On a recent episode of his show, ESPN’s Greg McElroy dove into the rankings of college football’s top defenses as we gear up for the 2025 season, and his picks are stirring the pot among fans and analysts alike. At the top of his list sits Texas, showcasing its prowess as one of the most formidable defensive units in the nation. With an exciting mix of talent featuring Anthony Hill Jr., Colin Simmons, Trey Moore, and Michael Taaffe, the Longhorns are set to be a force to reckon with next season. This defense, combined with the buzz surrounding quarterback Arch Manning, places Texas not just among the elite of the SEC, but also as serious contenders for the national championship.
McElroy highlighted Texas’ star power, noting that the talent on board could be “off the charts.” Despite losing a few key players, notably along the defensive line, he stressed that few teams can match the potential of the Longhorns. Their ability to disrupt offensive plays could lead to a season where they dominate opponents and dictate the flow of games.
Following Texas in McElroy’s top 10 are familiar powerhouses like Georgia, which comes in at No. 4, Alabama at No. 6, and Oklahoma at No. 7. Each of these teams has a reputation for resilience and excellence on defense, ensuring an exciting landscape in college football.
Honorable mentions included Ole Miss, South Carolina, and Tennessee, alongside Indiana, Iowa, and Nebraska. There’s a lot of talent bubbling under the surface, but let’s take a look at McElroy’s full top 10:
- Texas
- Ohio State
- Penn State
- Georgia
- Notre Dame
- Alabama
- Oklahoma
- Michigan
- Oregon
- Clemson
Texas notably led the country last season in opponent-adjusted EPA per play allowed, a testament to their defensive strength in shutting down opposing offenses. This context is crucial for understanding why Oklahoma’s placement might raise eyebrows; while the Sooners faced struggles last season, their defense under Brent Venables was able to rank eighth in EPA per play allowed. Similarly, Alabama rounded out McElroy’s rankings at the 10th spot.
Interestingly, six of the top seven defenses in McElroy’s list also finished in the top 10 for EPA per play allowed last season. Although Georgia, Michigan, Oregon, and Clemson performed below expectations in past rankings, there’s reason to believe they can bounce back. Georgia is ripe with talent that screams potential for a resurgence, while Michigan and Oregon are both gearing up for ambitious campaigns. Clemson is looking to punch back after making a strategic move by hiring Tom Allen from Penn State to bolster their defensive coordination.
For insights and justifications for each of McElroy’s choices, you can catch his analysis on the show, where he breaks down what makes each of these defenses unique and worthy of their rankings. As we head toward the 2025 season, one thing is certain: the battle for defensive supremacy in college football is heating up, and Texas is primed to make a serious statement.
