When Joe Burrow piloted LSU to a national title in 2019, there was a growing sense that teams needed transcendent quarterbacks to reach the top of the sport.
Defenses quickly put a stop to that notion.
Other than in 2020, when Alabama won during a shortened season behind a Heisman Trophy-winning wide receiver (DeVonta Smith) and others, defenses have largely carried title teams. Georgia started the trend in 2021 with one of the greatest defenses in college football history, suffocating opponents en route to its first national championship since 1980. The Bulldogs followed up their efforts with another defense-fueled title in 2022 before Michigan ended its 26-year championship drought behind a defense that led the FBS in fewest points allowed (10.4) and yards allowed (247 ypg).
The Wolverines derailed Washington's potent offense in the title game and won 31-13 despite only 10 completions and 140 yards from their own quarterback, J.J. McCarthy.
Defense still matters in college football, so which units project best over the next three seasons?
Georgia's defense largely remains on autopilot under coach Kirby Smart, as the team chases its third national title in four years. Other FPR Defense mainstays such as Clemson, Iowa and Notre Dame also maintain strong forecasts. Michigan lost several standout players and its entire defensive staff from the championship team, and will now be overseen by longtime NFL guru Wink Martindale. Alabama and Penn State also are among the units going through some transition, both with personnel and coaching. There were several good to great defenses in 2023 that turn over much of their personnel, including UCLA, Ohio, Tennessee and Missouri.
The transfer portal is an increasingly important factor in shaping these projections. Texas, Ohio State, Ole Miss, Oregon and Louisville all added notable defensive transfers this winter, as did Florida State, which mines the portal better than just about every team. Given the fluctuation in rosters, I have placed a premium on coaching and continuity in sorting out the list.
Here's a look at last year's Future Power Rankings for the defense. Now, check out the latest Top 25 through the 2026 season.
1. Georgia Bulldogs
2023 future defense power ranking: 1
Scouting the Bulldogs: Georgia retains the top spot with a defense that has become one of the most reliably elite units in college football. The Bulldogs lose NFL prospects each year but replenish them, mostly through elite-level recruiting from Smart, who signed ESPN's No. 1 class in 2024, No. 2 class in 2023 and No. 3 class in 2022. The strength of the 2024 unit -- and possibly the ones to follow -- is depth in the front seven. Georgia returns veteran linemen Nazir Stackhouse and Warren Brinson, and talented young reserves such as Christen Miller, Jordan Hall and freshman Joseph Jonah-Ajonye, ESPN's No. 26 recruit in the 2024 class. Outside linebacker Jalon Walker, a junior, led the team in sacks last season, and will join fellow junior Mykel Williams (4.5 sacks in 2023), sophomore Gabe Harris and others. Senior Smael Mondon Jr. will anchor the interior linebackers, along with sophomore C.J. Allen and a group of others with multiple years of eligibility left, including sophomores Raylen Wilson and Troy Bowles. Georgia also signed top-10 national recruit Justin Williams.
The secondary has a few more questions, especially at cornerback, although Georgia brings back gifted non-seniors such as Daylen Everette, and adds Ellis Robinson IV, ESPN's top-rated 2024 recruit, to the mix. All-America safety Malaki Starks will lead the secondary after recording three interceptions and a team-high seven pass breakups last fall, though he is dealing with a shoulder injury this spring. Sophomore nickel Joenel Aguero likely will take on a bigger role, and veteran Dan Jackson is among those vying for time at strong safety. Georgia's defensive recruiting has been exceptional, as the team landed ESPN's top cornerback, safety, inside linebacker and outside linebacker in the 2024 class.
2. Iowa Hawkeyes
2023 future defense power ranking: 5
Scouting the Hawkeyes: Since 2020, Iowa trails only Georgia in both fewest points allowed and defensive efficiency. Despite a historically bad offense the past few seasons, the Hawkeyes have reached two of the past three Big Ten title games behind superb defense and special teams. They have led the nation in fewest yards per play allowed in each of the past two seasons. Iowa also has reloaded well, overcoming the loss of two 2023 NFL first-round draft picks (Lukas Van Ness and Jack Campbell) to finish No. 4 nationally in points allowed last fall. Iowa again loses a projected first-round pick in cornerback Cooper DeJean and several other standouts, but brings back a nice core, especially at linebacker and in the back end. The Hawkeyes will have arguably the nation's best linebacker tandem this fall in Jay Higgins, who had a team-record 171 tackles in 2023, as well as the prolific Nick Jackson, coming off of his fourth straight season of 100 or more tackles. Veteran Kyler Fisher also is back, although Iowa will turn over the group in 2024 and needs its next linebacker lot, led by junior Jaden Harrell, to step up. Iowa also has recruited well at linebacker with Ben Kueter, Preston Ries and others.
DeJean will be missed but Iowa's secondary returns star power in safety Sebastian Castro (team-high 3 interceptions in 2023), senior cornerback Jermari Harris, junior safety Xavier Nwankpa and others. Iowa has four starters back in the secondary and Nwankpa and cornerback Deshaun Lee are among those who can return in 2025. Sophomores John Nestor, TJ Hall and Deavin Hilson are among those next in line for coordinator Phil Parker. The line has the most immediate turnover with Logan Lee and Joe Evans gone, although Deontae Craig is back for his senior year. Senior tackle Yahya Black had a productive 2023 season and forms a solid tandem inside with junior Aaron Graves. Ethan Hurkett gives Iowa another reliable and experienced lineman. The key will be building for beyond 2024 with younger players like juniors Max Llewellyn and Jeremiah Pittman.
3. Michigan Wolverines
2023 future defense power ranking: 3
Scouting the Wolverines: Michigan's 2023 defense could eventually be remembered like Georgia's in terms of excellence and historical significance. But unlike Georgia in 2022, Michigan actually retains several of its highest-level NFL prospects for the ensuing season. Cornerback Will Johnson and linemen Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant are all back, along with other key players such as edge rusher Josaiah Stewart and safeties Makari Paige and Quinten Johnson. The big changes come on the staff, as Martindale returns to the college ranks for the first time since 2003, and Michigan has three new position coaches (linebackers coach Brian Jean-Mary also coached at U-M in 2020). The secondary could remain a strength with Johnson, a first-team All-Big Ten selection as a sophomore. Michigan needs to find answers at the other corner spot, at safety after Rod Moore's knee injury, and at nickel following Keon Sabb's transfer. Sophomores DJ Waller Jr. and Jyaire Hill will be closely watched.
The front should be formidable despite the NFL departures of Kris Jenkins, Jaylen Harrell and Braiden McGregor. Graham earned first-team All-Big Ten honors in 2023, and the 339-pound Grant will take on a bigger role through at least 2024. Junior Rayshaun Benny adds another big body inside. Derrick Moore and Stewart will anchor the edges after combining for 10.5 sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss in 2023. Junior linebacker Ernest Hausmann is Michigan's leading returning tackler, and will lead the group alongside Maryland transfer Jaishawn Barham, who had seven sacks over the past two seasons. Jaydon Hood is a nice depth piece at linebacker, and Michigan has recruited well with Semaj Bridgeman, Mason Curtis and others.
4. Clemson Tigers
2023 future defense power ranking: 2
Scouting the Tigers: Clemson's first four-loss season since 2011 wasn't tied to any significant slippage on defense. The Tigers still finished in the top 10 nationally in yards allowed, fifth in expected points added (defense) and second behind Michigan in defensive efficiency. Like any perennially strong group, Clemson loses key players at all three levels, especially the front seven, but the returning star power is there. If several depth pieces emerge, coordinator Wes Goodwin should field a formidable group in 2024 and beyond. The secondary is a short-term question mark, although Clemson returns intriguing players like sophomore cornerback Avieon Terrell (6 pass breakups in 2023), sophomore nickel Khalil Barnes (team-high 3 forced fumbles) and senior safety R.J. Mickens, who ranked third on the team in tackles. Like Terrell, sophomore cornerback Shelton Lewis also gained valuable playing time as a freshman. Clemson could use a lift from junior cornerback Jeadyn Lukus, an ESPN top-35 recruit in 2022 who has been limited in his first two seasons.
Although Clemson loses All-America linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and line stalwarts Tyler Davis and Ruke Orhorhoro, it has consistently shown the ability to reload. Sophomore tackle Peter Woods and sophomore end T.J. Parker both appear set for national stardom. Parker set Clemson true freshman records with 5.5 sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss in 2023. DeMonte Capehart provides a veteran presence at tackle, where Clemson boasts very good depth. The key is to find more capable options at defensive end to aid Parker. Trotter will be missed at linebacker, but Clemson brings back two-time All-ACC selection Barrett Carter to lead the group, alongside junior Wade Woodaz. The long-term outlook looks good with Sammy Brown, ESPN's No. 13 recruit for 2024. Despite limited portal activity, Clemson continues to recruit well on defense and has three top-100 players (all linemen) committed for 2025.
5. Ohio State Buckeyes
2023 future defense power ranking: 21
Scouting the Buckeyes: After dropping 10 spots in the 2023 power rankings, Ohio State is reestablishing itself as one of the nation's top defenses under veteran playcaller Jim Knowles. The Silver Bullets' best days could be ahead after retaining several of their draft-eligible players from 2023 and adding a massive transfer in safety Caleb Downs, a true freshman All-America selection at Alabama who led the Tide with 107 tackles. Downs joins a secondary with tremendous depth at both positions. After a strong 2023 season, Denzel Burke is back to lead a cornerback group that also features junior Davison Igbinosun and senior Jordan Hancock, who led Ohio State in interceptions and tied for the lead in forced fumbles last season. Jermaine Mathews Jr. flashed as a true freshman and should be heavily in the mix at least through 2025. Downs, who will play for Ohio State at least through 2025, is part of a loaded safety group that includes senior Lathan Ransom, senior Ja'Had Carter and sophomore Malik Hartford. The Buckeyes also signed two of ESPN's top-5 cornerback recruits for 2024 in Aaron Scott and Bryce West, both top-35 national prospects.
When top-5 national recruits Jack Sawyer and J.T. Tuimoloau arrived in 2021, no one expected them to still be on campus. But both gifted defensive ends elected to make a final national title push, along with senior tackles Tyleik Williams and Ty Hamilton, and will form a line that will carry massive expectations in 2024. Williams and Sawyer both come off of their best seasons. The veterans join high-potential younger linemen such as juniors Caden Curry, Kenyatta Jackson Jr. and Hero Kanu, and recent decorated recruits like Jason Moore and Eddrick Houston. Ohio State also recently added a commitment from defensive end London Merritt, ESPN's No. 37 prospect in the 2025 class. Linebacker is the biggest short-term concern after losing Tommy Eichenberg and Steele Chambers, although senior Cody Simon is back after a 57-tackle season. The team is moving Sonny Styles, who had 53 tackles and two sacks at safety in 2023, to linebacker. Depth is needed, though, and Ohio State will look for a lift from players such as C.J. Hicks, ESPN's No. 17 recruit in 2022, who has only 14 tackles in two years.
6. Alabama Crimson Tide
2023 future defense power ranking: 4
Scouting the Tide: Nick Saban's roots as a defensive backs coach were reflected in his teams during a remarkable run that concluded in January. Saban's successor, Kalen DeBoer, is known for his schematics on offense, although he recognizes the need to play complementary football in the SEC. Other than DeBoer, Alabama's splashiest coaching hires came on defense, as the team hired two sitting FBS coaches -- South Alabama's Kane Wommack and Buffalo's Maurice Linguist -- to help oversee the unit. Alabama tied for 16th in scoring defense in 2023, and must replace NFL departures such as Dallas Turner, Terrion Arnold, Justin Eboigbe and Kool-Aid McKinstry, as well as Caleb Downs, who transferred to Ohio State after leading the Tide in tackles. Senior Malachi Moore will lead a new-look secondary, which adds Michigan transfer Keon Sabb at safety and USC transfer Domani Jackson at cornerback. Redshirt junior DeVonta Smith should be a bigger factor if healthy, but Alabama will need more from its younger defensive backs, especially incoming freshmen such as Jaylen Mbakwe, ESPN's No. 2 recruit for 2024, as well as Zavier Mincey (No. 46) and Zabien Brown (No. 65).
There's short-term stability at linebacker with juniors Deontae Lawson and Jihaad Campbell both returning after productive seasons. Senior Justin Jefferson also will factor into the rotation, along with redshirt sophomore Jeremiah Alexander, an ESPN top-20 recruit in 2022. Several outside linebackers under Saban are set to shift to defensive end-type spots under Wommack, including fifth-year senior Quandarrius Robinson, redshirt junior Keanu Koht and redshirt freshmen Qua Russaw and Keon Keeley -- both ESPN top-12 national recruits in 2023. Texas A&M transfer LT Overton, ESPN's No. 6 overall recruit in 2022, also will help on the edge of the line. Alabama's interior line should be one of the team's best groups with senior Tim Smith and juniors Jaheim Oatis and Tim Keenan III all back. Senior Jah-Marien Latham and junior Damon Payne Jr. add depth to the group. Alabama's defensive personnel strategy, both in high school recruiting and with the portal, will be important to monitor under the new staff.
7. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
2023 future defense power ranking: 12
Scouting the Irish: Notre Dame's annual expectations are rising with the expanded College Football Playoff, and the defense is set up to compete. In two seasons under coordinator Al Golden, Notre Dame ranks 10th nationally in points allowed and 11th in overall defensive efficiency. Notre Dame's defensive recruiting has improved under coach Marcus Freeman, who signed two top-100 recruits in 2024 (Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa and Bryce Young) and has a top-30 player committed for 2025 in cornerback Ivan Taylor. The 2024 defense projects very well, especially a secondary that helped the Irish lead the FBS in pass efficiency defense last fall. Safety Xavier Watts, who won the 2023 Bronko Nagurski Award as the nation's top defender, will lead the group along with junior cornerback Benjamin Morrison, who has nine interceptions in his first two seasons. Notre Dame added veteran transfers in safety Rod Heard II (Northwestern) and cornerback Jordan Clark (Arizona State), and also will feature an intriguing group of younger players, including Christian Gray and Adon Shuler.
The interior line will be excellent, at least in the short term, with standout tandem Howard Cross III and Rylie Mills both back as graduate students. Sophomore Donovan Hinish will be among those in key roles for after 2024. Notre Dame loses sacks leader Javontae Jean-Baptiste and needs a boost with its pass rush, either from veterans Jordan Botelho and Duke transfer R.J. Oben, or from younger players like sophomore Josh Burnham. The linebacker two-deep largely turns over other than Jack Kiser, a sixth-year player with 185 career tackles. Notre Dame will need junior Jaylen Sneed to step up, and there's optimism around young players like Drayk Bowen, Jaiden Ausberry and Preston Zinter. Viliamu-Asa, ESPN's No. 75 recruit for 2024, is critical to the group's long-term outlook.
8. Texas Longhorns
2023 future defense power ranking: 17
Scouting the Longhorns: Texas took a significant step forward in many areas last season, including with a defense that rose from 53rd nationally in yards allowed to 34th, and from 27th in points allowed to 15th. The unit loses Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year T'Vondre Sweat, fellow tackle Byron Murphy II, linebacker Jaylan Ford and others, but made a strong push in the transfer portal with standout pass-rusher Trey Moore (UTSA), safety Andrew Mukuba (Clemson), linebacker Kendrick Blackshire (Alabama) and others. The short-term questions come in the interior line, although seniors Alfred Collins and Vernon Broughton are set to step in, along with younger players like redshirt freshman Sydir Mitchell, a former top-70 national recruit. The pass rush should be a strength with Moore, who set a UTSA record with 14 sacks last season, senior Barryn Sorrell, junior Ethan Burke and others. The post-2024 outlook is strong with freshman Colin Simmons, ESPN's No. 2 defensive end and No. 12 overall recruit.
Ford's departure puts sophomore Anthony Hill Jr. in a starring role for at least the next two seasons. Senior David Gbenda is back after a 50-tackle season and Blackshire, who appeared in 25 games as a reserve at Alabama, should help the depth along with senior Morice Blackwell Jr. The group's evolution this fall and especially after 2024 will be interesting. Texas needs to shore up its secondary for the SEC and hopes Mukuba, a former ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year, will help along with senior Jahdae Barron, who had 61 tackles and six breakups last season. Non-seniors such as cornerbacks Malik Muhammad and Terrance Brooks have opportunities to establish themselves this fall. Texas also adds top defensive back recruits Kobe Black and Xavier Filsaime.
9. Penn State Nittany Lions
2023 future defense power ranking: 6
Scouting the Lions: This month's NFL draft will be the ultimate barometer, but Penn State had one of its most talented defenses ever in 2023. The Lions led the nation in rushing defense, allowing 5.3 yards fewer per game than any other team, and finished second in yards allowed and third in points allowed. But all that talent couldn't get PSU past Michigan or Ohio State and into the playoff. The pressure is on with an expanded CFP, and former Indiana coach Tom Allen takes over a unit with plenty of gifted players. Defensive end is the most pressing need after losing Chop Robinson and Adisa Isaac, who combined for 11.5 sacks and 23.5 tackles for loss in 2023. Penn State responded by moving junior Abdul Carter, arguably the team's most talented player, from linebacker to end. Carter had 4.5 sacks and five quarterback hurries last season. He joins junior Dani Dennis-Sutton (3.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles in 2023) and veterans Amin Vanover and Zuriah Fisher. Sophomore Jameial Lyons is among those factoring into the post-2024 plans. Seniors Dvon Ellies and Hakeem Beamon will clog the middle, and junior Zane Durant has promise after a strong start to last season. The development of Liam Andrews, a converted offensive lineman, will be worth watching.
Carter's move will put more on redshirt junior Kobe King to carry the linebackers, along with classmate Dominic DeLuca and Tony Rojas, who had 3.5 tackles for loss and a forced fumble as a true freshman. Rojas and fellow sophomores Keon Wylie and Ta'Mere Robinson should fortify the group beyond 2024. The secondary outlook is split between safety (very solid) and cornerback (uncertain for now). Penn State returns a potential superstar in junior Kevin Winston Jr., who will pair again with senior Jaylen Reed. Redshirt junior Zakee Wheatley should see a bigger role, and sophomore King Mack will be a factor going forward. PSU went to the portal for cornerback help with A.J. Harris (Georgia) and Jalen Kimber (Florida). Junior cornerback Cam Miller is set for a bigger role, and Penn State has recruited well for beyond 2024 with sophomores Elliott Washington II and Zion Tracy, and incoming freshman Jon Mitchell.
10. Utah Utes
2023 future defense power ranking: 8
Scouting the Utes: Utah is set to enter the Big 12 with Cam Rising back at quarterback and a defense that held up decently despite injuries last season but loses a star pass-rusher and most of its secondary. There will be new faces and adjustments to a different conference, but with coach Kyle Whittingham and coordinator Morgan Scalley still in place, Utah's defense should remain one of the nation's most consistent units. Since 2018, the Utes are 11th nationally in points allowed and eighth in defensive efficiency. The immediate concern for Scalley is the secondary, which loses safeties Cole Bishop and Sione Vaki, and cornerbacks JaTravis Broughton and Miles Battle. The Utes got a boost when Zemaiah Vaughn, who led the team with six pass breakups in 2023, returned for his senior year. Vaughn likely will pair with Georgia Tech transfer Kenan Johnson, who started eight games last fall. Sophomore Smith Snowden will be a multi-year factor at corner and/or nickel, and Utah added Michigan transfer Cameron Calhoun. Sophomore Tao Johnson shifted from cornerback to free safety, where he'll address a big need along with sophomores Nate Ritchie and Johnathan Hall, and Stanford transfer Alaka'i Gilman, who started nine games for the Cardinal last fall.
The front seven has more short-term certainties, despite losing end Jonah Elliss (12 sacks). Senior Connor O'Toole and Van Fillinger had nearly identical numbers last fall and will anchor the end spots along with sophomore Logan Fano, who showed pass-rushing promise before a season-ending knee injury in Week 5. The defensive tackle spot projects well with senior Junior Tafuna and sophomore Keanu Tanuvasa, who will lead the position after 2024 with Simote Pepa and others. Seniors Tevita Fotu and Aliki Vimahi provide short-term depth on the interior. Utah's linebackers project as a team strength with seniors Karene Reid and Levani Damuni, and junior Lander Barton all returning. Barton, who had two interceptions and a forced fumble before an injury last season, could lead the group in 2025 along with sophomore Sione Fotu. The Utes should remain an attractive transfer destination for defenders.
11. Florida State Seminoles
2023 future defense power ranking: 18
Scouting the Seminoles: After the CFP selection snub, Florida State's response will be fascinating in multiple ways, including for a defense that loses several stars. Top pass-rusher Jared Verse is gone, along with productive lineman Braden Fiske, linebackers Tatum Bethune and Kalen DeLoach, and others. FSU has developed younger players, though, and once again hit the transfer portal for several likely plug-and-play starters. Oregon State transfer Sione Lolohea should help fill the void from Verse's departure, and junior defensive end Patrick Payton returns after a five-sack season. Georgia transfer Marvin Jones Jr., who appeared in 25 games for the Bulldogs, will help with depth along with Tomiwa Durojaiye, a redshirt sophomore set to contribute for multiple seasons. The interior spots turn over, but FSU has options with juniors Joshua Farmer and Darrell Jackson Jr., the much-anticipated, 334-pound Miami transfer who hasn't played significantly since 2022. Colorado State transfer Grady Kelly brings starting experience. FSU also has a 2025 commitment from top-100 recruit Javion Hilson at end.
Linebacker is a short-term concern after losing Bethune and DeLoach, although DJ Lundy is back after excelling against the run in 2023. FSU added Alabama transfer Shawn Murphy, one of several intriguing linebackers with sophomore eligibility (Blake Nichelson and Justin Cryer are two others). The Seminoles had one of the nation's best pass defenses in 2023, and became the first power conference team to hold opponents to less than 50% completions since 2018 (Michigan, LSU). The secondary received a big boost with the return of cornerback Fentrell Cypress II, who will pair with junior Azareye'h Thomas. Redshirt junior Shyheim Brown will lead the safeties, and FSU went to the portal for nickel corner Earl Little Jr. (Alabama) and senior Davonte Brown (UCF, Miami). Conrad Hussey and Quindarrius Jones should be multiyear factors, and FSU has recruited well at cornerback, adding three of ESPN's top 16 recruits at the position for 2024, headlined by Charles Lester III (No. 44 overall). Redshirt freshmen K.J. Kirkland and Ja'Bril Rawls should factor into the secondary plans for after 2024.
12. Louisville Cardinals
2023 future defense power ranking: Not ranked
Scouting the Cardinals: Jeff Brohm's return to Louisville as coach signaled offensive success ahead, but his first team surprised by reaching the ACC championship game on the strength of its defense. The Cardinals finished the regular season with two shutouts and six games allowing 20 points or fewer. They thrived in the red zone and on third down, and finished No. 9 nationally against the run. The scary part: Louisville has positioned itself to be even better, perhaps even this fall. The Cardinals retained star pass-rusher Ashton Gillotte, dynamic cornerback Quincy Riley and several other standouts from the 2023 defense. They also hit the portal hard, adding edge Tyler Baron and safeties Wesley Walker and Tamarion McDonald from Tennessee, defensive lineman Jordan Guerad from Florida International, and others. Walker and McDonald, both seniors, join a seasoned secondary that includes Riley (3 interceptions, team-high 11 pass breakups last fall), senior Devin Neal (team-high 4 interceptions, 6 pass breakups) and junior Benjamin Perry (56 tackles, 6.5 for loss). Louisville also added transfers such as cornerbacks Corey Thornton (UCF) and Tayon Holloway (North Carolina), and safety Blake Ruffin (Eastern Illinois). Senior safety M.J. Griffin, who had 45 tackles and two interceptions in 2022, is back after missing all of last season with a knee injury.
The line could be one of the nation's best in 2024, especially on the edges. Gillotte earned first-team All-ACC honors last fall after recording 11 sacks, 3 forced fumbles and 14.5 tackles for loss. He will team with Baron, who started 18 games and had 12.5 sacks for Tennessee. Senior Mason Reiger also returns after a five-sack season. Although the end spot will turn over a lot in 2025, sophomore Adonijah Green and others will be factors. Louisville is extremely experienced at defensive tackle with Guerad and Harvard transfer Thor Griffith, who led the Crimson with 11 tackles for loss last fall. Seniors Dezmond Tell and Jermayne Lole also return. Louisville might need another strong transfer haul up front for 2025. There's continuity at linebacker with junior TJ Quinn (team-high 92 tackles in 2023) and senior Jaylin Alderman (62 tackles). Sophomore Stanquan Clark and freshman T.J. Capers should be multiyear factors.
13. Oregon Ducks
2023 future defense power ranking: Not ranked
Scouting the Ducks: In hindsight, Oregon should have made last year's rundown, as the Ducks ended up finishing No. 9 nationally in points allowed and No. 10 in yards per pass attempt. Coach Dan Lanning's profile for both schematics and recruiting suggests the Ducks will be sticking around these rankings. Oregon's defense is making gains on the field and in the portal, where this winter it added defensive backs Jabbar Muhammad (Washington), Kam Alexander (UTSA), Brandon Johnson (Duke) and Kobe Savage (Kansas State). The Ducks also return several veteran standouts and signed a strong 2024 recruiting class headlined by three defenders ranked in ESPN's top-50 nationally. The transfers give the secondary a new look, as all four could start alongside senior safety Tysheem Johnson, who had 70 tackles and seven pass breakups last season. Although the back end will largely turn over in 2025, Oregon has non-seniors like junior college transfer Sione Laulea, Rodrick Pleasant and Jahlil Florence. The Ducks also added three defensive back recruits for 2024 ranked among ESPN's top 150 prospects in Ify Obidegwu, Dakoda Fields and Aaron Flowers.
Despite losing end Brandon Dorlus, Oregon projects well on the edges of the line. Jordan Burch is back for his final season, and Matayo Uiagalelei will play at least two more seasons after an impressive debut in 2023. Uiagalelei's classmates Teitum Tuioti and Emar'rion Winston will help on the outside, and the Ducks bring in Elijah Rushing, ESPN's No. 27 overall recruit for 2024. There are more questions at tackle, although Houston transfer Jamaree Caldwell will help for a year, as well senior Keyon Ware-Hudson. Sophomore Ben Roberts and A'Mauri Washington are in the mix at the nose spot, and the Ducks added ESPN 300 recruit Jericho Johnson. Oregon's linebackers got a nice boost with the return of Jeffrey Bassa, who led the team in quarterback hurries (12) and finished second in tackles (72) last fall. Senior Jestin Jacobs, who had 32 tackles in an injury-shortened 2023 season, provides more experience at linebacker. Sophomores Devon Jackson and Jerry Mixon also factor into the post-2024 outlook, and Oregon signed three ESPN 300 linebacker recruits.
14. Texas A&M Aggies
2023 future defense power ranking: 15
Scouting the Aggies: Texas A&M didn't fire Jimbo Fisher because of the defense, which often eclipsed the offense during Fisher's tenure. As defensive coordinator under Fisher, Mike Elko had the unit on a promising path (2018 to 2021) and should restore or even elevate the trajectory as the team's new head coach after two seasons leading Duke. Elko must get through some significant personnel turnover in Year 1, although Texas A&M returns key players like lineman Shemar Turner and safety Bryce Anderson, and hit the portal hard for potential stars like lineman Nic Scourton (Purdue) and safety De'Rickey Wright (Vanderbilt). Turner was dominant and versatile along the line last fall, recording 6 sacks, 10.5 tackles for loss, 2 forced fumbles and 2 blocked kicks. Texas A&M must build its interior with former A-list recruits like DJ Hicks (No. 8 in 2023) and Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy (No. 3 in 2022). Wisconsin transfer Rodas Johnson, a two-year starter, adds depth for the coming season. Scourton will complement Turner in the pass rush after leading the Big Ten with 10 sacks and adding 15 tackles for loss at Purdue. Texas A&M also expects more from junior Shemar Stewart, ESPN's No. 7 recruit in 2022. Cashius Howell, who had 9.5 sacks last fall at Bowling Green, should enhance the rush along with fellow juniors Enai White and Malick Sylla.
Sophomore Taurean York is set to lead the linebackers after a 74-tackle season in 2023 that included 8.5 tackles for loss. Transfers Scooby Williams (Florida) and Alex Howard (Youngstown State) both should be in the rotation, and Martrell Harris Jr. is among several multiyear options. The Aggies' linebacker recruiting also should elevate with Elko at the helm. Anderson was solid both in coverage and against the run. A junior, he headlines a safety/nickel group that includes Wright, who had 46 tackles and two interceptions last year, Florida transfer Jaydon Hill and Central Michigan transfer Trey Jones III. Seniors Tyreek Chappell and sophomore Jayvon Thomas return at cornerback, which added transfers Will Lee III (Kansas State), BJ Mayes (UAB) and Dezz Ricks (Alabama), ESPN's No. 19 overall recruit in 2023. The Aggies have a 2025 commitment from ESPN top-100 junior Deyjhon Pettaway.
15. NC State Wolfpack
2023 future defense power ranking: 11
Scouting the Wolfpack: NC State has always featured talented defenders under coach Dave Doeren, but the unit's overall performance has surged in recent years. Since 2021, the Wolfpack rank No. 8 nationally in defensive efficiency, 14th in points allowed and No. 11 in opponent net yards per pass attempt. They have lost great players and replaced them, which will be the challenge in 2024 after the departure of Payton Wilson, who won the Bednarik and Butkus awards last fall and had 138 tackles, including 17.5 for loss and 6 sacks, as well as 10 pass breakups and 3 interceptions. To help offset the production loss, NC State moved safety Sean Brown, who finished third on the team with 66 tackles in 2023, to linebacker for possibly his final two years. Brown will join fellow junior Caden Fordham (53 tackles last fall) and Auburn transfer Cam Riley, who had 64 tackles back in 2022. Junior college transfer Wyatt Wright and senior Devon Betty add more experience to the group.
The secondary received a significant lift when cornerback Aydan White, an All-ACC performer in each of the past two seasons, returned for a fifth season. White, who hasn't allowed a touchdown reception since 2021, and senior safeties Devan Boykin and Bishop Fitzgerald lead a secondary that projects well. NC State went to the portal for veteran safety Donovan Kaufman (Auburn, started four games last season) and cornerback Corey Coley (Maryland, started two games). The team also added non-seniors Tamarcus Cooley (Maryland) and Devon Marshall (Villanova), and brought back promising sophomore Brandon Cisse. NC State's line looks like a team strength in 2024, as senior pass-rushers Davin Vann and Red Hibbler both return after combining for 12 sacks and 14 tackles for loss last fall. Travali Price can play two more years at end, and Brandon Cleveland could solidify the interior through 2025. Redshirt freshman end Isaiah Shirley should be a key part of the line's post-2024 outlook.
16. Air Force Falcons
2023 future defense power ranking: 10
Scouting the Falcons: Most conversation about Air Force steers toward the triple option offense, but defense is the biggest reason for the team's 43-15 record since 2019. During that span, the Falcons rank No. 2 nationally in yards allowed, behind only Georgia, and No. 3 nationally in fewest points allowed, trailing only Georgia and Iowa. The unit has finished in the top 10 nationally in each of the past four seasons. Air Force will be challenged to maintain its excellence in 2024, as the defense loses eight starters, including safety Trey Taylor, the 2023 Thorpe Award winner. The team's top six tacklers are gone, although Air Force returns nose guard Payton Zdroik, who is pursuing a turnback that would give him the chance to complete through the 2025 season. Zdroik, who has 14 tackles for loss over the past two years, leads a line that will need to grow up quickly. Senior Elijah Sanders and juniors Aidan Swartz and Jack Curtis ended the spring as projected starters, but the three combined for only nine tackles last season. Senior tackle James Tomasi will be in the mix after 13 tackles and a sack in 2023, and junior tackle Daniel Grobe is a multiyear factor.
Cornerback projects as Air Force's best short-term strength, as senior starters Jamari Bellamy and Jerome Gaillard Jr. both return after combining for 60 tackles last season. Senior Trey Williams also is back after recording 35 tackles and four pass breakups in 2023. Junior safety Levi Brown saw action in every game last fall and will take on a bigger role, along with senior Jake Martin. But Air Force must grow more overall depth at safety. Junior inside linebacker Zach Juckel appeared in every game in 2023 and recorded 11 tackles. He will help lead a new-look linebacker group along with seniors Osaro Aihie and Elijah Sanders. Junior Jackson Adams had a tackle for loss in his only game last fall, and will have a bigger role in the rotation.
17. Wisconsin Badgers
2023 future defense power ranking: 9
Scouting the Badgers: Very little about the 2023 season felt like standard Wisconsin football, including a defense that struggled in losses to Washington State, Northwestern and LSU, which put up 492 yards in a come-from-behind bowl win over the Badgers. Still, Wisconsin finished in the top 25 nationally in points allowed. When you zoom out, Wisconsin is a top-5 or top-10 defense in most major categories over the past five seasons. Coach Luke Fickell and coordinator Mike Tressel know what they're doing, and the unit should stabilize a bit in Year 2 of this regime. There are holes to fill but star power returns, especially in the secondary with senior safety Hunter Wohler and junior cornerback Ricardo Hallman, who can play through 2025 after earning third-team AP All-America honors and tying for the FBS lead with seven interceptions. Senior safety Preston Zachman is back, along with senior cornerback Nyzier Fourqurean and junior safety Austin Brown. Kamo'i Latu provides safety depth for one more year, as does Toledo cornerback transfer RJ Delancy III.
The front seven will look quite different, especially at linebacker, where Wisconsin hit the portal for Jaheim Thomas (Arkansas), Leon Lowery Jr. (Syracuse), Tackett Curtis (USC), John Pius Jr. (William & Mary) and Sebastian Cheeks (North Carolina). Lowery, Curtis and Thomas, who played for Fickell at Cincinnati earlier in his career, are all in line for significant roles. Wisconsin also brings back outside linebacker Darryl Peterson, who led the team in sacks last fall, and inside linebacker Jake Chaney (80 tackles). Peterson and Tackett are among those in line to return for 2025. Senior James Thompson Jr. is the main holdover up front, where sophomore Curt Neal, senior Cade McDonald and junior T.J. Bollers, a converted outside linebacker, will be in the mix. Wisconsin signed ESPN 300 lineman Ernest Willor Jr. and should continue to improve both in recruiting and with the portal under Fickell.
18. SMU Mustangs
2023 future defense power ranking: Not ranked
Scouting the Mustangs: Although SMU has had a series of offensive-minded coaches -- Rhett Lashlee being the latest -- the team captured its first league title since 1984 largely because of a defense that finished 11th nationally in points allowed and 12th in yards allowed. The unit must maintain its trajectory as SMU moves up into the ACC, but Lashlee brings back several key pieces, including explosive pass-rusher Elijah Roberts and playmaking safety Isaiah Nwokobia. The team also added several transfers from power conference programs, including linemen Mike Lockhart (West Virginia) and Anthony Booker Jr. (Arkansas), and cornerback Deuce Harmon (Texas A&M). Roberts had 10 sacks, 7 quarterback hurries, 2 forced fumbles and 12.5 tackles for loss in his first season at SMU, after transferring in from Miami. He leads a veteran-laden line that includes senior Kori Roberson Jr. and junior Cameron Robertson, who combined for seven sacks last fall. Lockhart and Booker add to the interior along with Georgia transfer Jonathan Jefferson. SMU added another Miami transfer in senior end Jahfari Harvey, who made 18 starts for the Hurricanes and had 5.5 sacks in 2022.
The defense returns its top two tacklers in senior linebackers Kobe Wilson and Ahmad Walker, while sophomore Alexander Kilgore is a solid multiyear piece along with Utah transfer Justin Medlock. Senior JaQwondis Burns provides some depth after recording two sacks last season. Nwokobia, a redshirt junior, led SMU with four interceptions last fall and finished third on the team with 61 tackles. Veterans Jonathan McGill, Cale Sanders Jr. and Jahari Rogers are also back, and Harmon started 11 games for Texas A&M. There's great veteran depth at safety with junior Ahmaad Moses and senior Bryan Massey. Sophomore corner Jaelyn Davis-Robinson should be a multiyear factor. SMU has recruited well and made itself an attractive transfer destination for Dallas-area players, which should only get better with the ACC move.
19. Ole Miss Rebels
2023 future defense power ranking: Not ranked
Scouting the Rebels: After a No. 9 AP finish and a Peach Bowl championship, Ole Miss is targeting its first CFP appearance. A major offseason push in the transfer portal yielded several upgrades for the defense, including lineman Walter Nolen from Texas A&M, ESPN's top-rated recruit in 2022, edge Princely Umanmielen (Florida), linebacker Chris Paul Jr. (Arkansas) and safety Yam Banks (South Alabama). Coordinator Pete Golding also has significantly upgraded recruiting, as the Rebels signed five ESPN 300 defenders in the 2024 class, led by linemen Kam Franklin and Jeffery Rush. The pass rush looks strong with Umanmielen, who had seven sacks and 17 quarterback hurries for Florida last fall, joining senior Jared Ivey, who led Ole Miss in both sacks (5.5) and tackles for loss (11.5). Nolen had four sacks for Texas A&M in 2023, and senior tackle JJ Pegues recorded 3.5 for the Rebels. Akelo Stone is another experienced tackle. Franklin, Rush and others will be bigger factors for 2025 and beyond.
The linebackers aren't incredibly deep but boast enough talent, especially if Suntarine Perkins, an ESPN top-20 recruit in 2023, builds off of a 38-tackle freshman season that included 3.5 sacks. Perkins likely will play behind senior Khari Coleman, who last fall wasn't quite as explosive as he was in 2022 but still brings a lot of experience. Paul had 136 tackles, including six sacks and 14 tackles for loss, during the past two seasons at Arkansas, and has two years of eligibility left. Raymond Collins enters the mix as ESPN's No. 1 junior college inside linebacker prospect for 2024. The secondary adds a fascinating mix of transfers -- cornerbacks Trey Amos (Alabama), Brandon Turnage (Tennessee) and Amorion Walker (Michigan); safeties Banks, Key Lawrence (Oklahoma) and Louis Moore (Indiana). They join holdovers like senior safeties Trey Washington and John Saunders Jr., who combined for six interceptions and 148 tackles last fall. Sophomore cornerback Chris Graves Jr. could be a multiyear player in the secondary.
20. Miami University RedHawks
2023 future defense power ranking: Not ranked
Scouting the RedHawks: Despite a background on offense, Miami coach Chuck Martin has guided the team to two MAC titles in the past five years on the strength of the defense. Since 2020, Miami ranks 15th nationally in average points allowed. The RedHawks return many of the core players from a defense that finished No. 8 nationally in points allowed and propelled the team to a league title. There will be turnover in 2025 as prolific linebackers Matt Salopek and Ty Wise move on, along with other standouts, but Miami also has a solid group of underclassmen. Salopek, the 2023 MAC Defensive Player of the Year, and Wise combined for 266 tackles, 11 sacks, 17.5 tackles for loss and 2 interceptions last season. They lead a linebacker group that also returns reserves Corban Hondru and Oscar McWood, who both can play through 2025.
Miami's defensive line will have a familiar feel with senior end Brian Ugwu anchoring the group. Ugwu led the team in quarterback hurries (10), tied for the team lead in both tackles for loss (12) and forced fumbles (2), and finished second in sacks (8.5). Senior Corey Suttle likely will play opposite Ugwu after a solid 2023 season, and Josh Lukusa has three more years of eligibility after recording 2.5 tackles for loss last season. Senior Kobe Hilton is back on the interior, and senior Nasir Washington is set for a bigger role there. Miami will need to develop sophomore Malachi Clark and others for 2025 and beyond. The secondary loses interceptions leader Yahsyn McKee and others, but brings back a good group of non-seniors, including Eli Blakey, Raion Strader and Oscar McWood, who can play the safety-linebacker hybrid role. Redshirt freshman Mychal Yharbrough should see a bigger role in the next few seasons.
21. Kansas State Wildcats
2023 future defense power ranking: Not ranked
Scouting the Wildcats: The final few spots of each FPR list are usually selected through both projections and track records. Although Kansas State wasn't in last year's Top 25, the Wildcats usually hover around the top 25-30 in points allowed, ranking 22nd since 2021. Other than safety Kobe Savage, the Wildcats return most of the 2023 defense, which played well during the second half of the season. The team also has continuity with coordinator Joe Klanderman and his staff. If the Wildcats can stay healthy, a struggle last season, they should be among the top Big 12 defenses this fall and beyond. Savage is the only departure in the secondary, which brings back junior cornerback Jacob Parrish (4 interceptions in 2023), senior safety Marques Sigle (63 tackles, 9 pass breakups), junior safety VJ Payne and senior cornerback Keenan Garber. Ball State transfer Jordan Riley brings experience to the safety spot, along with redshirt freshman Jack Fabris, while senior Justice James and Tyler Nelome, and others will factor in at cornerback, which needs to replenish for 2025 if Parrish moves on.
Senior Austin Moore will headline the linebackers after tying Sigle for the team tackles for lead and recording a team-high 12.5 tackles for loss in 2023. Junior Desmond Purnell also returns and can play through 2025, after leading the team with three forced fumbles last fall. Junior Jake Clifton is set for a bigger role alongside senior Beau Palmer, sophomore Austin Romaine, redshirt freshman Asa Newsom and others. K-State has options beyond 2025. Seniors Brendan Mott and Uso Seumalo will anchor the Wildcats' defensive line for one more season. The nose tackle spot looks solid with Seumalo, senior Jevon Banks, junior Damian Ilalio and Malcolm Alcorn-Crowder, ESPN's No. 2 junior college defensive tackle for 2024. Senior Cody Stufflebean likely will start opposite Mott, while redshirt freshman Chiddi Obiazor, sophomore Tobi Osunsanmi and others should carry the ends beyond 2024.
22. Iowa State Cyclones
2023 future defense power ranking: 23
Scouting the Cyclones: When there aren't many spots left and few obvious teams to include, I naturally lean toward proven units and coordinators, like Iowa State and Jon Heacock. The Cyclones didn't have a banner season on defense in 2023, but still finished in the top 25 nationally in several notable categories -- red zone defense, pass efficiency defense -- and helped the team to a bowl game. Other than T.J. Tampa, Iowa State returns most of its core, and many players have multiple years of eligibility remaining. Heacock, who has been with Matt Campbell since Toledo, is one of the nation's most respected coordinators. Tampa certainly will be missed, but Iowa State's secondary projects very well for 2024 and beyond. The Cyclones bring back interceptions leader in safety Jeremiah Cooper, who had five interceptions and 10 pass breakups, and has junior eligibility. Cooper will be joined by senior cornerback Myles Purchase, who had 15 pass breakups and 56 tackles last fall, and junior safety Beau Freyler, who led the team in both tackles (107) and interceptions (3). Junior safety Malik Verdon also returns after recording 47 tackles and two interceptions. ISU should have more than enough returning for 2025 and time to bring along players like Drew Surges, Jamison Patton and Jontez Williams.
Linebacker is another group that returns several productive non-seniors in Caleb Bacon and Will McLaughlin, who combined for 106 tackles last season. Jack Sadowsky V is also back after a 33-tackle freshman season, and so is junior Zachary Lovett, who had three sacks and six quarterback hurries in limited opportunities last fall. Sophomore Carson Willich is another player who should factor beyond 2024. Senior end Joey Petersen and junior Tyler Onyedim combined for 4.5 sacks and 13.5 tackles for loss last fall. J.R. Singleton provides experience and production on the interior, where junior Domonique Orange also will be back. ISU didn't add a ton of transfers, but end Kenard Snyder should help after recording 5.5 sacks and three forced fumbles last fall at Louisiana-Monroe. Sophomore Ikenna Ezeogu is among those who will be in the line mix beyond 2024.
23. Rutgers Scarlet Knights
2023 future defense power ranking: Not ranked
Scouting the Scarlet Knights: Big Ten teams tend to populate the defense FPR, although some have more staying power than others. Time will tell if Rutgers can become a regular, but the Scarlet Knights certainly look like a top-25 defense entering the 2024 season, after finishing 16th nationally in yards allowed last fall. The unit returns senior standouts at all three levels, from cornerback Robert Longerbeam (team-high 10 pass breakups, 2 forced fumbles in 2023) to linebacker Mohamed Toure (93 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 9.5 tackles for loss) to lineman Aaron Lewis (10 quarterback hurries, 3 sacks). Rutgers would be even higher in a one-year projection, as it will need to replace a lot in 2025 but has recruited well with defensive backs Antonio White Jr. and Kaj Sanders, and others. The line is seasoned and talented with Lewis, senior tackle Kyonte Hamilton and senior end Wesley Bailey, who enters his third year as a starter. Rutgers has even more veteran depth with Jordan Thompson, Rene Konga, Florida State transfer Malcolm Ray and others, but must develop players to emerge for 2025 and 2026.
Toure and fellow senior Tyreem Powell lead the linebackers after combining for 146 tackles last season. Jamier Wright-Collins is pegged for a bigger role, but Rutgers also will need non-seniors to emerge, like Dariel Djabome, Moses Walker and Abram Wright. The secondary projects as a significant strength in 2024 with experience at both cornerback (Longerbeam, Eric Rogers) and safety, where Flip Dixon, Shaquan Loyal and Desmond Igbinosun all return. The three combined for 206 tackles last season. The big key will be finding replacements in 2024, either through recruiting or the portal. White, an ESPN four-star recruit in 2024, could soon find himself in a significant role. Sophomore cornerback Bo Mascoe is another player to watch.
24. LSU Tigers
2023 future defense power ranking: 7
Scouting the Tigers: Talent is never the issue on the Bayou, but LSU's defense has fallen off since the national title season of 2019, also coordinator Dave Aranda's last in Baton Rouge. Since 2020, LSU is 94th nationally in yards allowed, 79th in points allowed and 41st in efficiency. An FPR drop was coming after a poor 2023 season, but LSU still has the personnel -- and, perhaps now the coaching staff -- to rise back up. LSU's revamped staff has a familiar feel with coordinator Blake Baker, a former Tigers linebackers coach, back in the fold after a very strong run at Missouri. The team also swiped defensive line coach Bo Davis, a former LSU player, from Texas and brought back Corey Raymond, who spent a decade coaching Tigers' defensive backs, after his dismissal at Florida. There's stability at linebacker with the return of junior Harold Perkins Jr. and senior Greg Penn III. Perkins has 13 sacks, 7 forced fumbles and 26 tackles for loss in his first two seasons, while Penn finished second on the team in tackles and sacks last fall. Whit Weeks had 49 tackles as a true freshman, and his brother West Weeks provides depth as a senior.
Raymond inherits an experienced secondary, but one that must be more sound in 2024. Senior safety Major Burns is back after a team-high 93 tackles last fall. Cornerback Zy Alexander was productive before a midseason injury, and junior Sage Ryan has started at three different positions. Cornerbacks Ashton Stamps and Javien Toviano both started games as freshmen and have room to grow. LSU also added transfers Austin Ausberry (Auburn) and Jyaire Brown (Ohio State), who both can play multiple seasons. The team signed two ESPN 300 safeties in Dashawn McBryde and Joel Rogers, and has a 2025 commitment from cornerback Jaboree Antoine, an ESPN top-50 junior. Like the secondary, the defensive front returns experience but needs better performance or competition going forward. Seniors Sai'vion Jones, Bradyn Swinson, Jacobian Guillory and Paris Shand all logged significant playing time in 2023. Senior tackle Jalen Lee, who started games at Florida before joining LSU, could take on a bigger role. Junior college transfer Shone Washington, who started his career at Georgia, is an intriguing depth piece, and LSU adds freshman Dominick McKinley, ESPN's No. 17 recruit.
25. Virginia Tech Hokies
2023 future defense power ranking: Not ranked
Scouting the Hokies: I often reserve the final FPR spot for a projection pick, and Virginia Tech certainly qualifies. The Hokies finished strong last season, winning five of their final seven games, and ended up 20th nationally in total defense and No. 4 against the pass. They also ended up 50th in points allowed, a number that will need to improve to justify this ranking. But coach Brent Pry knows what he's doing on defense, and was brought in to restore the Virginia Tech blueprint for success. The Hokies bring back the top contributors from an ascending unit in 2023. After finishing third in sacks per pass attempt (11.3%), Virginia Tech returned Antwaun Powell-Ryland, the Florida transfer who exploded for 9.5 sacks, 14.5 tackles for loss, 3 forced fumbles and 3 fumble recoveries in 2023. Powell-Ryland headlines a defensive front that includes seniors Cole Nelson (4.5 sacks) and C.J. McCray (3.5 sacks). Virginia Tech also added a key interior piece in Duke transfer Aeneas Peebles, who had four sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss last fall. Junior college transfer Kemari Copeland is among those who could play through 2025, although the Hokies will be reloading quite a bit. Oklahoma transfer Kelvin Gilliam Jr. enters the mix, and hopes are high for freshmen Andrew Hanchuk and Emmett Laws.
Junior linebacker Keli Lawson is back after leading Virginia Tech in tackles (80), while finishing second in pass breakups (6). The big addition is Sam Brumfield, a Middle Tennessee transfer who earned second-team all-league honors and will complement Lawson and senior Keonta Jenkins, who had 10 tackles for loss and two forced fumbles at the star (linebacker-safety hybrid) role last season. Sophomore Caleb Woodson and incoming freshman Gabe Williams, an ESPN four-star recruit, are very much in the post-2024 plans, along with 2025 commit Brett Clatterbaugh, an ESPN 300 recruit. The secondary projects well with cornerbacks Dorian Strong (third-team All-ACC) and Mansoor Delane both back, and Delane with the chance to play in 2025. Sophomore Dante Lovett also should be in the mix for the next few seasons. The team gets Jalen Stroman at safety for one more year, along with fellow senior Jaylen Jones. Mose Phillips III started two games as a true freshman and finished with 27 tackles for the season. He will be in the post-2024 plans along with incoming freshman Quentin Reddish.