College football 2025: 25 players to watch on defense

Bain should have something to prove after he was hurt early last season and missed roughly a month on his follow-up to a brilliant freshman campaign that resulted in 7 1/2 sacks. Bain managed 3 1/2 sacks and 5 1/2 tackles for loss in eight games played in 2024, so one would suspect he's eager for this season to start -- and to stay healthy. 

New defensive coordinator Tom Allen has plenty of talent to work with at Clemson. It starts with Parker, who has totaled 16 1/2 sacks over 27 games with the Tigers. He ranked among the national leaders with 11 of those sacks, along with 19 1/2 tackles for loss, and it's quite possible he can improve on that number. That said, Clemson allowed more than 30 points six times while going 10-4 and still reaching the College Football Playoff. So, can Parker help the defense collectively improve in that department?

While the hype surrounding Texas generally directs toward Arch Manning, the Longhorns' defense should be the strength of the squad. Simmons has been labeled a freak in the best way. Athletically powerful, Simmons started all 16 games for the Longhorns last season as a true freshman, leading the team with nine sacks and racking up 14 tackles for loss. Is it possible Simmons can be even better in 2025? Perhaps, but opponents, especially in the SEC, will be ready to contain him. If they can.

Depending on who is doing the talking -- or analyzing, Stewart is the nation's best pass rusher. And that's based upon one season, albeit a stellar one, on the collegiate level. As a freshman in 2024, Stewart recorded 6 1/2 sacks and 10 1/2 tackles for loss as the perfect complement to fellow star Gamecocks end Kyle Kennard. It's Stewart's show in 2025, which means added pressure and expectations. 

Penn State lucked out when Durant announced he would return for his fourth season in Happy Valley. He's improved each year, and now is considered one of the top defenders in the nation. On paper, the Nittany Lions again appear balanced on both sides of the ball. Durant, meanwhile, is the man in the trenches following a breakout 2024, when he recorded 42 tackles (22 solo), 11 tackles for loss, and three sacks during Penn State's run to the College Football Playoff.

The potential for Miller to truly become one of the best defenders in the country is there. And, the Bulldogs have high expectations for the 6-foot-4, 310-pounder in 2025. Up front, Miller is already Georgia's best player, but if the team is again to challenge for a national title, he likely needs to be elite. In 2024, he made 27 tackles with 3 1/2 sacks in 12 games. He'll need to be even more disruptive this season.

The 6-foot-3, 315-pound Woods teams with the aforementioned T.J. Parker as one dynamic inside-outside duo up front for Clemson's defense. Despite missing time, Woods recorded three sacks and 8 1/2 tackles for loss in 2024, so that production is expected to be even better this season. The Tigers certainly need Woods to be a stopper in the trenches after four teams rushed for more than 230 yards against them last season. 

Illinois has long been a consistent producer of high-level, individual defensive talent. Jacas might be the next great such player to come out of Champaign-Urbana. In his third season with the Illini from 2024, Jacas led the way with eight sacks and 13 tackles for loss. He also recorded 74 tackles while helping the Illini to a surprise 10 wins and a bowl victory. Expectations will be even higher for Jacas and his team in 2025. 

Known for his relentless sideline-to-sideline pursuit, Perkins is coming off a standout sophomore campaign for the Rebels. He tied for the team lead with 10 1/2 sacks and posted an Ole Miss season-best 14 tackles for loss. Oftentimes while overshadowing established star teammate Princely Umanmielen. This season, Perkins will be at the forefront of the Rebels' defensive attack and could be even more potent and tougher for opposing blockers to handle.

Indiana was the darling of the 2025 college football season, winning 11 games and reaching the College Football Playoff. The Hoosiers' defense was a big reason for that success, allowing an average of 15.6 points. At the forefront of that unit was Fisher, who recorded a team-best 118 tackles, including 5 1/2 for loss. An All-American from various outlets, Fisher will again be counted on to lead the defense as Indiana tries to prove it's not a one-season wonder.

A second-team All-American last season as selected by The Associated Press, Hill's veteran presence is invaluable to the Longhorns' defensive cause as he enters his third season in Austin. In 2024, Hill, quite the specimen at 6-foot-3 and roughly 240 pounds, led Texas with 107 total tackles and 16 tackles for loss. Three times he recorded double-digit tackle contests and posted 7 1/2 sacks. 

Pitt takes a six-game losing streak into this season, where expectations are not high. However, the Panthers aren't void of talent. Case in point, Louis, who is coming off a breakout 2024, where he led the team with seven sacks, 15 1/2 tackles for loss, and finished second with 101 tackles. Louis is a beast with a nose for the ball. However, he won't be able to handle to defensive load alone.

Healthy and playing with purpose, Perkins might be the most determined performer entering the 2025 season. In his first two college seasons for the Tigers (2022-'23), Perkins totaled nearly 150 tackles and 13 sacks. He appeared ready to add to that success last season, then tore his ACL four games into the campaign. It was a blow for the Tigers, who actually did a solid job defensively minus Perkins' presence. That said, if LSU is to be a serious playoff contender in '25, Perkins must be on the field. 

Ohio State has a new defensive coordinator in former NFL coach Matt Patricia, who achieved more success at that level as an assistant than he did while running a team. It remains to be seen how much things will change for the Buckeyes' unit -- good or bad. Regardless, Styles is expected to be among the stars on that side of the ball after he totaled 85 tackles, including 6 1/2 for loss, and four sacks during Ohio State's run to the national championship.

Harold Perkins might be LSU's star defender, but Weeks is the defense's undisputed leader. Oh yeah, he can play a little bit, too. With Perkins hurt, Weeks led the Tigers in total tackles (125), including 61 solos, and recorded 3 1/2 sacks to earn first-team All-SEC honors in 2024. Weeks plays with a high motor and is relentless in pursuit of the football. It will be interesting to see if his defensive production slips now that Perkins is back. 

Penn State might boast the best secondary in the nation, and it truly begins with Harris. As is the case this year, the Nittany Lions were loaded with defensive stars in 2024, but Harris added his name to that list by season's end. He recorded 48 tackles, including 28 solos and four for loss. Not to mention, he also broke up five passes, had a pick, and was a receiver's nightmare in coverage.

The first-team All-SEC performer is still recovering from a January ACL injury, thus leaving his 2025 debut in question. It would appear likely that McCoy, who tied for the team lead with four interceptions in 2024 and has six in his two campaigns as a Volunteer, won't see game action until October. It's never ideal to be without one of your best players, but the Tennessee staff does not plan to rush McCoy, who will be watched closely when he does return to the field in 2025. 

Moore was sort of a savior last season for the Irish secondary after Benjamin Morrison was injured. As a freshman, Moore posted two interceptions and recorded a team-high 11 passes defended while helping Notre Dame reach the national championship game. With that year under his belt, stardom seems just around the corner for Moore, who will also rely on talented teammate Christian Gray to help carry the load on the back end. 

Ponds is a physical defender who earned first-team All-Big Ten honors last season after coming over from James Madison. He also ranked among league leaders with nine passes defended and took back one of his two interceptions for a touchdown. Not to be overshadowed is Ponds' ability to pack a wallop. Even though he's 5-9, his 170-pound frame can be a force. His 55 tackles (35 solo) from last season are proof.

Ohio State might have a new face running the defense, but there's a veteran presence on the field in Downs. A two-time All-American and 2024 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year after he posted 72 total tackles, broke up six passes, and picked off a pass. Maybe not eye-catching numbers, but Downs, arguably, is the best defender in the country and the frontrunner for the Thorpe Award. His presence makes it tough to think the Buckeyes' defense will slip in 2025. 

Is Perich going to be college football's next two-way star? He burst onto the scene as a freshman in 2024, with a team-best five interceptions to go along with 46 total tackles. In addition, Perich was the team's top return man and an overall spark plug and immediate fan favorite. According to Twin Cities media, Perich could also get some run on offense in 2025, as quite possibly the Gophers' top overall performer.

Arguably Texas's emotional leader on defense, Taaffe is as hard-nosed as they come. He's played 43 games during his collegiate career, which began as a walk-on. Taaffe has recorded five interceptions in the past two seasons and was especially good during Texas's deep run in the College Football Playoff from 2024. Last year, he ranked among the team leaders 40 solo tackles and broke up 10 passes en route to earning second-team All-American honors from The AP.

Oregon hit the transfer portal hard just to reload a roster that returns less than six starters on both sides of the ball -- combined. Thienemann, however, might be the star of the Ducks' veteran additions. An All-American selection while recording 144 solo tackles and six interceptions (all in 2023) during his two seasons at Purdue, Thieneman stays in the Big Ten. But he has even more to prove as the spotlight gets bigger at Oregon. 

The sturdy, high-octane performer was one of two SMU players to record more than 100 tackles during the program's historic run to the College Football Playoff in 2024. He also led the way with 53 solo tackles, and his three interceptions last season increased his career total to nine in three years. Nwokobia, an All-ACC first-team performer, will be counted on again to be the Mustangs' most potent defensive playmaker.

A finalist for the Ray Guy Award last season, Thorson still might not be ready to open the 2025 campaign after he suffered a knee injury in last year's SEC Championship Game. Reportedly, Thorson's rehab is on schedule, and coach Kirby Smart and his staff claim Thorson, who has averaged 45.6 yards per punt during his three seasons at Georgia, is where he should be.