Big 12 Claims Three of PFF’s Top 10 Interior Defensive Linemen for 2025

The narrative that the Big 12 doesn’t produce elite defensive talent, particularly along the interior defensive line, is becoming increasingly outdated.

Pro Football Focus (PFF) recently ranked the top returning interior defensive linemen for the 2025 college football season, featuring three standout players from Big 12 programs: Lee Hunter, Dominique Orange, and Dontay Corleone.

While the SEC and Big Ten are widely considered the leagues where games are won and lost in the trenches, this shows just how much Big 12 defenses have improved over the last half-decade.

Here’s what PFF had to say about the trio of defenders, including where they’re ranked.

Lee Hunter, Texas Tech (No. 5)

The only transfer on this list, Hunter stays in the Big 12 after moving from UCF to Texas Tech. Over the past two seasons, he leads all FBS interior defenders in run-defense stops (58) and tackles for loss or no gain (27). His 49 pressures in that span rank second among returning Power Four interior defenders.

At 6-foot-4, 320 pounds, Hunter pairs raw power with impressive movement skills, making him a disruptive force in both the run and pass game. He’s a major reason why Texas Tech’s transfer class has drawn so much praise heading into 2025.

Dominique Orange, Iowa State (No. 7)

[Aaron] Graves isn’t the only dominant defensive tackle in the state of Iowa. Orange has the size to anchor as a nose tackle at 320 pounds but moves exceptionally well for his frame, even utilizing a lethal spin move.

His 13.6% pass-rush win rate ranked 10th among all FBS defensive tackles in 2024, while his 80.4 run-defense grade over the past two seasons sits among the top 20 Power Four interior defenders.

Dontay Corleone, Cincinnati (No. 8)

Corleone faced a significant setback last June when he was treated for blood clots in his lungs, preventing him from resuming full football activities until Week 2. Given that context, it’s understandable why he posted a career-low 73.3 PFF grade in 2024.

However, “The Godfather” still earns a spot on this list for his dominance in the two seasons prior. Across 2022 and 2023, his 92.7 PFF grade was the highest of any FBS interior defender, as was his 93.1 run-defense grade. At 6-foot-1, Corleone naturally plays with great pad level while pairing power with explosiveness. With a fully healthy offseason ahead, expect the Cincinnati native to return to form in his fifth and final season with the Bearcats.

These three guys are proof that the Big 12 isn’t just about lighting up the scoreboard anymore. With Hunter, Orange, and Corleone all landing on PFF’s list, it’s clear the conference is cranking out legit defensive talent, too.

The old narrative that the Big 12 doesn’t play defense? Yeah, it’s time to let that one go.