ESPN’s SP+ Ranks The 25 Best Defenses In College Football Ahead of 2024 Season

ESPN writer Bill Connelly posted the final preseason rankings of the SP+ , featuring metrics measuring the overall strength of every FBS college football team.

In this post, we'll take a look at the 25 highest-rated defenses from the SP+ rankings ahead of the 2024 football season. Without further ado, let's take a look at the units that should lock up their opponents this fall...

(SP+ defensive value)

1. Iowa (4.7)
2. Ohio State (4.9)
3. Michigan (6.9)
4. Penn State (9.7)
5. Georgia (12.0)
6. Nebraska (12.0)
7. Wisconsin (12.2)
8. Alabama (14.9)
9. Notre Dame (15.6)
10. Florida State (16.2)
11. Utah (16.7)
12. Texas (16.8)
13. Oklahoma (17.3)
14. Clemson (17.7)
15. Oregon (18.1)
16. Ole Miss (18.3)
17. Iowa State (18.3)
18. NC State (18.4)
19. Missouri (18.5)
20. Tennessee (18.6)
21. Rutgers (18.8)
22. Minnesota (19.0)
23. Maryland (19.0)
24. Texas A&M (19.0)
25. Auburn (19.2)

Well, Ohio State came in all the way down at 25th in offense, but their very strong No. 2 rating in defense is what powered the Buckeyes to the No. 2 overall spot in the SP+. Meanwhile, Iowa takes the top spot on defense after rating No. 114 in offense — which is par for the course in Iowa City.

Nebraska and Rutgers could be considered the other eyebrow-raisers, the 'Huskers particularly, since they rank No. 6 in defense, which would be remarkable for the program if they were to perform that well. And Rutgers continues to be a tough out with Greg Schiano, and SP+ says that's not changing in 2024.

Related: ESPN’s SP+ Ranks The 25 Best Offenses In College Football Ahead of 2024 Season

Related: ESPN Releases Final SP+ Preseason Top 25 Rankings