State finished 16th nationally in points allowed. Oregon State will miss Speights, its tackles leader who transferred to LSU, as well as star defensive backs Rejzohn Wright and Alex Austin. Riley Sharp, who had a team-high three sacks last season, has moved to tight end. The Beavers will need more from their defensive line, which returns veterans such as James Rawls and Isaac Hodgins, as well as non-seniors Sione Lolohea and Oluwaseyi Omotosho, a transfer from Wyoming. Freshman Kelze Howard is an intriguing young prospect. Bray and coach Jonathan Smith both recently told ESPN that the line should be the unit’s strength in 2023.
Veteran linebackers John McCartan and Easton Mascarenas-Arnold will try to offset the losses of Speights and Kyrei Fisher-Morris. Senior Andrew Chatfield, who had 20 tackles last season, is ready for a bigger role, along with junior Cory Stover. Bray really likes the physical skills that junior Makiya Tongue brings and thinks he could be a breakout player. The Beavers also hope Mason Tufaga, an ESPN top-180 recruit who never found the field at Utah, can contribute in the future. Safety Kitan Oladapo‘s return for a final season is huge for a reloading secondary, which also regains senior cornerback Ryan Cooper Jr., the team’s leader in interceptions (3) and pass breakups (11) last season. Oregon State needs to build around Cooper with junior Skyler Thomas (29 tackles in 2022) and others. The Beavers will remain a developmental program but signed ESPN four-star defensive end Kelze Howard in the 2023 class.
2022 future defense power ranking: 22
Scouting the Cyclones: I considered removing ISU after a last-place finish in the Big 12, but the defense is still far from the problem in Ames. The Cyclones finished fourth nationally in yards allowed, 18th in points allowed, 13th against the run and eighth in efficiency. Since 2019, ISU is ninth nationally in efficiency. Although some key contributors depart, including edge rusher Will McDonald IV and linebacker O’Rien Vance, coordinator Jon Heacock remains as one of the nation’s best. ISU’s defense is set up to continue on a positive trajectory. Second-team All-Big 12 cornerback T.J. Tampa returns and will pair with Myles Purchase, a junior who had 41 tackles last year. Junior safety Beau Freyler also is back in the secondary after finishing second on the team with 68 tackles. Freyler, Jeremiah Cooper, Malik Verdon and Trevon Howard are all safeties who can help carry ISU beyond the 2023 season.
Senior Gerry Vaughn headlines the linebacker group after recording a team-high 71 tackles in 2022. ISU must build around him this year with players such as Jacob Ellis, a junior college All-America selection in 2021 who redshirted last year. The team will need Ellis and several other non-seniors to carry the group in 2024. Junior defensive end Joey Petersen steps into a bigger pass-rushing role after McDonald and MJ Anderson‘s departures. Petersen and other non-seniors, such as junior J.R. Singleton and sophomore Tyler Onyedim, are set to lead the line for several more seasons. Senior tackle Isaiah Lee gives the group a veteran presence.
2022 future defense power ranking: Not ranked
Scouting the Herd: Here’s another Sun Belt team entering the Power Rankings after an impressive stretch, punctuated by a 2022 season in which it ranked sixth nationally in points allowed (16 ppg) and seventh in fewest yards per play against (4.75 ypp). Marshall will miss several standout players and coordinator Lance Guidry, who left to oversee Miami’s defense, but there’s excitement about Jason Semore’s arrival and Chevis Jackson’s promotion to co-coordinator. The Herd will once again be led by first-team All-Sun Belt selections Owen Porter at defensive end and Micah Abraham at cornerback, along with leading tackler Eli Neal and others. Porter will anchor the line alongside senior Sam Burton, who had five sacks and seven quarterback hurries last season. TyQaze Leggs also is back to fortify the interior after a three-sack season, and junior Elijah Alston could be set for a bigger role. Marshall also added Florida transfer Chris Thomas.
Abraham, who had six interceptions in 2022, headlines a secondary that should be Marshall’s strength in the short term and potentially beyond 2023. Semore likes the 4-2-5 alignment and should feature plenty of DBs. The group returns safety Kerion Martin, who had 42 tackles last season, and cornerback Jadarius Green-McKnight, who enters his second year with the team after transferring from Florida State. Cornerback Daytione Smith, who has sophomore eligibility, should see more field time, and Marshall brought in cornerback J.J. Roberts, a Wake Forest transfer. Neal is the only major returning contributor at linebacker, but Marshall added transfer KeSean Brown, who appeared in 49 games with Appalachian State. Other transfers include linemen Kylen McCracken (Ohio) and Michael Green (Virginia), and linebacker Tah Mac Bright (Incarnate Word). Linebacker Jaden Yates leads a solid group of incoming defensive recruits.
2022 future defense power ranking: 16
Scouting the Aztecs: Like several teams included in this Power Rankings version, San Diego State didn’t reach its overall goals in 2022 but continued to excel on defense. The Aztecs finished 19th nationally in both points allowed and rushing yards allowed, and 15th in total yards allowed. There’s also a longevity component, as San Diego State ranks fifth nationally in points allowed since 2018. The Aztecs lose a lot from the 2022 defense, including first-team All-Mountain West selections Jonah Tavai, Caden McDonald and Patrick McMorris, and second-team selection Michael Shawcroft, so some short-term regression is possible. But coach Brady Hoke must feel good about who returns in the back seven, which will feature senior linebacker Cooper McDonald and dynamic cornerback tandem Dallas Branch and Dezjhon Malone. SDSU also has experience at safety with seniors Cedarious Barfield and Davaughn Celestine, who finished fourth and fifth on the team in tackles last fall. New Mexico transfer Cody Moon, an honorable-mention all-league selection in 2022, adds depth at linebacker, along with seniors Vai Kaho and Kyron White, a converted safety. Sophomore safety Eric Butler shined in the spring game alongside junior cornerback Noah Avinger.
San Diego State’s immediate challenge comes up front, where it must replace both Jonah and Justus Tavai, and productive end Keshawn Banks. Senior Garret Fountain should help after recording three sacks and six tackles for loss in 2022, and veteran holdovers such as Daniel Okpoko and Wyatt Draeger likely will take on bigger roles. The Aztecs went to the portal for help, adding transfers such as Samuela Tuihalamaka (Oklahoma State) and Talib Salahuddin (Riverside City College). If they can hold up, the defense should continue to remain among the best in the Mountain West.