If defense wins championships, the players listed below could be the most important in the country. On Sunday, ESPN’s Billy Connelly revealed his top 10 defensive players in college football this season.
Ohio State is the only school that has multiple players on Connelly’s list. It’s no surprise considering the Buckeyes’ defense is only allowing 229 yards per game, the fourth least in the nation.
However, it’s worth noting Connelly also recognized players who may not be surrounded by as excellent of a supporting cast. Look below to see who Connelly believes are the 10 best defensive players in college football.
Caleb Downs reins above the competition, and it’s not exactly a shock. Downs was the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and a unanimous All-American last season. The standout safety hasn’t missed a step this year.
“Need an extra run defender? He’ll meet you in the backfield. Lock down someone in the slot? Yep, he’ll do that too,” Connelly wrote of Downs. “He’s otherworldly.”
Texas Tech’s rise to the top of the Big 12 this season isn’t a coincidence. The team’s success is largely due to its defense, which only allows 256.8 yards per game.
Jacob Rodriguez is the Red Raiders’ anchor on defense. He was the preseason Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and is meeting expectations. Through six games, he’s recorded 47 tackles, two forced fumbles, a sack and two interceptions.
In several analysts’ eyes, Rueben Bain Jr. is the best defensive player in the country. Some are so convinced of this notion, they’re projecting Bain to be the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
In fairness, Bain has been a walking nightmare for opponents this season. He has a stunning 16.6% pressure rate and Miami’s foes actively try to avoid his side of the field. Bain is the definition of a disruptor.
Louis Moore is paving the way for Indiana’s elite defense. The veteran DB has tallied 38 tackles and four interceptions this season. His four interceptions are tied for the second-most in the country. Moore has had a long road to success, but he’s taking advantage of his opportunity this season.
“Moore left Indiana for Ole Miss in 2024, then returned and sued for an extra year of eligibility,” Connelly wrote. “Now, the 24-year-old might be the second-best player on the second-best team in the sport. A modern college football story!”
(Photo by aggiefootball/IG)
If teams fail to prepare for Cashius Howell’s pass rush, their quarterback will feel the consequences. Howell has eight sacks this season, tied for the second-most in college football.
His eight sacks alone have knocked teams back 58 yards. His individual excellence has translated to team success. Texas A&M is 6-0 and looking to make a run to the College Football Playoff in only head coach Mike Elko‘s second year leading the program.
Vincent Anthony Jr. is using every bit of his 6-foot-6, 250-pound frame to punish opponents this season. The Duke standout has 20 tackles, 6.5 sacks and a forced fumble this season.
His 10 tackles for loss in the 2025 campaign are tied for the fourth-most in the nation. With his efforts alone, Anthony has set opponents back 46 yards. If Duke can find a rhythm in the back half of the season, Vincent could be an ACC Defensive Player of the Year candidate.
Hezekiah Masses transferred to California this past offseason after spending three years at FIU. He’s had no trouble adjusting to Power Four play.
Masses has logged 24 tackles, six pass breakups and four interceptions this season. He’s returned his four picks for a combined 91 yards and generally been a headache for opposing offenses.
(Mike Miller, Blue & Gold)
Cornerback Leonard Moore has missed two games for Notre Dame this season due to injury. In his first game back from injury, Moore shined, recording two interceptions and six tackles in Notre Dame’s 28-7 win over Boise State.
For his efforts, Moore was named the Walter Camp FBS Defensive Player of the Week and the Thorpe Award Defensive Back of the Week. Moore will play a pivotal role for the Fighting Irish in second half of the regular season as they look to run the tacble.
Caden Curry is the second player from Ohio State to grace Connelly’s rankings. Alas, the list wouldn’t be complete without the dominant defensive end. In just six games, Curry has tallied a career-high 31 tackles this season.
Moreover, Curry has six sacks, 9.5 tackles for loss and a fumble recovery. His 9.5 tackles for loss rank sixth in the FBS. If Curry keeps his current momentum, he could swipe some defensive awards away from teammate Caleb Downs.
A player doesn’t have to belong to a powerhouse program to possess powerhouse talent. Tulsa cornerback Elijah Green is only a sophomore, but has been one of the best defenders in the country out-wide this season.
Green’s logged 33 tackles and five interceptions this fall, to go with another three pass breakups and a fumble recovery. Unfortunately for Green, his efforts haven’t been enough to boost the Golden Hurricane to great heights this season. Tulsa is just 2-4 entering Week 8.