Spring practice is all about the future, so let's look ahead again -- way, way, ahead.
It's time for the third installment of ESPN's future power rankings, which examine the next three seasons: 2017, 2018 and 2019. You've already seen rankings for quarterbacks and overall offenses). The defenses are up next.
These rankings consider current personnel, incoming recruits and each unit's recent trajectory. Insider solicited input from approximately 15 coaches, as well as ESPN recruiting, to craft the Top 25.
Here are the teams with the best outlooks on defense through 2019:
1. Returning defensive starters (according to Phil Steele): 5
Scouting the Crimson Tide: Much like the offense rankings, Alabama had real competition for the top spot, but the combination of players already in the program and those flocking to Tuscaloosa proved too much to ignore. "Every year for the last eight years, they have all the talented players," an SEC head coach said. The Tide lose a chunk of talent from last season's unit, which one opposing offensive coordinator described as "the best defense we've ever played." The same coach considers departing Tide linebacker Reuben Foster the best defender he has faced, other than former South Carolina star Jadeveon Clowney. But Alabama returns national defensive player of the year candidate Minkah Fitzpatrick at safety, as well as other potential standouts, including safety Ronnie Harrison, linebackers Shaun Dion Hamilton and Rashaan Evans and lineman Da'Ron Payne. "Minkah Fitzpatrick's the real deal," an opposing offensive coordinator said. Alabama's recent recruiting classes are loaded with stars, including linebackers Mack Wilson and Ben Davis, who could help the pass-rushing void left by outside linebackers Ryan Anderson and Tim Williams. "Their defensive front continues to be dominant," a Power 5 head coach said.
2. Returning defensive starters: 7
Scouting the Tigers: It's easy to forget when watching Clemson's electric offense, but the Tigers have been and will continue to be propelled by an elite defense. Clemson nearly claimed the top spot because it has a defensive line set up better than anyone else in the country. Christian Wilkins and Dexter Lawrence are generational-type talents, and Clemson will have Wilkins for at least another year and Lawrence for two or three more. The buzz is building for end Clelin Ferrell, who broke out during last season's College Football Playoff and could end up being Clemson's most explosive pass-rusher. He has three years of eligibility remaining. Other players with multiple years of eligibility include Austin Bryant, Richard Yeargin and Albert Huggins. Clemson also recently has landed top recruits, including Xavier Kelly and Sterling Johnson. "The defensive line, it's pretty special," an ACC head coach said. "They seem to be bringing in guys at a pretty good rate." As an offensive coordinator who faced the Tigers added: "Really good up front. It's what's helped them, it's what helped Alabama." Opposing coaches aren't as high on Clemson's secondary, which loses standout cornerback Cordrea Tankersley. But those inside the program expect the group to reload and new starts to emerge, such as Trayvon Mullen, who one source called "the next big star."
3. Returning defensive starters: 7
Scouting the Buckeyes: Like Alabama and Clemson, Ohio State is here primarily because of its defensive line, which will be among the nation's best in 2017 and possibly for the entire evaluation period. The Buckeyes bring back all of their key pieces from last season, including reigning Big Ten defensive lineman of the year Tyquan Lewis. Sam Hubbard, Nick Bosa, Jalyn Holmes and Dre'Mont Jones are breakout candidates in 2017, and all but Holmes have multiple seasons of eligibility remaining. "Their D-line's good, and with experience, they'll be better this year," said an offensive line coach who faced the Buckeyes in 2016. "Every one of their D-line were good players: Lewis, Holmes, the Hubbard kid, three interior guys who are pretty good." As a Big Ten offensive coordinator added: "That's the crew that's got dudes, and young dudes." Coaches aren't as high on Ohio State's linebackers, but the Buckeyes return experience with Jerome Baker, Chris Worley and Dante Booker, and they add top recruit Baron Browning. Ohio State loses three stars from last year's secondary, most notably safety Malik Hooker, but it has a history of reloading. Ohio State adds Shaun Wade and Jeffrey Okudah, the No. 1 cornerback and safety in the class, respectively. "Nobody made more impact choices in the secondary than Ohio State," a recruiting analyst said.
4. Returning defensive starters: 9
Scouting the Seminoles: There are reasons for optimism after a shaky start to 2016. The Seminoles were much better down the stretch defensively. They have experience and/or young talent at almost every position. They remain dominant in recruiting, as Marvin Wilson, the top defensive tackle and No. 4 overall player in the 2017 class, signed in February. And Derwin James is back. James, arguably the nation's most versatile and valuable defender, was clearly missed after a Week 2 knee injury ended his 2016 season. Florida State loses its undisputed leader in end DeMarcus Walker (16 sacks, three forced fumbles, 21.5 tackles for loss in 2016), but returnees Josh Sweat, Derrick Nnadi and Jacob Pugh combined for 17.5 sacks last fall. The line also features exciting young players such as Brian Burns, and it will have more on the way with Wilson, defensive end Joshua Kaindoh and others. "They had a couple of young D-linemen who were really good," said an offensive coordinator who faced Florida State in 2016. "They're always going to be loaded with talent. But they had problems when you went tempo or did some motions." The Seminoles finally have better depth at linebacker, even beyond 2017, when Matthew Thomas and Ro'Derrick Hoskins move on. FSU returns a large group of defensive backs with multiple years of eligibility left, including James, Tarvarus McFadden (eight interceptions in 2016) and Levonta Taylor, the top cornerback recruit in the 2016 class who could break out this season. The Noles are loaded at safety in 2017 with James, Trey Marshall, Ermon Lane and Nate Andrews.
5. LSU Tigers
Returning defensive starters: 5
Scouting the Tigers: The immediate outlook is somewhat hazy, especially with some youth in the front seven. But LSU's recruitment and development, along with star holdovers such as outside linebacker/defensive end Arden Key, will propel its signature unit during the evaluation period. Key, who set LSU's single-season sacks record last fall, is on track to return soon from personal issues and will anchor a front loaded with both young talent (Rashard Lawrence and Andre Anthony) and solid veterans (Christian LaCouture and Greg Gilmore). "Arden Key is as good as there is anywhere," an SEC offensive line coach said. "That dude is a problem. He's a guy you've got to plan around." LSU likely will have a momentary drop-off at linebacker after losing Duke Riley and Kendell Beckwith, but sophomores Devin White and Michael Divinity Jr. are electric players who will work alongside veteran Donnie Alexander. Although the Tigers lose their greatest star power in the secondary with All-Americans Jamal Adams and Tre'Davious White departing, arguably no FBS team has recruited better in the back end. LSU's recent recruiting prizes include Kevin Toliver II, who started eight games as a freshman before an injury-plagued 2016 season, as well as Kristian Fulton, Saivion Smith and Kary Vincent -- the No. 2 cornerback in the 2017 class. Cornerback Donte Jackson boasts 13 career starts and has two years of eligibility left, while John Battle and Ed Paris add experience at safety. "They have a chance to be special," a recruiting analyst said. "Their secondary, even with their losses, is going to be really, really strong."
6. Defensive starters returning: 7
Scouting the Tigers: The view of Auburn's defense has changed dramatically in a year, and the future looks very promising under veteran coordinator Kevin Steele. "They were very good up front and one of the better secondaries we played," said an offensive coordinator who faced Auburn in 2016. The Tigers surely will miss edge rusher Carl Lawson and interior line force Montravius Adams, who combined for 22 tackles for loss and 39 quarterback pressures last season. But key contributors such as middle linebacker Deshaun Davis, safety Tray Matthews, cornerback Carlton Davis and linemen Marlon Davidson and Dontavius Russell are back. "They're big, they're physical, they can run, everything you want," said an offensive line coach who faced Auburn in 2016. "[Lawson] is gone; he was probably one of the best players we played against, especially pass rush. [Adams] is gone; he's a good player. They've got [Derrick Brown]; he's huge. The middle linebacker [Deshaun Davis], he's pretty damn good too." Auburn is still waiting for Byron Cowart, the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2015 class, to emerge, but even if he doesn't, the team has stocked the front seven with ESPN 300 prospects such as linebackers Jeff Holland, Richard McBryde and Chandler Wooten and linemen such as Davidson, Derrick Brown and Antwuan Jackson Jr. The only potential concern is the secondary after players such as Carlton Davis and Matthews move on, as Auburn's recruiting there hasn't been quite as strong.
7. Returning defensive starters: 6
Scouting the Huskies: It's a very close call between Washington and USC for the sunniest defensive forecast in the Pac-12. USC owns an edge in overall recruiting, but Washington has set the standard for defense in the league since coach Chris Petersen's arrival. The Huskies are showing few signs of slowing down. The front seven should lead the unit this season, as linemen Vita Vea and Greg Gaines and linebackers Azeem Victor and Keishawn Bierria all return. Vea and Gaines each have two years of eligibility left, and younger linebackers such as DJ Beavers and Ben Burr-Kirven gained valuable time in 2016. The secondary loses standouts Sidney Jones, Budda Baker and Kevin King. "They were as good as anybody we played," a Pac-12 wide receivers coach said. But the secondary also is where Washington has made its best recruiting gains. Elijah Molden and Brandon McKinney signed in February, a year after Washington signed ESPN 300 prospects Byron Murphy and Isaiah Gilchrist. Washington also brings back talented safeties JoJo McIntosh, Taylor Rapp and Ezekiel Turner. "They're so solid across the board at every position," a Pac-12 head coach said. "Their front guys were physical; the secondary were a bunch of ball hawks." The lone concern with Washington is a lack of elite defensive line recruits once Vea and Gaines move on.
8. USC Trojans
Returning defensive starters: 7
Scouting the Trojans: Opposing coaches have two main observations of the Trojans' defense. The unit is not quite where it used to be, especially up front. But it could get there very soon. "The talent they have year in and year out is ridiculous," a Pac-12 head coach said. "Absolutely ridiculous." USC's recent recruiting classes, especially a 2017 haul filled with defensive line standouts such as Marlon Tuipulotu, Hunter Echols and Jay Tufele, should solidify the defense through the evaluation period. "They made a concerted effort to address the depth within their front," a Pac-12 recruiting chief said. A defense that made steady improvement last season brings back core pieces such as linebackers Cameron Smith and Porter Gustin, lineman Rasheem Green and defensive backs Iman Marshall and Marvell Tell III -- all of whom have multiple seasons of eligibility left, although Marshall is a strong candidate to go to the draft early. USC will miss Stevie Tu'ikolovatu up front and cornerback Adoree' Jackson, the Jim Thorpe Award winner. But the secondary has a great mix of experience -- Marshall, Tell, Chris Hawkins, John Plattenburg and Ajene Harris -- and exciting young players. Recent recruiting gains should pay off with players such as Jack Jones, Jamel Cook, Isaiah Pola-Mao, Greg Johnson and Bubba Bolden. "They play a lot of man coverage, and they have the players to play man," a Pac-12 wide receivers coach said. "They should be really good on defense."
9. Returning defensive starters: 1
Scouting the Wolverines: The one reason Michigan isn't higher in the rankings is the lonely number you see above. The Wolverines have an excellent defensive coaching staff led by veteran coordinator Don Brown. They recruit nationally elite defensive players, landing lineman Rashan Gary, the No. 1 overall prospect in the 2016 class, along with other ESPN 300 standouts such as Ron Johnson, David Long, Aubrey Solomon, Ambry Thomas, Lavert Hill, Luiji Vilain and Devin Bush over the past two classes. But any defense that returns only one starter creates some degree of unease, even if it soon will pass. "That defense was as good as any I've seen, but it was all seniors," a Big Ten offensive coordinator said. "So they've got to reload. I know they have talented guys, but it's hard to replace." As a Power 5 head coach added: "Michigan got wiped out on defense." Coaches think departing safety/linebacker Jabrill Peppers and end Taco Charlton are potential first-round draft picks. They also like linebacker Mike McCray, Michigan's lone holdover. "If you let [McCray] play the [middle linebacker spot], he's an NFL player," a Big Ten offensive coordinator said. "He's a better version of [Ben] Gedeon at that position." Michigan must build around McCray at linebacker, while Gary and Maurice Hurst will anchor a line that should show more edge speed. The secondary should be strong in 2018 and beyond but could fast track if Hill, Josh Metellus, Long and others emerge this offseason.
10. Florida Gators
Defensive starters returning: 5
Scouting the Gators: Everyone knows Florida needs more from its offense, especially at the quarterback position, to return to the national conversation. The hope among Gators fans is that the defense can continue on its current trajectory. It could be challenging in the short term, as Florida loses coordinator Geoff Collins, as well as dynamic cornerbacks Teez Tabor and Quincy Wilson, All-SEC interior lineman Caleb Brantley, talented linebackers Jarrad Davis and Alex Anzalone, tackle Joey Ivie and others. "Their best players, a lot of them are leaving: two corners, two backers, Brantley," an SEC offensive coordinator said. "Their better players were older. You'll find out a lot about their defense this year." Florida will lean on end Cece Jefferson and especially Taven Bryan to help fill the gaps up front. The Gators are hoping for big things from Antonneous Clayton, the No. 2 defensive end and No. 10 overall player in the 2016 class. Linebackers David Reese, Kylan Johnson and Vosean Joseph all have multiple seasons of eligibility left, and Jeremiah Moon is another good young player to watch. Florida's back-end strength shifts to safety, as Marcell Harris, Duke Dawson and Chauncey Gardner all return. "They had a young safety [Harris] who played really well," said an offensive coordinator who faced Florida last season. "They played some young backers who were good players. They have talent on that side. That's not an issue."
11. Defensive starters returning: 8
Scouting the Cardinal: The strength of the unit shifts from the front to the back in 2017, but the general trajectory remains up for a steady defense under coordinator Lance Anderson. A veteran secondary returning safety Justin Reid and cornerbacks Quenton Meeks, Alameen Murphy and Frank Buncom should anchor the unit for 2017 and possibly 2018. Stanford's short-term linebacker outlook also is promising, as Joey Alfieri, Peter Kalambayi and Bobby Okereke return for the final seasons. Sophomore Curtis Robinson, a 2016 ESPN 300 prospect, is the future of the group, but others must emerge for 2018 and beyond. Stanford's immediate concern is replacing transcendent lineman Solomon Thomas, a likely first-round draft pick whom a Pac-12 head coach described simply as "a beast." Harrison Phillips, a versatile player who recorded 6.5 sacks last season, will lead the line this fall but will move on after the season. Stanford's defensive line recruiting has fallen off a touch, although the team landed ESPN 300 end Ryan Johnson in February. "They're very sound, they're very smart, they're usually not going to make mistakes, so they're always going to be in that mix," said an offensive coordinator who faced Stanford in 2016. "They return three of the four DBs; at linebacker they return two of the four. They lost Solomon, and he was a freak. But they bring back [Phillips] and [Dylan Jackson] -- big, long guys who are pretty good."
12. Defensive starters returning: 7
Scouting the Nittany Lions: Football and baseball coaches alike want strong, up-the-middle defense, and Penn State should have it for 2017 and most likely beyond. The Lions return veteran tackles Parker Cothren and Curtis Cothran, as well as linebacker Jason Cabinda and safety Marcus Allen -- both of whom were third-team All-Big Ten selections last season. Manny Bowen, Brandon Smith and Koa Farmer also return to form a linebacker corps that one Big Ten offensive coordinator thinks has "a chance to be the best in the conference next year." Coaches disagree on the defense's strength other than the linebackers. One Big Ten offensive coordinator was lukewarm on the secondary ("They don't make a lot of plays") but bullish about the line, while another conference playcaller saw the reverse, saying, "Their D-tackles were OK, but the strength of their defense was the back seven." Penn State is still seeking a bit more star power and could have breakout performances from players such as Torrence Brown (three forced fumbles in 2016), redshirt freshman Shaka Toney and Shane Simmons -- the No. 4 defensive end in the 2016 recruiting class. The secondary took a hit for this season with the loss of starting CB John Reid to a knee injury, but recruiting continues to improve, as Penn State signed four ESPN 300 prospects this year, headlined by cornerback Lamont Wade.
13. Defensive starters returning: 7
Scouting the Badgers: If the power rankings mirrored the recruiting rankings, Wisconsin might not make the cut. Wisconsin's past three classes ranked 40th, 41st and 38th nationally. But another set of rankings is impossible to deny: Wisconsin has allowed 16.76 points per game since 2014, second fewest nationally behind Alabama (15.45). The Badgers rank third nationally in yards allowed per game during the span (288.5) and eighth in average yards per play allowed (4.76). They lose two mainstays at linebacker in Vince Biegel and T.J. Watt -- the Big Ten's most dominant defender in 2016. But T.J. Edwards and Ryan Connelly are back, and Jack Cichy and Chris Orr both return from injuries. "They're going to have some new names, but they did not miss a beat when they put their twos in a year ago," a Big Ten head coach said. "They were getting [Watt] and [Biegel] out in some situations, and the guys they were putting in were pretty damn good too." End Conor Sheehy and nose tackle Olive Sagapolu anchor a solid line filled with veterans. Cornerback Sojourn Shelton and safety Leo Musso both are big losses, but D'Cota Dixon and Derrick Tindal both emerged as playmakers last season, combining for seven interceptions. Safety Lubern Figaro emerged as a solid contributor last season, and Wisconsin has recruited well in the back end, adding players such as safeties Arrington Farrar and Eric Burrell. "Wisconsin is always tough," a Big Ten offensive coordinator said. "They lose Watt but they get Cichy back. He's much better than people think he is. The big nose [Sagapolu] is a good player."
14. Georgia Bulldogs
Returning starters: 10
Scouting the Bulldogs: The idea of a top defensive mind like Kirby Smart working with a unit that returns almost entirely intact seems very exciting. Georgia's returnees include veteran defensive backs Dominick Sanders and Malkom Parrish, as well as linebackers Lorenzo Carter, Davin Bellamy and Roquan Smith -- who led the team with 95 tackles last season. "They're real solid across the board," an SEC offensive assistant said. "They're deep with guys who can run and play physical." But returning starters can, on occasion, be a deceiving stat, as some coaches wonder how good Georgia really will be on defense. "They didn't wow me with their personnel," said an offensive coordinator who faced the Bulldogs in 2016. "They were young, but it wasn't like they were unbelievable." As a recruiting analyst added: "Nothing about them makes you go wow." That could change this season, especially if defensive tackle Trenton Thompson (five sacks, nine tackles for loss in 2016) returns to the team and forms a strong front with Julian Rochester and John Atkins. Georgia also needs its upgraded in-state recruiting to improve competition. "They weren't great on the back end," an SEC offensive coordinator said, "but their D-linemen will be fine, especially the younger guys coming in." Incoming freshmen DeAngelo Gibbs, Richard LeCounte III and Robert Beal all rated second nationally at their respective positions in the 2017 class. William Poole III, the No. 8 cornerback in the class, also could push for time.
15. Miami Hurricanes
Defensive starters returning: 8
Scouting the Hurricanes: Arguably no defense in the country transformed its outlook more dramatically in one season than Miami did last season. Faced with the perilous prospect of starting mostly underclassmen, the Hurricanes surged under the direction of new coordinator Manny Diaz. The defense is still relatively young but much more experienced. Linebackers Shaq Quarterman and Michael Pinckney both earned freshman All-America honors last season, and Zach McCloud had a solid first season with 11 starts. Defensive end Joe Jackson also shined as a freshman, leading the team in sacks (8.5) and tackles for loss (11.5). "They had some really good young defensive players," an ACC head coach said. "I imagine they all get better, especially those freshmen linebackers." Miami landed D.J. Johnson, the No. 5 defensive end in the 2017 class, and bolstered its cornerback spot through two transfers -- Dee Delaney, an FCS All-American at The Citadel, and junior college standout Jhavonte Dean. Jaquan Johnson provides leadership for the secondary and has two years of eligibility left. Sheldrick Redwine and Trajan Bandy are two other intriguing defensive backs. "Miami should be really good if all those guys are healthy," an ACC offensive coordinator said. "All their linebackers were freshmen, and they've got a couple D-linemen who are really good."
16. Oklahoma Sooners
Defensive starters returning: 7
Scouting the Sooners: The Big 12 finally makes an appearance in the rundown. Oklahoma's defense had some rough moments early last season, allowing 41.4 points per game during a five-game stretch. But the Sooners finished strong and appear set up well for the evaluation period. Effective pass-rusher Ogbonnia Okoronkwo and Emmanuel Beal will lead the linebackers alongside Caleb Kelly, who is the group's future after an impressive freshman season as a part-time starter. Oklahoma still is looking for a dominant defensive lineman as it shifts to a 4-3 this season, but Okoronkwo's edge rushing will help, and D.J. Ward and Matt Romar are back for their fifth seasons. The staff also expects more from Neville Gallimore and Mark Jackson Jr.. "They were better up front than I thought they would be," said an offensive coordinator who faced the Sooners in 2016. "They protected their back end very well, but you could throw the ball on them. Their linebackers are OK. They do a good job scheme-wise." The secondary clearly needs a boost and will rely on seniors Jordan Thomas, an All-Big-12 cornerback, and safety Steven Parker. The key for OU at all three levels is building more depth and star power for 2018 and 2019. Cornerback Jordan Parker started eight games as a freshman, while fellow sophomore Parnell Motley should be a factor throughout the evaluation period. After signing Kelly and Parker in 2016, Oklahoma made a strong push on defense in the 2017 class with Justin Broiles, the No. 5 cornerback and No. 46 overall player, and four other ESPN 300 prospects.
17. UCLA Bruins
Defensive starters returning: 6
Scouting the Bruins: The defense didn't cause UCLA to go 4-8 last season, but greater consistency is needed from a unit that rarely lacks star power. "They were one of the most physically talented units in the Pac-12," a Pac-12 offensive coordinator said of last season's Bruins defense. "They just weren't playing together." Talent once again shouldn't be a problem in Westwood, although UCLA must replace dominant pass-rusher Takkarist McKinley (10 sacks, 18 tackles for loss in 2016), productive linebacker Jayon Brown and gifted defensive backs Fabian Moreau and Randall Goforth. UCLA has enough holdovers and recruiting prizes to reload nicely in the secondary. "They've got good personnel, really good in the secondary," a Pac-12 head coach said. Senior Jaleel Wadood and junior Adarius Pickett form one of the league's best safety tandems. Darnay Holmes, the No. 4 cornerback and No. 41 overall player in the 2017 class, could start right away. "Wadood is good, but they lost the other corner, Fabian Moreau, a longtime starter," a Pac-12 wide receivers coach said. "They must think Darnay will lock one side of the field down." The Bruins' long-term outlook in the front seven appears to be great, and they could avoid a momentary drop-off with Kenny Young leading the linebackers and seniors Jacob Tuioti-Mariner and Matt Dickerson taking larger roles with the line. Tackle Boss Tagaloa could emerge into a force, and the staff is keen on sophomore end Rick Wade. UCLA's recent linebacker recruiting has been exceptional, with Jaelan Phillips, the top outside linebacker and No. 3 overall player in the 2017 class, along with three ESPN 300 linebackers -- Mique Juarez, Lokeni Toailoa, Krys Barnes -- from the 2016 class.
18. Texas Longhorns
Defensive starters returning: 10
Scouting the Longhorns: New Texas coach Tom Herman has plenty of bodies on the defensive side, as 17 players with starting experience return. The key for Herman and new defensive coordinator Todd Orlando is fostering improvement from the returning players or finding new players to replace them. But Texas undoubtedly retains valuable pieces, especially at linebacker, with Breckyn Hager, Malik Jefferson and Edwin Freeman, who combined for 31 tackles for loss and 14.5 sacks last season. All three have multiple seasons of eligibility left. Defensive end Malcolm Roach could take a big step this season, and Poona Ford, despite a boxy frame, is an effective interior piece. "Talentwise, pick a guy," a Big 12 offensive line coach said. "They look the part; they're athletic, big guys. Number 32, Roach, he's a good player. The D-tackle [Ford], he's a big dude. He's not the most physically imposing guy, but he's a good player, plays hard." The secondary is undoubtedly the top immediate concern, but there is plenty of experience with safety Jason Hall (28 career starts), cornerback John Bonney (13 career starts) and others. Will cornerbacks Davante Davis and Holton Hill bounce back from a disappointing 2016 campaign? Junior P.J. Locke has drawn positive reviews from the new coaches and will play a bigger role. Texas landed an impressive defensive haul in the 2015 class with seven ESPN 300 players. The new staff now must maximize what it inherits.
19. Utah Utes
Defensive starters returning: 6
Scouting the Utes: Like Wisconsin, Utah is a team that never wins signing day but wins enough on Saturdays -- often because of its defense -- to merit a spot here. And like Wisconsin, Utah loses some key pieces from last season's unit -- notably defensive end Hunter Dimick and safety Marcus Williams -- but should be equipped to fill the gaps. The defensive front should continue to be a strength, as Utah returns talented tackles Filipo Mokofisi and Lowell Lotulelei. If a young defensive end or two emerges -- sophomore Bradlee Anae is one to watch -- the Utes shouldn't suffer too much from losing Dimick. They also have recruited well up front with Maxs Tupai, Leki Fotu and others. "They're so physical," said a head coach who faced Utah last year. "The thing that makes them different is by having so many of the Mormon kids, they're older. They're all mature. You're playing against 24- and 25-year-old men. They win the trenches." Utah's outlook at linebacker looks good in the short term, as Kavika Luafatasaga and Sunia Tauteoli return for their final seasons. The Utes also bring in junior college transfer Marquise Blair. The secondary is an immediate concern, as Utah loses four of five starters. Safety Chase Hansen will lead the group, and Utah needs its recruiting gains to come through. Jaylon Johnson, an ESPN 300 prospect, and four-star recruit Javelin Guidry should contend for playing time right away, along with junior college transfer Tareke Lewis. Speedy junior Casey Hughes is another player to watch. "Defensively, they find a way to be pretty darn good," a Pac-12 offensive assistant said.
20. Defensive starters returning: 7
Scouting the Hokies: Virginia Tech hired coach Justin Fuente to spark its offense, and Fuente retained coordinator Bud Foster to keep the defense among the nation's best. Year 1 was successful, and Virginia Tech's defense should be its signature unit this season, if it can fill holes up front. "They're always going to be good," an ACC offensive coordinator said. "Bud Foster does a great job. They return a decent amount of their guys." The back seven will be solid, as linebackers Tremaine Edmunds (106 tackles, team-high 18.5 tackles for loss) and Andrew Motuapuaka (team-high 114 tackles, three interceptions) return, along with safety Terrell Edmunds (team-high four interceptions) and talented cornerbacks Greg Stroman and Brandon Facyson. Linebacker Mook Reynolds and cornerback Adonis Alexander also have shown playmaking ability. Although many of those players will be gone after 2017, Virginia Tech solidified the future with its most recent recruiting class. The four highest-rated players are defenders, led by ESPN 300 prospects Nathan Proctor and Devon Hunter. Virginia Tech's short-term priority is a defensive line that loses three starters, including disruptive tandem Woody Baron and Ken Ekanem, who combined for 13 sacks. Vinny Mihota returns, but the Hokies are thin at defensive end. They need contributions from sophomore end Trevon Hill, junior tackle Ricky Walker and 328-pound sophomore tackle Tim Settle -- the No. 4 defensive tackle in the 2015 class. It also would help if sophomore end Houshun Gaines works through his off-field issues. "They were much better on defense in person than I anticipated," said an offensive coordinator who faced Virginia Tech in 2016. "They were a little more athletic and physical."
21. Returning starters: 8
Scouting the Wolfpack: If this were a one-year projection, NC State would be in the top 10 nationally and possibly sniffing the top 5. It's a testament to a defensive front that is among the nation's best position groups. Led by All-America candidate Bradley Chubb at end, NC State returns four senior starters on a line that held opponents to 108.6 rush yards per game. Along with two more senior starters at linebacker -- Airius Moore and Jerod Fernandez -- NC State's senior-laden front has 226 career games played with 117.5 tackles for loss and 38.5 sacks combined. "They return just about everybody, and they were damn good last year," an ACC offensive coordinator said. "They were so good up front that it helped save everybody. The thing with their defensive line, it wasn't one guy or two guys. The Chubb kid is really special, and [Justin Jones] and [B.J. Hill], they're really good. They also brought a couple kids off the bench who were really good." The key for NC State is developing more of its bench -- linemen Darian Roseboro, Eurndraus Bryant and Shug Frazier, linebacker Riley Nicholson and safety Jarius Morehead, to name a few. NC State hasn't had an ESPN 300 defensive recruit since Roseboro in 2015, but coach Dave Doeren is excellent at identifying under-the-radar talent, and the defense's experience has helped him redshirt more players who should develop in the coming years. "They're physical on defense," said a head coach who faced NC State last season. "When you look at what they have coming back, they're going to be a team to watch in 2017."
22. TCU Horned Frogs
Defensive starters returning: 7
Scouting the Horned Frogs: Last year's inconsistent TCU defense seemed atypical for a Gary Patterson-coached team, but it still finished second in the Big 12 in yards allowed and fourth in points allowed. "They're always good," a Big 12 offensive line coach said. "They hadn't been numberswise as good the last two year because they've had a bunch of injuries. But [Patterson is] a hell of a defensive coach." There are reasons to believe the unit will be more consistent in 2017, although three key linemen must be replaced, including top pass-rusher Josh Carraway. TCU could have the Big 12's best linebacker corps, as all-conference selections Travin Howard and Ty Summers return, alongside Sammy Douglas. Both Summers and Douglas could see time at end as TCU remains thin there, although senior Mat Boesen returns following a six-sack season. It's important to see improvement from redshirt freshman defensive ends Gary Overshown and Isaiah Chambers -- an ESPN 300 selection in the 2016 class -- as well as from redshirt freshman tackle Ross Blacklock, also an ESPN 300 pick in 2016. The Frogs return three cornerbacks with starting experience -- Ranthony Texada, Jeff Gladney and Julius Lewis -- but Patterson would like more depth there alongside talented safeties Nick Orr and Niko Small. TCU's top-rated players in the 2017 class are on offense, but it added ESPN 300 defensive lineman Corey Bethley.
23. Defensive starters returning: 7
Scouting the Vols: Every unit deals with injuries, and Tennessee's assortment of injuries in 2016 should not excuse the shaky play of a defense that had top-end talent. But we never saw the Vols at full strength. They can be better under coordinator Bob Shoop's leadership and should be, despite losing defensive end Derek Barnett, a consensus All-American, cornerback Cam Sutton. Tennessee needs immediate answers at both positions. At end, the Vols likely will turn to Jonathan Kongbo and Kyle Phillips, both of whom started games last season, as well as players such as Darrell Taylor and Quay Picou. It's important that tackle Kendal Vickers solidifies the interior after starting every game the past two seasons, but Tennessee also will count on juniors Kahlil McKenzie, Shy Tuttle and others. The secondary endured repeated breakdowns last season, but the safety/nickel position should be strong as Todd Kelly Jr., Micah Abernathy and Rashaan Gaulden all return, while Nigel Warrior has impressed the coaches this spring. Abernathy, Gaulden and Warrior all have multiple years of eligibility left. The situation is less certain at cornerback. Emmanuel Moseley and sophomores Baylen Buchanan and Justin Martin all started games at cornerback last season, but Tennessee needs others such as Marquill Osborne to create more competition. Tennessee's recent recruiting brightens the outlook for 2018 and 2019, as Osborne and Kongbo headlined the defensive haul in 2016. Maleik Gray, an ESPN 300 prospect signed in February, worked with the safeties this spring.
24. Defensive starters returning: 6
Scouting the Gamecocks: It might take another year for South Carolina to look like a typical Will Muschamp defense, but the Gamecocks seem to be on their way. They allowed just 21 points per game in SEC play last season, and while they struggled down the stretch against elite offenses -- Clemson and USF -- the long-term outlook is promising. "South Carolina jumped out to me," an SEC head coach said. "They're battling in recruiting. That part's real." The Gamecocks most recent class includes defensive stars from both the high school and junior college ranks. Jamyest Williams, the No. 3 cornerback and No. 39 overall recruit, should be a factor early on, along with Keisean Nixon, the No. 3 junior college cornerback in the class. Secondary depth isn't a pressing concern, as three starters return, including cornerbacks Jamarcus King and Chris Lammons, who combined for six interceptions and three forced fumbles in 2016. The linebacker position also should be stronger as Skai Moore, a second-team All-SEC selection in 2015, returns from a neck injury that cost him all of last season. He joins fellow senior Bryson Allen-Williams, who has made starts in each of the past three years. Long-term depth at linebacker is a concern. And South Carolina must figure out its defensive line, which loses top pass-rusher Darius English (nine sacks, 13 tackles for loss) and features 11 freshmen or sophomores among the group of 15. Incoming freshmen Aaron Sterling and M.J. Webb, both ESPN 300 prospects, and Brad Johnson could enter the rotation soon. Linemen Keir Thomas and Stephon Taylor, ESPN 300 selections in 2016, will be factors this year. "They'll be better," a Power 5 offensive coordinator said, "but personnelwise, it will take some time."
25. Defensive starters returning: 8
Scouting the Wildcats: Some will be surprised to see Northwestern here, but recent numbers combined with improved recruiting solidify the outlook during the evaluation period. Among Power 5 defenses, Northwestern ranks 11th in expected points added, 15th in yards per play allowed and ninth in points per drive allowed during the past two seasons. "They're always so sound," said a Big Ten offensive coordinator. "Their last three, four, five years, they've been consistently good.You can never get those guys out of position." The defense once again should lead the team this season, as it has all-conference candidates in safety Godwin Igwebuike, tackle Tyler Lancaster, cornerback Montre Hartage and others. Northwestern boasts excellent depth in the secondary -- corner Keith Watkins II returns from injury to essentially give the group five returning starters -- and along the defensive line, especially at tackle with Lancaster and junior Jordan Thompson. Northwestern needs ends Xavier Washington, Joe Gaziano and others to take on the pass-rushing load after the loss of Ifeadi Odenigbo, but Northwestern should feature a large rotation up front. Although the Wildcats will have to reload at safety in 2018, they likely will have three returning cornerbacks with starting experience. The team's top three recruits in the 2017 class play defense, led by lineman Earnest Brown. Linebacker is an immediate concern, and Northwestern will feature more two-linebacker sets in 2017, but junior Nate Hall gained valuable experience last season and young players will see the field this fall.