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<\/a>Dive into Try out PFSN’s FREE college football playoff predictor, where you can simulate every 2025-26 NFL season game and see who wins the National Championship!<\/p>\n25) Gracen Halton, Oklahoma<\/p>\n
2024 PFSN College DT+ Grade: 82.42 (B-)<\/strong><\/p>\n If Brent Venables taking over the defense goes as planned, the Sooners defensive line is going to feast this year. That\u2019s even with multiple departures. Gracen Halton is one of many exciting players up front for Venables, and it will come down to which of those players is the most efficient with their opportunities.<\/p>\n 24) Martez Poynter, Toledo<\/p>\n 2024 PFSN College DT+ Grade: NA<\/strong><\/p>\n Toledo won\u2019t have Darius Alexander on the roster since he turned pro, but the defensive tackle position is in great hands. Martez Poynter emerged as another disruptive player for the Rockets, and now it\u2019s his time to shine for the defense.<\/p>\n Poynter recorded seven tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks in 2024, and those numbers should only improve after a full year of experience. The Rockets look to climb back to the top of the conference, and Poynter\u2019s production will help that endeavor.<\/p>\n 23) Santanna Hopper, Tulane<\/p>\n 2024 PFSN College DT+ Grade: 78.59 (C+)<\/strong><\/p>\n Jon Sumrall is quickly becoming an expert in navigating the transfer portal, and not just because he\u2019s adding talent. Tulaen\u2019s almost in a rebuild every single year because they\u2019re losing so much talent, but Sumrall\u2019s finding some gems in the portal to bring to campus.<\/p>\n Bringing in Santanna Hopper isn\u2019t getting talked about nearly enough, but Sumrall\u2019s okay with that. Hopper has the task of replacing Patrick Jenkins, but the former Appalachian State veteran isn\u2019t fazed by that challenge.<\/p>\n 22) Jaheim Oatis, Colorado<\/p>\n 2024 PFSN College DT+ Grade: NA<\/strong><\/p>\n Purely from a raw talent perspective, Jaheim Oatis is the best player on the defense for the Buffaloes in 2025. It just comes down to staying on the field and finding consistency. At one point, he was considered a promising player for Alabama, so rediscovering that could be key to helping him become a force for this defense.<\/p>\n 21) Cameron Ball, Arkansas<\/p>\n 2024 PFSN College DT+ Grade: 70.55 (C-)<\/strong><\/p>\n Arkansas lost plenty of talent to the NFL as well as the transfer portal, but keeping Cameron Ball was a big win for them. Without Landon Jackson on the edge, the line needs a proven player up front that can set expectations for everyone else.<\/p>\n Ball\u2019s experience will help the other tackles around him, but his presence should also open up opportunities for the edge rushers looking to replace Jackson. It also helps a veteran tandem of linebackers in Stephen Dix Jr. and Xavian Sorey Jr. who hope to be more disruptive in 2025.<\/p>\n 20) Travis Shaw, Texas<\/p>\n 2024 PFSN College DT+ Grade: NA<\/strong><\/p>\n Texas clearly identified the defensive tackle position as a need this year, and wasted little time going to the portal to address it. Four defensive tackles join the Longhorns roster, and three of them should be a huge part of the rotation, including former North Carolina transfer Travis Shaw.<\/p>\n Shaw made waves when he committed to Mack Brown and the Tar Heels, but he didn\u2019t quite meet the hype. He\u2019s a massive player at 6\u20195\u2033 and 342 pounds, and defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski has proven he knows how to utilize players with that combination of size and potential.<\/p>\n 19) Damonic Williams, Oklahoma<\/p>\n 2024 PFSN College DT+ Grade: NA<\/strong><\/p>\n Again, Oklahoma\u2019s in great hands up front. R Mason Thomas will lead the edge rushers, and multiple defensive tackles will be in the picture. We already discussed Gracen Helton, but Damonic Williams is the best of the bunch.<\/p>\n The former TCU transfer thrived with the Horned Frogs, and he\u2019s shown that he\u2019s a competent competitor with the Sooners. If he can stay on the field more in 2025, the Sooners will wreak havoc up front even more.<\/p>\n 18) Yilanan Ouattara, Vanderbilt<\/p>\n 2024 PFSN College DT+ Grade: 79.4 (C+)<\/strong><\/p>\n It\u2019s kind of tough to miss Yilanan Outtara when he stands 6\u20197\u2033 and 311 pounds. Vanderbilt\u2019s star defensive tackle is a force from his raw abilities, and last year we saw him become more of a factor in the Commodores\u2019 defense.<\/p>\n He played in all 13 games and had a career high of 10 starts in 2024. His stats don\u2019t wow many, but they also don\u2019t tell the whole story. His size plugs up running lanes, which helps the linebackers behind him, but that won\u2019t show up in the box score. Watching his film is going to be the best way to truly understand his impact.<\/p>\n 17) Chris McClellan, Missouri<\/p>\n 2024 PFSN College DT+ Grade: 71.56 (C-)<\/strong><\/p>\n Missouri\u2019s defensive line is once again flying under the radar. The Tigers return both starting defensive tackles this year, and that\u2019s huge in an offseason where that position was at a premium in the transfer portal.<\/p>\n Chris McClellan leads a talented group that also has good depth for the Tigers defense. With the offense going through plenty of transition at key pieces, this unit will be asked to step up even more while the offense figures out who will be their key contributors.<\/p>\n 16) Domonique Orange, Iowa State<\/p>\n 2024 PFSN College DT+ Grade: NA<\/strong><\/p>\n Iowa State lost JR Singleton, Tyler Onyedim and Kenard Snyder this offseason, so the defensive line needed help. While Matt Campbell and his staff utilized the transfer portal, they also returned a guy in Domonique Orange, who would help steady the defensive line.<\/p>\n Orange was an Honorable Mention All-Big 12 selection last year, and he could have an even bigger impact on the Cyclones\u2019 defense this year. Jon Heacock\u2019s unique defense tends to confuse teams, and Orange would be a disruptive force while teams try to figure out how to beat this scheme.<\/p>\n 15) Aaron Hall, Duke<\/p>\n 2024 PFSN College DT+ Grade: NA<\/strong><\/p>\n People are sleeping on Duke and their defense this year. Manny Diaz has a fun group on this side of the ball, and the defensive line is going to punish so many teams this year. Aaron Hall was a big part of this team\u2019s success last year, and the Blue Devils hope his return can add to what should be a disruptive force in 2025.<\/p>\n Hall finished the year with 41 tackles and eight tackles for loss<\/a>. He\u2019s joined by Dartmouth transfer Josiah Green on the inside as well as returners Vincent Anthony Jr. and Wesley Williams on the edge.<\/p>\n 14) Jordan van den Berg, Georgia Tech<\/p>\n 2024 PFSN College DT+ Grade: 78.01 (C+)<\/strong><\/p>\n If you didn\u2019t watch Georgia Tech\u2019s defense last year, you missed out on a lot. Linebacker Kyle Efford has the ultimate aesthetic with his neck roll, and defensive tackle Jordan van den Berg reminds me of Darth Helmet from Spaceballs with how massive his helmet looks. Jokes aside, van den Berg shone for the Yellow Jackets.<\/p>\n While it was tough to ignore the helmet, van den Berg also put himself in the spotlight with his play. He was a second-team All-ACC selection, and he\u2019ll lead a starting lineup that features three new transfers on the defensive line.<\/p>\n 13) Braxton Fely, Boise State<\/p>\n 2024 PFSN College DT+ Grade: NA<\/strong><\/p>\n Boise State\u2019s defensive line will miss Ahmed Hassanein, but returning Braxton Fely and Jayden Virgin-Morgan will help lessen the blow. Fely put up solid numbers for the Broncos defense, posting 24 tackles, nine tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks<\/a>. He also gave the fanbase a scare when he entered the transfer portal, though he did return.<\/p>\n Glad to be back\ud83d\udc99\ud83e\udd0d\ud83e\udde1 pic.twitter.com\/cHphtw1VQE<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Braxton_fely (@Braxton_Fely) April 28, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Fely is a disruptive player for this defense, and the defensive tackle position needs to find depth if the Broncos want to have another successful run. His return gives them a veteran presence up front, and pairing him with the edge rushers should help them get back to the top of the Mountain West.<\/p>\n 12) Rayshaun Benny, Michigan<\/p>\n 2024 PFSN College DT+ Grade: 80.16 (B-)<\/strong><\/p>\n Replacing Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant is a nearly impossible task for anyone, but Michigan needs to find a way. Fortunately, they have Rayshaun Benny back to step into a more prominent role.<\/p>\n Michigan also brought in Tre Williams from Clemson and Damon Payne from Alabama, but Benny is the star of the show. In a rotational role, he recorded 29 tackles and four tackles for loss<\/a>, but he should be able to increase those numbers with more opportunities.<\/p>\n 11) Aaron Graves, Iowa<\/p>\n 2024 PFSN College DT+ Grade: 83.01 (B)<\/strong><\/p>\n There are questions surrounding the ceiling of Iowa\u2019s defense in 2025, but there are a couple of big names returning to the defense. Aaron Graves gave the Hawkeyes a disruptive force up front, and he\u2019ll step into more of a leadership role to help the guys around him produce.<\/p>\n 10) Markis Deal, TCU<\/p>\n 2024 PFSN College DT+ Grade: 72.58 (C-)<\/strong><\/p>\n TCU\u2019s looking to make a run in the Big 12 this year, and most of the attention is on quarterback Josh Hoover. Fortunately for them, the defense should be able to take some of that attention away. Markis Deal doesn\u2019t get the recognition warranted by his game, but that should quickly change.<\/p>\n Markis Deal (@MarkisDeal11<\/a>) of @TCUFootball<\/a> stays active as he works inside. Gets the OL\u2019s outside shoulder tip & snatch\/swims<\/p>\n Deal reducing his pad surface, pressures QB & meets Namdi Obiazor in the backfield for the sack! #PassRush<\/a> #GoFrogs<\/a> #BleedPurple<\/a> @_CoachJmac<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/i1CRcgLsO2<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 DLineVids (@dlinevids1) August 31, 2024<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Deal stands 6\u20195\u2033 and 325 pounds, but he\u2019s an underrated athlete who can make quick moves at the snap to beat his man. He made a huge impact down the stretch for TCU last year, and now he\u2019s looking to become one of the best tackles in the country in 2025.<\/p>\n 9) Landon Robinson, Navy<\/p>\n 2024 PFSN College DT+ Grade: 80.80 (B-)<\/strong><\/p>\n While Navy\u2019s offense commands most of the attention, the defense has a group of high flying and physical individuals that will help their quest to win the American. Landon Robinson doesn\u2019t fill up the box score, but his true impact can\u2019t be measured fully by those stats.<\/p>\n Robinson opened up opportunities for the guys behind him, and he makes opposing offenses adjust their plan. Multiple new starters are needed for the Midshipmen defense, but having Robinson back makes their life easier.<\/p>\n 8) Tim Keenan III, Alabama<\/p>\n 2024 PFSN College DT+ Grade: 77.55 (C+)<\/strong><\/p>\n Alabama\u2019s fanbase expects the team to get back to the top of the SEC, and a large part of that will be on the defense. Tim Keenan can help in that endeavor. He\u2019s a beast on the interior defensive line, and teams constantly have to send extra blockers his way.<\/p>\n Honestly, I\u2019m not sure how Tim Keenan kept his balance here. Thought he was about to get flattened for sure. Somehow manages to recover and even make the tackle. Actually pretty impressive. pic.twitter.com\/OyAuKJN9Jh<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Clint Lamb (@ClintRLamb) November 8, 2023<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n With a secondary that hopes to take a step in the right direction, the Tide\u2019s defensive line can play a role in that goal this year. Keenan should be one of those pieces that will help, and their ability to live in the backfield can get this team back to prominence.<\/p>\n 7) Christen Miller, Georgia<\/p>\n 2024 PFSN College DT+ Grade: 79.68 (C+)<\/strong><\/p>\n Georgia continues its tradition of producing big time players on the defensive line with the likes of Christen Miller. It\u2019s tough for guys to find playing time when they initially arrive to Athens, but Miller didn\u2019t waste time making an impact on a stacked defense.<\/p>\n He\u2019ll have to take on a more prominent role than he might have expected this year. The Bulldogs\u2019 depth is extremely young and while he\u2019s not exactly a veteran, he\u2019ll have to be a leader to the guys who are brand new to defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann\u2019s scheme.<\/p>\n 6) Lee Hunter, Texas Tech<\/p>\n 2024 PFSN College DT+ Grade: NA<\/strong><\/p>\n It\u2019s clear that Texas Tech\u2019s all in for the 2025 season, and they made sure to bolster the defensive line. This is a defense that struggled to stop teams in 2024, so bringing in a guy like Lee Hunter (among others) should make this unit much better.<\/p>\n Hunter\u2019s a force when he\u2019s playing his best. He gave UCF one of their few bright spots last season, and took his talents to a team with a brighter future. The Red Raiders defense must elevate their game if they want to improve, otherwise a playoff run is out of the question.<\/p>\n 5) CJ Fite, Arizona State<\/p>\n 2024 PFSN College DT+ Grade: NA<\/strong><\/p>\n CJ Fite is flying under the radar in college football. A second-team All-Big 12 selection, Fite was one of many players who stepped into more prominent roles last year. His play helped the Sun Devils make the College Football Playoff, and now they have a new challenge with a target on their backs.<\/p>\n #ASU<\/a> DI CJ Fite caught my eye multiple times vs TXST<\/p>\n He is the number one reason why I think Alex Harkey is solely a T<\/p>\n True Junior this year with the tools to rise up boards pic.twitter.com\/dsgdhcltX7<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Hail Mary Sports (@hailmarysportss) July 28, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Fite displays powerful hands frequently, and his frame prevents linemen from moving him out of his gap. He stands 6\u20192\u2033 and 305 pounds, so he\u2019ll have the size and power to be a disruptive unit for a talented Sun Devils defensive line again in 2025.<\/p>\n 4) Caleb Banks, Florida<\/p>\n 2024 PFSN College DT+ Grade: 80.07 (B-)<\/strong><\/p>\n One of the surprises for the Florida Gators was the return of Caleb Banks and Tyreak Sapp. Both could have gone to the NFL, but they decided to come back for another year. With a daunting schedule<\/a> ahead, the Gators are thrilled to have talented and veteran players back on the line.<\/p>\n Banks is 6\u20196\u2033 and 330 pounds, so it\u2019s tough for opposing offense to miss him. He brings good play strength to the Gators defense, and that should help open up plays for his teammates.<\/p>\n 3) Dontay Corleone, Cincinnati<\/p>\n 2024 PFSN College DT+ Grade: 77.88 (C+)<\/strong><\/p>\n Health will continue to be a concern for Dontay Corleone for the remainder of his career, but he\u2019s one of the best players in the country when healthy. He could have gone to any school via the transfer portal, but chose to stick with the Bearcats for another season.<\/p>\n It\u2019s a fairly lackluster DT class at the moment, but that could change if Cincinnati\u2019s Dontay Corleone gets back to his early career form after battling blood clots last year<\/p>\n He\u2019s stout as can be (6-1, 335) and has elite explosiveness for his size pic.twitter.com\/dz3LDVFsDn<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Mike Renner (@mikerenner_) July 22, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Explosive is the best way to describe his game. Corleone tends to surprise his blockers because he gets into their frame so quickly. From there, a combination of power and quickness helps him run through or shed his man fast enough to disrupt an entire play. He has a bright future, and hopefully a clean bill of health with it.<\/p>\n 2) Zane Durant, Penn State<\/p>\n 2024 PFSN College DT+ Grade: NA<\/strong><\/p>\n There might not be a quicker first step than Zane Durant\u2019s, and that\u2019s a problem for the Big Ten this year. With Abdul Carter off to the NFL, the Nittany Lions\u2019 defense has to find a new go-to player to make plays. That might come from the interior, and Durant gives them a great option.<\/p>\n He isn\u2019t the biggest defensive tackle, but he makes up for that with his quickness. He packs a powerful punch and often beats his man right at the snap. This is a veteran team with many key pieces returning, so a playoff run (and maybe a national championship) is well within play this year.<\/p>\n 1) Peter Woods, Clemson<\/p>\n 2024 PFSN College DT+ Grade: 79.38 (C+)<\/strong><\/p>\n How talented is Peter Woods? Clemson had to use him as a defensive end, and you couldn\u2019t tell that it wasn\u2019t his natural position most of the time. Woods can be a freak of nature no matter where he lines up for the Tigers, and the addition of Purdue transfer Will Heldt allows him to move back to his more natural position inside.<\/p>\n Peter Woods playing on the edge at his size is unfair. Moves well and is a brick wall even against help.<\/p>\n Gave Georgia all sorts of issues last year pic.twitter.com\/qmu2rISPXU<\/a><\/p>\n\n
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