The Future Power Rankings are leaping across the line of scrimmage. After examining three-year projections for quarterbacks and overall offenses, it's time to give the defenses some love.
These rankings examine the next three seasons -- 2019, 2020 and 2021 -- and consider current players, incoming recruits and potential NFL departures for non-seniors. The rankings are a real-time snapshot, so while future coaching changes are considered, other factors are prioritized, especially proven players with multiple years of eligibility left.
Here's a look at last year's defense rankings. Now, let's get started.
2018 future defense ranking: 1
Scouting the Crimson Tide: Despite struggling late last season, especially against Clemson in the national title game, Alabama maintains a promising outlook on defense. The unit returns experience in 2019 at spots like end (Raekwon Davis and LaBryan Ray), linebacker (Terrell Lewis and Dylan Moses) and throughout the secondary, where veterans Shyheim Carter and Xavier McKinney are back alongside exciting younger players such as sophomore cornerback Patrick Surtain II. Outland Trophy winner Quinnen Williams will be missed, but there are options at nose tackle, including true freshman DJ Dale, who stood out this spring. Alabama finalized ESPN's top-rated recruiting class in February, featuring ESPN's top two defensive tackle prospects, Antonio Alfano and Ishmael Sopsher, and intriguing edge prospects such as Justin Eboigbe. Five-star pass rusher Chris Braswell is committed for the 2020 class.
2018 future defense ranking: 4
Scouting the Bulldogs: There's a lot to like about Georgia's defense, both as currently constructed and in the future because of recruiting. The back seven looks very strong as veteran safeties J.R. Reed and Richard LeCounte headline a secondary that includes promising younger players like sophomore cornerback Tyson Campbell. Linebacker continues to generate the most excitement, though, as Georgia is absolutely loaded through the next few seasons with Monty Rice, Tae Crowder, emerging freshman Azeez Ojulari and standout recruits like Nakobe Dean (ESPN's No. 3 outside linebacker in the 2019 class), Nolan Smith (ESPN's No. 2 defensive end in the 2019 class but will play linebacker) and Mekhail Sherman (ESPN's top inside linebacker in 2020). The big unknown is whether Georgia can develop elite linemen, who haven't emerged in coach Kirby Smart's tenure. Sophomore nose tackle Jordan Davis looks the part after a good freshman season, but the group must step up beginning this fall.
3. LSU Tigers
2018 future defense ranking: 9
Scouting the Tigers: There's momentum building on the Bayou, as LSU boasts possibly the nation's top secondary in 2019 and continues to supplement the unit through elite recruiting. Butkus Award winner Devin White leaves a hole at linebacker, but the overall depth on defense could be better this fall. Junior safety Grant Delpit headlines a secondary also featuring senior cornerback Kristian Fulton and Derek Stingley Jr., ESPN's top-rated cornerback in the 2019 class who stood out this spring. Veteran linebackers Jacob Phillips and Michael Divinity are back to help absorb the loss of White, and hopes are high for sophomore K'Lavon Chaisson, back from an injury in the 2018 opener. LSU lacks a premier defensive lineman, but there's depth and experience with senior Rashard Lawrence, junior Neil Farrell Jr. and others. Freshman Siaki Ika, at 347 pounds, is a fascinating prospect at nose tackle. The Tigers' 2020 class already features top defensive recruits from California, Virginia and Maryland.
4. 2018 future defense ranking: 3
Scouting the Tigers: Clemson loses a historically elite defensive line, which included three first-round picks in April's NFL draft. But the Tigers won't fall far under coordinator Brent Venables, especially since their recruiting continues to surge. After signing top 2019 defensive recruits such as cornerback Andrew Booth and tackle Tyler Davis, Clemson already has 2020 commitments from ESPN's top-rated end (and No. 2 overall player) Myles Murphy, and three of the top four defensive tackle prospects in the class, including Bryan Bresee. The Tigers also return proven defenders including junior linebacker Isaiah Simmons (team-high 97 tackles in 2018), and senior safeties Tanner Muse and K'Von Wallace. The immediate intrigue is how quickly young linemen such as sophomore Xavier Thomas (10.5 tackles for loss in 2018) and Justin Foster (six TFLs in 2018) develop. If they blossom this fall, Clemson shouldn't fall off much at all.
5. 2018 future defense ranking: 11
Scouting the Gators: The overall outlook in Gainesville is better entering coach Dan Mullen's second year, and the defense should remain a team strength. Florida will miss pass rusher Jachai Polite, top tackler Vosean Joseph and playmaking safety Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, but there's plenty left over for coordinator Todd Grantham, who passed up the NFL to remain with the Gators. If Marco Wilson returns at full strength, he and CJ Henderson form one of the nation's top cornerback tandems. The front seven also features familiar names in end Jabari Zuniga (6.5 sacks, 11 tackles for loss in 2018), linebacker David Reese II (126 tackles the past two seasons), tackle Adam Shuler and edge rusher Jon Greenard, who had seven sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss at Louisville in 2017 before suffering a season-ending injury on the first defensive series last year. The departure of four-star cornerback recruit Chris Steele stings, and it will be interesting to see what happens with Florida's recruiting after it signed ESPN's No. 9 class in 2019.
6. 2018 future defense ranking: 5
Scouting the Wolverines: If this were a one-year projection, Michigan would backslide more after losing top 10 NFL draft picks Rashan Gary and Devin Bush, relentless rusher Chase Winovich and others. But it's unlikely the unit struggles much, given the talent base and coordinator Don Brown's track record. Michigan will need to build around veterans such as Khaleke Hudson, Josh Metellus and Josh Ross in 2019, especially because the line will have such a dramatically different look, as junior Kwity Paye and others step into much bigger roles. The key here will be fast-tracking young, talented players -- safety Daxton Hill, cornerback Vincent Gray, linebacker Cameron McGrone, linemen Donovan Jeter and Mazi Smith, and others. Hill, Smith, tackle Chris Hinton and others were part of a strong haul in the 2019 recruiting class. Michigan also received a commitment from defensive end Braiden McGregor, ESPN's No. 26 overall player in the 2020 class and the top-ranked in-state prospect (Port Huron, Michigan). While Michigan's overall recruiting has fallen off since 2017, the defense excels in key metrics (No. 3 nationally in expected points added since 2017) and should keep producing.
7. 2018 future defense ranking: 2
Scouting the Buckeyes: The Silver Bullets became the Silver Breakdowns in 2018, allowing 5.8 yards per play. Nick Bosa's injury hurt, but the issues went deeper. Fortunately, there's plenty of talent and an intriguing coaching reset -- Greg Mattison arrives from archrival Michigan as the primary coordinator, alongside NFL assistant Jeff Hafley. Hafley's work with the secondary is worth watching, as Ohio State needs heralded 2017 recruits Jeffrey Okudah and Shaun Wade to blossom alongside Jordan Fuller, Brendon White and Isaiah Pryor. Defensive end Chase Young (10.5 sacks, 15.5 tackles for loss) will be a national awards candidate in what should be his final season. Line coach Larry Johnson needs more from veterans Robert Landers, Jonathon Cooper and Jashon Cornell, or he could turn to a younger group that includes Tyreke Smith. Ohio State's linebacker play must improve under Al Washington, who inherits experience (Malik Harrison, Tuf Borland, Pete Werner) but might reset the roles with Dallas Gant, Baron Browning or Teradja Mitchell. Overall, there's work to do but no shortage of ability in Columbus.
8. 2018 future defense ranking: 21
Scouting the Fighting Irish: After a revival in 2017, Notre Dame's defense continued to ascend last season and shows no signs of slowing down. The Irish lose first-round NFL draft pick Jerry Tillery, linebacker Drue Tranquill, cornerback Julian Love and others, but they should be solid in 2019. The unit has one of the nation's top pass-rushing tandems in Julian Okwara and Khalid Kareem, and depth in the secondary with talented safeties Jalen Elliott and Alohi Gilman, cornerback Troy Pride and emerging sophomore Houston Griffith. Linebacker is a short-term concern for coordinator Clark Lea, who must build around senior Asmar Bilal. Notre Dame's recent defensive recruiting has seen an uptick with players like Griffith, safety/linebacker Shayne Simon and safety Derrik Allen. The 2019 class includes defensive standouts such as safety Kyle Hamilton, lineman Jacob Lacey and linebacker Osita Ekwonu.
9. 2018 future defense ranking: 6
Scouting the Huskies: Washington has quickly become the Pac-12's top producer of NFL-caliber defenders. Five went in April's NFL draft, including three defensive backs. Washington also had three DBs drafted in 2017. There's a lot to replace in the short term, including prolific linebacker Ben Burr-Kirven, but Washington's recruiting and development track keeps expectations high. The defensive line and secondary largely reset in 2019, so Washington needs gifted young players like tackle Tuli Letuligasenoa, cornerback Kyler Gordon and linebacker Laiatu Latu to blossom. Senior Myles Bryant's return helps the secondary, and hopes are elevated for junior Elijah Molden. Washington's long-term potential on defense hinges on its reward from strong recruiting. The Huskies signed five ESPN 300 defenders in the 2019 class, headlined by defensive linemen Jacob Bandes and Faatui Tuitele.
10. Auburn Tigers
2018 future defense ranking: 8
Scouting the Tigers: Coach Gus Malzahn's future is the wild card in a three-year projection, but if he gets the offense to match the defense's trajectory, everything should be fine on the Plains. Auburn might have the nation's premier defensive line in 2019, as tackle Derrick Brown surprisingly returned for his final season, joining Nick Coe and Marlon Davidson. There's depth and versatility throughout the group with junior Big Kat Bryant and others. Seniors Javaris Davis and safety Daniel Thomas headline a secondary that should have good depth if sophomores Christian Tutt and Roger McCreary continue to develop. Linebacker is the short-term question, as the prolific Deshaun Davis will be missed, but juniors K.J. Britt and Andrew Wooten are ready for bigger roles. Auburn also signed Owen Pappoe, ESPN's No. 1 outside linebacker and No. 8 overall player in the 2019 class, as well as ESPN 300 line recruits Charles Moore and Jaren Handy.
11. 2018 future defense ranking: 15
Scouting the Spartans: MSU's win total slipped from 10 in 2018 to seven last year, but the defense did its part, leading the nation against the run and ranking in the top 10 in several other key categories. The unit projects well in 2019, with eight returning starters, including non-seniors such as cornerback Josiah Scott and lineman Jacub Panasiuk. MSU's front four should be formidable as end Kenny Willekes, who led the Big Ten with 20.5 tackles for loss in 2018 and earned the league's Defensive Lineman of the Year award, passed up the NFL to return. Linebacker also looks strong in the short term, with All-Big Ten selection Joe Bachie and Tyriq Thompson back for their final seasons. Cornerback Justin Layne is a big loss, but Scott is an awards candidate and senior safety David Dowell also comes back. MSU loses a lot after 2019, so continued development from underclassmen, including safety Xavier Henderson, linebacker Brandon Bouyer-Randle and nose tackle Naquan Jones, will be important. MSU signed four-star cornerback Julian Barnett in the 2019 class.
12. Utah Utes
2018 future defense ranking: 19
Scouting the Utes: No defensive line enters the 2019 season with the accolades that Clemson's did in 2018, but Utah should feel great about its front four. Senior end Bradlee Anae (eight sacks, 15.5 tackles for loss last season) leads an experienced and talented group. Both Anae and senior tackle Leki Fotu earned first-team All-Pac-12 honors in 2018. Although the line largely turns over in 2020, ends Mika Tafua and Maxs Tupai should both be back to provide pass-rush help. The secondary also looks like a short-term strength, at minimum, with all-conference cornerbacks Jaylon Johnson and Julian Blackmon both returning (Johnson has two more years of eligibility but seems likely to turn pro), alongside speedy nickelback Javelin Guidry. Linebacker is a bit thin, but Utah hopes Penn State transfer Manny Bowen bridges the gap as younger players develop, such as Devin Lloyd, Sione Lund and Andrew Mata'afa. Utah looks like the Pac-12's best defense in 2019, but will things stay that way through 2021?
13. Miami Hurricanes
2018 future defense ranking: 13
Scouting the Hurricanes: As Miami's defensive coordinator, Manny Diaz helped the defense rise in these rankings a year ago. As Hurricanes head coach, Diaz likely will keep things going, or improve them in the long term. The 2019 forecast is unsettled after Miami lost standout linemen Gerald Willis and Joe Jackson, and reliable safeties Jaquan Johnson and Sheldrick Redwine. There's some star power left over in Coral Gables -- All-ACC senior linebackers Shaq Quarterman and Michael Pinckney are back with 75 combined starts -- and some exciting younger players, including sophomore cornerback Trajan Bandy, junior end Jonathan Garvin and sophomore tackle Nesta Silvera. The continued development of Bandy, Garvin and Silvera -- all have multiple years of eligibility left -- will be essential, especially as Miami integrates transfers such as safety Bubba Bolden (USC) and tackle Chigozie Nnoruka (UCLA). Miami's defensive recruiting under Diaz will be interesting to monitor, as the school has three ESPN 300 defenders committed for 2020.
14. Texas Longhorns
2018 future defense ranking: 10
Scouting the Longhorns: The immediate forecast is foggy, as Texas returns only three starters, and defensive backs Brandon Jones, Caden Sterns and B.J. Foster missed all or most of spring practice with injuries. The good news is all three are back this fall, and both Sterns and Foster have at least two years of eligibility left. Texas will be leaning on senior lineman Malcolm Roach, who performed well this spring, to lead the front through a transition year. Junior Ta'Quon Graham will be among the linemen shifting into bigger roles. Linebacker might be an even bigger question mark after the departures of Gary Johnson and Anthony Wheeler. Senior Jeffrey McCulloch is a solid veteran, but the development of younger players such as sophomore Joseph Ossai and freshman Ayodele Adeoye, as well as junior college transfer Juwan Mitchell, will be significant. Consecutive ESPN top-five recruiting classes will help, although top linebacker recruit De'Gabriel Floyd's playing career is in doubt after being diagnosed with spinal stenosis.
15. TCU Horned Frogs
2018 future defense ranking: 14
Scouting the Horned Frogs: No one is talking about TCU, which comes off of a below-average season (7-6) and an unremarkable one on defense. But coach Gary Patterson rarely struggles for prolonged stretches, and his defense is still set up well for the future. The immediate objective is replenishing spots such as defensive end and linebacker while leaning on other spots such as defensive tackle, where Ross Blacklock returns from an Achilles injury to rejoin fellow junior Corey Bethley. TCU's secondary looks solid with All-Big 12 cornerback Jeff Gladney back for his senior season, as well as safety Innis Gaines and cornerback Julius Lewis. The Frogs have high hopes for younger defenders like sophomore safeties Trevon Moehrig-Woodard and La'Kendrick Van Zandt, and redshirt freshman end Ochaun Mathis. Junior Garret Wallow (72 tackles in 2018) leads a mostly untested linebacker group. TCU's top two committed players for the 2020 class are both ESPN 300 defenders (end James Sylvester and cornerback Keontae Jenkins).
16. 2018 future defense ranking: 17
Scouting the Nittany Lions: Much like the offense, Penn State hopes its recent recruiting success on defense, combined with a few key veterans, creates a strong foundation for the next few seasons. This fall, the Lions will build around national awards candidate Yetur Gross-Matos, a junior end who surged with eight sacks and 20 tackles for loss in 2018. They also will lean on veterans like linebackers Jan Johnson and Cam Brown, and cornerback John Reid. But the defense's long-term future ultimately rests with players like linebacker Micah Parsons, who led PSU in tackles and tied for second in forced fumbles as a true freshman. Other key defenders with multiple seasons of eligibility left include linemen P.J. Mustipher and Jayson Oweh, cornerbacks Tariq Castro-Fields, Donovan Johnson, Marquis Wilson and Keaton Ellis, and linebacker Brandon Smith, ESPN's No. 22 overall player in the 2019 class. Penn State's 2020 class already is headlined by commitments from ESPN 300 defenders Cole Brevard and Curtis Jacobs.
17. 2018 future defense ranking: Not ranked
Scouting the Cyclones: A Big 12 coach recently told me of Iowa State, "Schematically, that is an M-F'er to prepare for, because it's so unique and so different." Coordinator Jon Heacock and his staff do an excellent job, not only with scheme but player development. This year's defense has a chance to be the best of the bunch. All-Big 12 linemen JaQuan Bailey and Ray Lima both return, alongside Eyioma Uwazurike and key depth pieces including Jamahl Johnson. Iowa State also returns two all-conference players at linebacker in senior Marcel Spears Jr. and sophomore Mike Rose, who will help lead the defense for at least two more years. Spears' and Rose's presence should help others such as Jake Hummel and O'Rien Vance grow into bigger roles. ISU will miss Brian Peavy in the secondary but can build around Greg Eisworth, the team's leading tackler in 2018, as well as senior safety Braxton Lewis and junior Lawrence White. The development of sophomore cornerbacks Anthony Johnson and Datrone Young will be key, especially this fall.
18. 2018 future defense ranking: 7
Scouting the Badgers: After an incredible run from 2015 to 2017 that spanned three different coordinators, Wisconsin's defense took a step back last fall. How quickly can the defense recapture its previous performance levels, which rivaled Alabama and the nation's best units? The Badgers lose longtime standouts including linebackers T.J. Edwards and Ryan Connelly and safety D'Cota Dixon. There's not much star power left, but seniors Zack Baun and Chris Orr form a nice nucleus at linebacker. The defensive line needs better luck on the health front, as junior Garrett Rand returns from injury to join junior Isaiahh Loudermilk and sophomore Matt Henningsen at end. Add in sophomore nose tackle Bryson Williams, and Wisconsin has a nice core of linemen with multiple years of eligibility left. The safety spot is likely set through 2020 with Eric Burrell and Scott Nelson, and coordinator Jim Leonhard has plenty of cornerback options (all non-seniors) to build depth. If Wisconsin gets through 2019 in good shape, it could be very good in 2020 and 2021.
19. Oregon Ducks
2018 future defense ranking: Not ranked
Scouting the Ducks: I'd be more hesitant to include the Ducks in a one-year projection, although they could have one of the Pac-12's better defenses in 2019. The long-term outlook really pops, as Mario Cristobal and his staff continue to make gains in recruiting. Oregon signed end Kayvon Thibodeaux, ESPN's No. 1 overall recruit in the 2019 class, as well as ESPN's No. 2 cornerback in Mykael Wright and No. 5 linebacker in Mase Funa. The Ducks also added defensive back Chris Steele, an ESPN top 100 recruit who left Florida. Cristobal's 2020 class already has commitments from Avantae Williams, ESPN's top-ranked safety, as well as ESPN 300 cornerbacks Luke Hill and Myles Slusher. All-Pac-12 linebacker Troy Dye and a playmaking secondary filled with non-seniors -- safeties Jevon Holland and Nick Pickett, cornerbacks Thomas Graham and Deommodore Lenoir -- will bolster the 2019 defense. If Thibodeaux blossoms alongside veteran linemen like Jordon Scott and Gus Cumberlander, this defense should be strong. Coordinator Andy Avalos also was a sneaky good hire in last year's cycle.
20. Iowa Hawkeyes
2018 future defense ranking: Not ranked
Scouting the Hawkeyes: Stability remains Iowa's calling card, and coordinator Phil Parker (21st season on staff, eighth as coordinator) knows how to reload at certain positions and enhance others. Three Iowa players have won the Big Ten's defensive back of the year award in the past four seasons. The Hawkeyes lost their entire starting linebacker group after 2017 but still held up well last season, and now boast experience in Djimon Colbert, Kristian Welch and Nick Niemann. Although Iowa loses a lot up front from 2018, Big Ten sacks leader A.J. Epenesa (10.5) returns alongside Chauncey Golston and senior tackles Cedrick Lattimore and Brady Reiff. The development of young linemen like Daviyon Nixon and John Waggoner will be key during the next few seasons. Iowa's cornerback outlook looks strong with junior Matt Hankins leading a deep group of mostly non-seniors. While there's less depth at safety, junior Geno Stone (four interceptions in 2018) could lead the group through 2020. Iowa has a 2020 commitment from ESPN 300 end Logan Jones.
21. Mississippi State Bulldogs
2018 future defense ranking: Not ranked
Scouting the Bulldogs: Since 2017, Mississippi State's defense ranks fifth nationally in expected points added. Last year, the Bulldogs led the nation in 10 defensive categories and topped the SEC chart in 29. The question now is how coordinator Bob Shoop sustains such a high level after losing three first-round NFL draft picks: linemen Jeffery Simmons and Montez Sweat, and safety Johnathan Abram. As Mississippi State begins life without two generational linemen, it will lean on an excellent linebacker group led by junior Erroll Thompson and also featuring junior Willie Gay Jr. and senior Leo Lewis. Cornerback also looks strong with Cam Dantzler and Maurice Smitherman both back. The big short-term questions are up front, where senior end Chauncey Rivers (7.5 tackles for loss in 2018) takes on a featured role alongside junior Kobe Jones and others. Help is coming as Mississippi State signed three ESPN 300 defensive linemen in the 2019 class, led by Nathan Pickering (No. 78 overall player).
22. 2018 future defense ranking: Not ranked
Scouting the Bulldogs: Jeff Tedford built his reputation with offenses and quarterbacks, but defense is fueling his revival at Fresno State. Only Clemson, Alabama and Miami rank ahead of Fresno State's defense in expected points added in the past two seasons (Fresno State is 22-6). The challenge now is to keep rolling without stars such as linebacker Jeff Allison, safety Mike Bell and cornerback Tank Kelly. This fall, Fresno State will lean on senior Mykal Walker, who moves from defensive end to middle linebacker (Allison's spot) after recording a team-high 14 tackles for loss in 2018. Walker's move makes sense as the linebackers reset, while the line returns virtually intact and will feature veteran tackles Jasad Haynes and Kevin Atkins. Of Fresno's six returning defensive starters, five are seniors, so the unit must build depth for 2020 and 2021. Safety Juju Hughes and cornerback Jaron Bryant anchor a playmaking secondary, which will look to develop younger players like safety Wylan Free and cornerback Chris Gaston.
23. 2018 future defense ranking: 23
Scouting the Wildcats: Northwestern's consistency on defense has spurred the team to a 36-17 record since 2015, despite an offense that, during the same span, ranks 106th in scoring (24.7) and 123rd in yards per play (4.95). Although longtime coordinator Mike Hankwitz is nearing retirement, the unit is set up for long-term success. Linebacker Paddy Fisher and end Joe Gaziano are among the nation's best and most experienced at their respective positions. Although both likely are gone in 2020 (Fisher technically could return), the emergence of non-seniors, including safeties J.R. Pace (four interceptions and a forced fumble in 2018) and Travis Whillock, linebackers Blake Gallagher and Chris Bergin, lineman Earnest Brown IV and end Samdup Miller, bolster the outlook through 2020. Defensive tackle is a short-term concern and possibly cornerback, but the coaches love sophomore Greg Newsome II's potential to replace standout Montre Hartage.
24. 2018 future defense ranking: 25
Scouting the Eagles: Since 2015, Boston College's defense ranks eighth nationally in expected points added, placing in the top 30 in efficiency each year. The success has translated in the NFL draft, where eight Boston College defenders have been selected since 2016. Although coach Steve Addazio enters a pivotal year, the unit is set up for success. There are some short-term challenges, especially on the line, where Tanner Karafa is the lone returning starter. BC needs to see growth from sophomore Marcus Valdez, junior Brandon Barlow and others. Juniors Isaiah McDuffie and Max Richardson, who combined for 161 tackles in 2018, form a solid foundation at linebacker, which needs to be the unit's strongest group this fall. The secondary loses Hamp Cheevers (seven interceptions) and other playmakers, and will look to develop new contributors around sophomore Brandon Sebastian. Sophomore Tate Haynes is among the young players to watch. If the defense can reload at certain spots this fall, it should maintain recent performance levels through 2021.
25. 2018 future defense ranking: Not ranked
Scouting the Bearcats: After considering several Power 5 teams for this last spot -- Texas A&M, Stanford, USC -- I kept coming back to Cincinnati. Last year, the Bearcats finished in the top 10 nationally in points allowed, yards allowed, first downs allowed, third-down conversion percentage and fourth-down conversion percentage. Coach Luke Fickell and defensive coordinator Marcus Freeman know elite defense, and they're building one in the offense-leaning AAC. Their primary immediate task is replenishing a line that loses three all-conference players, among them Cortez Broughton (6.5 sacks, 17.5 tackles for loss). Cincinnati will build around junior end Michael Pitts, hoping junior tackle Curtis Brooks, versatile sophomore Malik Vann and others can fill the gaps. Senior linebacker Perry Young returns from an ACL tear after earning first-team All-AAC honors despite playing in just eight games in 2018. Junior Jarell Wright and senior Bryan Wright join Young to form the defense's signature group. The secondary also projects well for 2019 and beyond, especially since safeties James Wiggins and Darrick Forrest, and cornerback Coby Bryant all have two years of eligibility left. If Fickell stays through 2021, the defense should remain in great shape.