Honorable Mentions:

Utah

Wisconsin

Texas

Alabama

Ole Miss

10. Nebraska

When analyzing these top defenses, Nebraska stands out as an intriguing case. Unlike many elite defenses that boast one or multiple standout first-round pick players, the Cornhuskers don't have a singular star. Instead, they rely on a diverse group of contributors who collectively formed a shutdown unit in 2023.  Not to mention, they return many key starters, such as defensive linemen Nash Hutmacher and Ty Robinson, and defensive backs Tommi Hill and Isaac Gifford. Retaining defensive coordinator Tony White was also a critical move for ensuring this Nebraska defense continues its dominance into 2024.

9. Oklahoma

I absolutely love this Oklahoma defense going into 2024.  Prior to being the Sooners Head Coach, Brett Venables was one of the best Defensive Coordinators in the country with Clemson and has been slowly rebuilding the Sooners defense throughout his tenure.  Last season, while they may not have been elite, it was likely the best defense Oklahoma has had in years.  Now, they return many starters off that defense like linebackers Kip Lewis and Danny Strutsman, and stud safety Billy Bowman who had a whopping 6 interceptions last year.  They also brought in multiple transfers to compete for starting positions, such as defensive lineman Caiden Woullard (Miami OH), who racked up 12 tackles for loss (TFL) and 9.5 sacks, and Damonic Williams (TCU), a two-year starter for the Frogs.  With the new additions, all the returning talent, and Brett Venables leading the charge, this defense should be lockdown in 2024.  

8. Clemson

While Clemson may not have added anyone from the transfer portal, their defense should still be very strong in 2024. Under Dabo Swinney, it's been a reliable expectation that Clemson will consistently recruit and develop defensive talent, resulting in a formidable defense year after year.  While they took a slight step back last season, I think they are poised for another great year this season, led by their defense.  

Linebacker should be a strength for Clemson, with both Barrett Carter and Wade Woodaz returning. Together, they have accumulated over 15 TFL and 3 interceptions (INT).  Also, watch for five-star freshman Sammy Brown to make an immediate impact. In the secondary, Aveion Terrel returns as the number one corner, and Khalil Barnes is an All-ACC type player at nickelback. While I have some questions about the defensive line, the Tigers have consistently had great defensive lines in the past. Led by TJ Parker, I think they will hold their own just fine this season.

7. Notre Dame

When there is a combination of extensive experience and quality coaching, I tend to buy into those kinds of defenses. That is exactly what the Notre Dame defense looks like in 2024.  Led by two great defensive minds in Head Coach Marcus Freeman and Defensive Coordinator Al Golden, the Irish will surely be well coached on this side of the ball.  They also bring back loads of talent both from their team last year and from the transfer portal.  

On the defensive line, RJ Oben transfers in from Duke, where he was a three-year starter and posted 20 TFL and 14.5 sacks. They also return both Howard Cross and Rylie Mills to form a formidable group up front. While I do have some questions at linebacker, as it is the most inexperienced group on the defense, they are still very talented, with returners like Jack Kiser poised to start. The secondary is the real strength of this defense, with cornerback Benjamin Morrison and safety Xavier Watts both among the best in the country at their respective positions. With this level of talent and coaching, it’ll be hard to score on the Irish in 2024.

6. Oregon

Oregon’s defense has all kinds of starpower, both from returners and the transfer portal.  On the defensive line, they return Jordan Burch who will lead the Ducks off the edge with Matayo Uiagalelei as well.  On the interior, they brought in two transfers poised to start in Jamaree Caldwell (Houston) and Derrick Harmon (Michigan State).  While the defensive line is solid, the secondary may be the best in the entire country. 

They brought in corners Kam Alexander (UTSA) and Jabbar Muhammad (Washington), both of whom are poised to start. In 2023 alone, they accumulated over 30 pass deflections and 5 INT’s, making them one of the best corner duos in the nation. The Ducks also return Dontae Manning and Nikko Reed, who contributed last season and will provide valuable depth. At safety, they are equally strong, with Kobe Savage coming in from Kansas State, who tallied 3 interceptions, and Tysheem Johnson, who logged 70 total tackles, 2 interceptions, and seven pass deflections for the Ducks last year. Overall, while this defense might have been ranked lower in past metrics, facing Big Ten offenses every week should bring it the attention it deserves in 2024.

5. Penn State

Replacing a great Defensive Coordinator like Manny Diaz is no easy task, but the hire of Tom Allen should pay benefits for Penn State.  Diaz had this defense near the top of the country in all metrics and I think that will continue in 2024.  On the defensive line, the Nittany Lions are always elite and should be again this year.  Abdul Carter is an absolute freak and anchors a deep defensive line that will give opposing quarterbacks nightmares all year long. At linebacker, the Nittany Lions have a solid group of returning starters, including Kobe King and Dominic DeLuca. Their front seven is among the best in the country and likely boasts several future NFL players. 

 However, my slight concern with this defense lies in the secondary. I have confidence in Jaylen Reed at the nickelback position, given his 45+ total tackles and a couple of interceptions last season. Safety Kevin Winston, last year’s leading tackler, also returns, but I have some questions about the other potential starter. Boundary corner could also be a concern, though they did bring in AJ Harris from Georgia and return Cam Miller. While Penn State’s defense will likely stymie many Big Ten offenses, a high-powered passing game from teams like Oregon or Ohio State could pose a challenge for the Nittany Lions.

4. Michigan

The Wolverines may have lost a lot from their National Championship-winning defense, but they are still poised to be very strong in 2024. Their defensive line, anchored by Kenneth Grant and Mason Graham, is likely one of the best in college football. They also return Will Johnson, who could be the best cornerback in the country.

While these stars provide a solid foundation, the success of the defense will depend on how the rest of the unit steps up into larger roles. The secondary will play a crucial part in this. Safety Jaden Mangham, transferring from rival Michigan State, brings with him a strong track record, including four interceptions and three pass deflections. The Wolverines have also added two cornerback transfers, Aamir Hall from Albany, who put up awesome stats but at the FCS level, and Ricky Johnson from UNLV, with freshman Jyaire Hill potentially pushing for a starting role as well.  At linebacker, Earnest Hausmann will need to step into a bigger role alongside Maryland transfer Jaishawn Barham. While this defense still has questions to answer, I trust the Wolverines to field one of the best units in college football.

3. Georgia

When you think of Georgia football, the image of a physical, unrelenting defense immediately comes to mind—and the Bulldogs are set to embody this identity in 2024. The defensive line will be a standout feature, with Mykel Williams and Nazir Stackhouse anchoring a formidable front. Georgia also boasts impressive depth, with players like Christen Miller not even projected to start.  At linebacker, Smael Mondon returns to start alongside Chaz Chambliss. An intriguing position battle to watch will be at the "money" position, where CJ Allen, who logged over 40 tackles and a couple TFL, will compete with Jalon Walker, who contributed 20 tackles and five sacks. This depth and talent goes to show the strength of Georgia’s defense.

Cornerback is another area to watch closely. Daylen Everette is expected to secure one starting spot, but the other cornerback position is open. Julian Humphrey and Daniel Harris, both seasoned players in Georgia’s program, will be in the mix, but keep an eye on five-star freshman Ellis Robinson, who could emerge as a key contributor.  In the secondary, Malaki Starks is a sure starter after accumulating over 50 tackles, three interceptions, and seven pass deflections last season. The other safety spot is also up for grabs, and similar to corner, I think five-star freshman KJ Bolden could potentially step in to make an immediate impact. Overall, Georgia’s defense in 2024 is poised to be as formidable and dynamic as ever in 2024.

2. Iowa

Earlier in this article, I emphasized the value of betting on teams with both experience and quality coaching. Iowa is a prime example of this. Under Defensive Coordinator Phil Parker, Iowa’s defense has consistently ranked among the top 10 units, despite a lack of blue-chip talent. This season should be no different, as the Hawkeyes return most of their starters from a defense that ranked third according to ESPN’s SP+ metrics.  On the defensive line, Ethan Hurkett and Deonte Craig are back after each logging over 50 tackles last year. The interior defensive tackle positions are also well-covered, with Aaron Graves and Yahya Black returning. The depth behind these starters should also allow for effective rotation without a ton of drop-off in performance.

At linebacker, Iowa may boast the best group in the country. Jay Higgins, who amassed a staggering 171 tackles last year, along with four pass deflections and an interception, could be the top linebacker in the nation. Nick Jackson, with 110 tackles, including eight for a loss, provides a great compliment. Additionally, Sebastian Castro returns at the "cash" position, having demonstrated his all-around value with 67 total tackles, eight tackles for loss, three interceptions, and eight pass deflections in 2023.  In the secondary, safety Xavier Nwankpa stands out as one of the best in the country. While the secondary might be considered the weakest link of the defense, it remains one of the top units nationally. Overall, Iowa's defense is set to continue its tradition of excellence in 2024.

1. Ohio State

When you think of Ohio State football, a high-powered, vertical pass attack often comes to mind, with touchdowns piling up. However, this year's Buckeyes team is centered around a formidable defense.  Starting on the defensive line, Ohio State boasts what I consider the best unit in college football. On the edge, Jack Sawyer and JT Tuimoloau have both returned despite NFL Draft interest, forming the top pass-rushing duo in the nation. On the interior, Tyleik Williams and Ty Hamilton also return, completing a loaded defensive line with impressive depth behind each starter.

At linebacker, the Buckeyes have a blend of proven and emerging talent. Cody Simon and Sonny Styles are expected to start after strong performances in 2023, while former five-star recruit CJ Hicks is poised to finally earn his chance as a starter.  The secondary also boasts a ridiculous amount of talent. Denzel Burke and Davison Igbinosun, who both returned despite NFL Draft speculation, create one of the premier cornerback duos in the country. Additionally, Ohio State added the top ranked transfer of the 2023 cycle, safety Caleb Downs. Downs, who recorded over 100 tackles while starting for Alabama as a true freshman in 2023, is a generational talent and a likely All-American for the Buckeyes. Lathan Ransom or Malik Hartford will likely fill the other safety spot, rounding out a defense that is set to be the top-ranked in 2024.