25 defensive players to watch for the 2024 college football season

Here's a look at 25 of the best defensive players entering the 2024 college football season. Listed in alphabetical order.

Denzel Burke, Cornerback, Ohio State (1 of 25)

One of the best lockdown corners in the nation, Burke has started all 35 games he's played in three seasons with the Buckeyes. For his Ohio State career, Burke has recorded 28 passes defended, 26 pass breakups, and two interceptions. However, the real story with Burke is that opposing quarterbacks throw his direction at their own risk. The first-team All-Big Ten pick has also posted 94 total tackles.

Barrett Carter, Linebacker, Clemson (2 of 25)

The do-it-all defender returns to the Tigers for his senior season . Much to the delight of Clemson's rabid fan base. Just how versatile and valuable has Carter been during his three seasons at Clemson? He's totaled 108 solo tackles, and assisted on another 57. Carter also has nine career sacks, 15 pass breakups and three interceptions as a Tiger. According to the official Clemson website, Tigers coach Dabo Swinney called Carter "one of the best pure football players I've had in 20 years."

Caleb Downs, Safety, Ohio State (3 of 25)

The rich seem to get richer. Joining the aforementioned Denzel Burke in the Ohio State secondary, Downs comes over from Alabama, where he led the Crimson Tide with 107 tackles as a freshman in 2023. He also had two interceptions and returned a punt back for a touchdown during his sensational first run at Alabama. But, with a new regime in Tuscaloosa, he's looked elsewhere and landed at Ohio State, where he'll step into a defensive unit that should be among the best in the country, let alone the Big Ten.

Howard Cross III, Defensive Tackle, Notre Dame (4 of 25)

There is no lack of experience surrounding Cross, who embarks upon his sixth season with the Irish. A second-team All-American by The Associated Press and Bednarik Award semifinalist in 2023, the 6-foot-1, 288-pound Cross has posted 141 total tackles, 14 for loss, and seven sacks while playing 51 career games at Notre Dame. Defense is expected to be the Irish's strength in 2024, and Cross should lead the way.

Ashton Gillotte, Defensive Lineman, Louisville (5 of 25)

Among the national leaders with 11 sacks in 2023, Gillotte has put together a stellar collegiate career that is finally rewarded with due praise. Gillotte, who also led the Cardinals with 14 1/2 tackles for loss last year, has totaled 21 sacks during this three-career college career and continues to play with confidence. It's safe to say that the 6-3, 275-pounder Gillotte is Louisville's overall best player, regardless of position.

Mason Graham, Defensive Tackle, Michigan (6 of 25)

There might be questions on the offensive side of the ball at Michigan, but the Wolverines' defense should remain stout. Not only is the 6-3, 320-pound Graham Michigan's best defensive player, he might be top defender in the Big Ten. Essentially an immovable force, Graham has recorded 62 tackles and 5 1/2 sacks during his two-season career with the Wolverines. He was the Defensive MVP for the 2023 Rose Bowl against Alabama and a first-team All-Big Ten pick by the media.

Jason Henderson, Linebacker, Old Dominion (7 of 25)

Old Dominion is not a football factory and rarely receives much national attention amid the Group of Five. However, it boasts one of the nation's best defensive players. A second-team All-American by The Associated Press last season, Henderson ranked among the national leaders with 170 tackles, topped the country with an average 14.2 tackles and posted a whopping 19 1/2 tackles for loss. This was after he registered 186 tackles in 2022. Henderson is usually around the ball, especially in the run game, where his keen instincts, sound technique and bruising strength make him one to watch.

Jay Higgins, Linebacker, Iowa (8 of 25)

Of course Iowa was going to be represented on this list of elite 2024 defenders. While the Hawkeyes might again struggle to score points, its defense should remain one of the best in the nation. Entering his fifth season of collegiate action, Higgins was named second-team All-American by The Associated Press last season when he recorded 171 tackles -- most in the Big Ten and ranked third in the nation. Higgins also posted five tackles for loss, two sacks and intercepted a pass while leading a unit that allowed 14.8 points per contest in 2023.

Will Johnson, Cornerback, Michigan (9 of 25)

Another sensational lock-down corner, and likely the best at that position in the country. The 6-2, 200-pounder is poised to be a top-10 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Johnson is the complete package: exceptional size, hawk-like ball instincts and the strength and speed position himself against the best receivers in the nation. In his two college seasons with the reigning national champion Wolverines, Johnson recorded seven interceptions and 45 solo tackles.

Deontae Lawson, Linebacker, Alabama (10 of 25)

Only the aforementioned Caleb Downs recorded more tackles than Lawson's 67 last season for the Crimson Tide. Downs, as noted, is gone, so undisputed defensive leader at Alabama is Lawson, who has totaled 118 tackles in his two seasons at Tuscaloosa. Perhaps the only thing that can stop Lawson from dominating further in 2024 is his health. He missed three games last season due to injury, and it's imperative Lawson stays on the field if Alabama is to contend for a national title in Kalen DeBoer's debut as coach.

Nick Martin, Linebacker, Oklahoma State (11 of 25)

Martin turned plenty of heads during his breakout 2023 season, and could be in for even better days in '24. After seeing action in 12 games in 2021 and '22, Martin made the most of his starter status in '23, when he led the Cowboys with 140 tackles, including 83 solos and an impressive 16 for loss. Martin also totaled six sacks and intercepted two passes last season. He enters this campaign on the watch lists for the Bednarik, Lombardi and Butkus Awards, and Nagurski Trophy.

Malachi Moore, Defensive Back, Alabama (12 of 25)

Malachi Moore is the kind of guy who seems to enjoy himself on and off the field. Usually smiling and brimming with confidence, the Alabama captain will enter his fifth season playing football for the Crimson Tide and brings massive amounts of experience to new coach Kalen DeBoer's first team in Tuscaloosa. The versatile Moore totaled 144 tackles, 12 1/2 for loss, five interceptions 21 passes defensed and was credited with two fumble recoveries in 52 college games at Alabama.

Benjamin Morrison, Cornerback, Notre Dame (13 of 25)

Finalist for the Thorpe Award (the nation's top defensive back) last season, Morrison might be the country's top cornerback in terms of one-on-one ball-skill matchups. He had six interceptions as a freshman in 2022, but while he picked off only three passes in '23, Morrison was credited with 10 passess defended. Standing 6-foot and 190 pounds, Morrison, who's totaled 47 solo tackles in 25 career games, has shown he can handle any size receiver and will likely continue his strong play at the next level.

Walter Nolen, Defensive Tackle, Mississippi (14 of 25)

After cutting his collegiate teeth during two seasons at Texas A&M, the 6-3, 305-pound Nolen is staying in the SEC, but now set to star for the Rebels. A preseason all-conference first-team selection (media), Nolen is looking to build on a strong sophomore campaign, where he recorded 37 total tackles, 8 1/2 for loss, and four sacks for the Aggies. One of the top-ranked transfers this offseason, Nolen's experience and familiarity with the SEC should be key to continuing his on-field success.

James Pearce Jr., Defensive End, Tennessee (15 of 25)

Pearce looks to build on a breakout 2023 season in which he tied for the SEC lead with 10 sacks, forced two fumbles and also led the team with 14 1/2 tackles for loss. And, by all standards, Pearce still hasn't reached his ceiling. At 6-5, 243 pounds, Pearce is a load for every the best tackles to handle when he's off his mark and in pursuit of the quarterback. Just how much upside does Pearce have? ESPN listed him No. 1 on its top 100 players entering 2024.

Harold Perkins, Linebacker, LSU (16 of 25)

Arguably the best linebacker in America, Perkins is a force, whether playing inside or on the perimeter, to rush the quarterback . In his two seasons with the Tigers, Perkins has totaled 147 tackles, 26 for loss and 13 sacks. His versatility makes the junior hard to contain, and the fact he is so active whether rushing the passer, playing the run or dropping back in coverage. He might be the most exciting defensive player in the country.

Nic Scourton, Defensive End, Texas A&M (17 of 25)

Another high-profile transfer, Scourton returns home to Texas after he enjoyed a strong season sophomore season at Purdue. Scourton went from two sacks in 2022 to 10, while playing 11 games for the Boilermakers last season. He also recorded 15 tackles for loss and forced a fumble. We'll see how Scourton handles the rigors of the SEC, and the pressure of playing in his home state.

Malaki Starks, Safety, Georgia (18 of 25)

A consensus All-American, Starks can truly do it all from the defensive backfield. He's strong in coverage (five career interceptions and 19 passed defensed in two seasons) and can also lay the lumber whether well off the line scrimmage or moving up close (120 tackles in 29 games). The level of energy and intensity that Starks plays with is something to behold. He's blossomed into a leader for a unit that's been considered the best in the country of late.

Danny Stutsman, Linebacker, Oklahoma (19 of 25)

The Sooners' defense made strides in 2023, averaging 23.5 points while going 10-3 in 2023. Now, Oklahoma takes its act to the rigors of the SEC, but Stutsman's presence offers a reason to believe it will be consistently competitive on that side of the ball. The club's leader with 104 tackles last season, Stutsman has recorded 268 over 35 games in three seasons. He's also posted 26 1/2 tackles for loss in the last two years, and has three career interceptions and forced four fumbles.

Dillon Thieneman, Safety, Purdue (20 of 25)

Purdue might be inconsistent in terms of perennial team success, but the program continues to churn out top-tier talent quite often. Thieneman was one of the few bright spots for the 2023 Boilermakers, who won just four games, including just one on the road. As a freshman, Thieneman led the team with 106 tackles and six interceptions. He also forced two fumbles and set the table for consistent college football stardom going forward.

JT Tuimoloau, Defensive End, Ohio State (21 of 25)

Though Tuimolau's name can be found on several national award watch lists, he's not getting much love when it comes to being included on those preseason All-American teams from various media outlets. Thus, consider the first-team All-Big Ten pick Tuimoloau still an underrated commodity despite recording 83 tackles, 22 for loss, 11 sacks, 11 quarterback hurries, five pass breakups, two interceptions, and two fumble recoveries during their three seasons at Ohio State. Now, anybody who must try to block Tuimoloau knows how dominant he can be.

Deone Walker, Defensive Tackle, Kentucky (22 of 25)

Walker checks in at 6-6, 348 pounds, but he might be the quickest and most athletic interior lineman in the country . As a sophomore last season, Walker led the Wildcats with 7 1/2 sacks and 12 tackles for loss, while also ranking fifth with 55 total tackles. Barring any major setbacks or injuries, Walker appears set to be early pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Reminder, he's getting all this done within the mighty SEC.

Xavier Watts, Safety, Notre Dame (23 of 25)

Benjamin Morrison isn't the only star in the Irish secondary. In his third season at Notre Dame in 2023, Watts ranked fourth on the team with 52 tackles. Oh yeah, Watts also led the Irish with seven interceptions after not picking off a pass in his first two seasons at South Bend. Both led to Watts winning the Nagurski Trophy as the country's top defensive player and being named a unanimous All-American during his remarkable breakout season. We'll see if Watts can be even better in 2024.

Tyleik Williams, Defensive Tackle, Ohio State (24 of 25)

If one hasn't guessed by now, the Ohio State defense is once again loaded with elite talent, especially up front. There's the aforementioned JT Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer on the ends, and at one of the inside spots is Williams, who recorded a career-high 55 tackles and tied for the team lead with 10 tackles for loss last season. On the watch lists for both the Nagurski and Outland Trophies, Williams also recorded three sacks as a monster presence (6-3, 327 pounds) for the Ohio State defense.

Peter Woods, Defensive Tackle, Clemson (25 of 25)

Woods unleashed some of that promise that came along with him to Clemson last season. As a freshman, the 6-3, 315-pound Woods registered 26 tackles, including 2 1/5 for loss, while playing 12 of the Tigers' 13 games. Woods made two starts for Clemson in 2023, but is expected to be a major presence up front this season. He still has the potential to blossom into one of the best defensive lineman in the country by the time it's all said and done.