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Top 10 College Football Defenses headed into the 2022 Season

Publish Date: 07/31/2022
Fact checked by: Mark Lewis
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 10: Alabama Crimson Tide LB Will Anderson Jr. (31) celebrates on the field during the Alabama Crimson Tide versus the Georgia Bulldogs in the College Football Playoff National Championship, on January 10, 2022, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Top 10

Yesterday we looked at the top 10 offenses in College Football, and today we will have a look at the top 10 defences! Check out the top sportsbooks for betting on College Football.

10. Iowa

Can defense force the same number of turnovers as the 2021 version? Although the secondary will need to be replaced, it is a veteran corps. Corner Riley Moss has returned from a knee injury. Although the defensive front needs to move into the backfield more often, it will be great against the run, and Jack Campbell and his linebackers should be amongst the best in Big Ten.

9. Utah

It’s Utah. This group is not going to be easy on anyone. The Utes have a lot of active defensive linemen that will get penetration. They will also make big plays. Getting Mohamoud Diabate from Florida will help. Clark Phillips, corner, heads another fantastic secondary.

8. Oregon

Start by naming Dan Lanning, a top defensive coach, as the new head. Then focus on the linebacking corps with plenty of NFL talent if everyone is healthy.

Justin Flowe and Noah Sewell could be America’s best 1-2 linebacking punch. The front four is massive, and Christian Gonzalez, from Colorado, will only help an already strong secondary.

7. Georgia

Poor Georgia. It has lost star after star of its defensive team, along with Dan Lanning, the defensive coordinator. Now it must go through a significant rebuild.

It’s not; they will just reload.

The Next Man Up is also available with Jalen Carter, one of the top tackles in the country, and Nolan Smith, a dangerous all-around defensive linebacker, who should be in for an outstanding national breakout season. Another great group is safety Tykee Smith, Kelee Ringo, and Christopher Smith.

6. NC State

Star power is back at the nation’s 14th highest scoring defense. It starts with a linebacking unit that’s LOADED after it returns Isaiah Moore from a knee injury. The secondary has a lot of All-ACC talent, and the front three have a good rotation ready to produce in a rotating line.

5. Texas A&M

Texas A&M’s defensive strengths are based on pure talent. But, this talent is still very, very, young. How fast can the incredible recruiting class rise to the top?

The secondary is stocked with veterans, while the linebackers are solid with Andrew White and Edgerin Cooper. But everyone will pay attention to a front four with incredible prospect after prospect. Check out the best bookmakers for betting on College Football.

4. Wisconsin

All the press went to Georgia last year but did you know… Wisconsin finished 2021 No. 1 in the country in total D. The scheme under coordinator Jim Leonhard, and his style will continue to roll.

While losing Leo Chenal (linebacker) and Jack Sanborn (linebacker) is a difficult loss for the corps. However, Nick Herbig will be a strong leader, and the front three will be the best in the country against the run.

3. Notre Dame

Marcus Freeman, the new head coach, is a defensive expert. Al Golden, the new defensive coordinator, is also a defensive specialist. Although the Fighting Irish secondary may have lost Kyle Hamilton to the NFL, Brandon Joseph from Northwestern is an important addition. The pass defense will be outstanding, the line should be active and support the line daily, and the linebackers are exceptional. Although the secondary still needs to work, the transfer portal is a great resource.

2. Clemson

Although the O may have struggled last season, the D was outstanding, finishing eighth in the country. This is despite a series of injuries. You may have noticed no Clemson players in the 2022 NFL Draft. They’re all coming in 2023, mainly from the defensive side.

If everyone is healthy, the line is the best in college football. The back seven can fill in with lots of talent to replace the experience. The linebacking corps can move, and they are physical.

1. Alabama

Although the defense did not take the year off, it was still far below the past Alabama brick walls standard. The starting eleven for this one is strong and should dominate games. It starts with a solid front three with a great rotation.

The secondary is brimming with talent – thanks to Eli Ricks, a top NFL corner prospect from LSU – and Henry To’o To’o in the middle of the linebacking corps will be a solid block against the run. The Tide also have Will Anderson, the legendary college pass rusher.

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