EA Sports rankings: College football's top defenses in 2025

Clemson’s rating: 90

Need to know: This unit took a step back a year ago, ranking 69th in total output and just 49th in scoring, but the addition of new coordinator Tom Allen from Penn State, which was top 10 in both categories last season, could be a game-changer, now at the helm of one of college football’s top front seven alignments.

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9. Texas Tech

Texas Tech’s rating: 92

Need to know: Tech went on a spending spree this offseason and its defensive line rotation was the chief beneficiary of that investment, especially after the addition of Romello Height and David Bailey to the front, and particularly Lee Hunter, who is first in FBS in run stops and negative plays and 15th in QB pressures since 2023.

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8. LSU

LSU’s rating: 92

Need to know: Something of a surprise in these rankings, even though the unit improved in Blake Baker’s first turn as coordinator, and he should get star linebacker Harold Perkins back in the rotation along with some intriguing additions on the line, like former Seminoles star Patrick Payton.

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7. Oregon

Oregon’s rating: 92

Need to know: Oregon may have lost some key pieces on this side of the ball, but Matayo Uiagalelei is a rising star at the pass rusher position and Dillon Thieneman is a big pickup in a young secondary, while the Ducks should field another group of expert linebackers.

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6. Michigan

Michigan’s rating: 92

Need to know: Wink Martindale returns for his second season with the Wolverines, and while he loses considerable star power across the front seven in particular, this unit still has foundational pieces like Derrick Moore and TJ Guy up front and Rod Moore and Zeke Berry in what should be a veteran secondary.

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5. Ohio State

Ohio State’s rating: 92

Need to know: Jim Knowles is out, but NFL veteran Matt Patricia is in to call a Buckeyes defense that was No. 1 in scoring last season, and while the unit loses plenty of experience, but retains Caleb Downs at safety alongside Sonny Styles at linebacker and UNC transfer edge rusher Beau Atkinson, a Day 1 difference-maker on the line.

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4. Georgia

Georgia’s rating: 92

Need to know: Kirby Smart’s recruiting prowess will be tested again after replacing another batch of key contributors, like he had to last season. That group fell from 5th in scoring to 23rd in 2024, but returns CJ Allen at middle linebacker and Christen Miller and five-star Elijah Griffin at defensive tackle.

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3. Penn State

Penn State’s rating: 94

Need to know: Abdul Carter is out of the picture, but defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton steps in off the edge alongside an experienced secondary featuring A.J. Harris at corner with King Mack and Zakee Wheatley at safety.

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2. Texas

Texas’ rating: 94

Need to know: Arch Manning gets all the press, but the core of this Longhorns team could be its defense with leading tackler Anthony Hill in at linebacker again, paired with edge rushers Trey Moore and Colin Simmons, who combined for 14.5 sacks in ‘24.

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1. Alabama

Alabama’s rating: 96

Need to know: Year 2 under coordinator Kane Wommack is expected to see a jump in production, especially from its pass rush, in a unit boasting elite front line output from edge rusher LT Overton and tackle Tim Keenan and especially linebacker Qua Russaw.

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Rounding out EA Sports’ top 25 rankings

11. Notre Dame | 90

12. Texas A&M | 90

13. Tennessee | 88

14. Indiana | 88

15. Miami | 88

16. Duke | 88

17. Oklahoma | 88

18. Illinois | 86

19. Kansas State | 86

20. Ole Miss | 86

21. Pittsburgh | 86

22. South Carolina | 84

23. Arizona State | 84

24. Iowa | 84

25. Florida | 84

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