After a short break, the college football future power rankings return, possibly providing some excitement while everyone craves the return of sports. We flip to the other side of the ball with the defenses and ask: Which units project to be the best during the next three seasons?
As a reminder, these rankings examine the 2020, 2021 and 2022 seasons, considering both current rosters and future recruiting classes. There's also a coaching component to consider. For example, Clemson has produced elite quarterbacks and wide receivers for years, but the Tigers' upgrades on defense under coordinator Brent Venables made them an annual College Football Playoff team. It's hard to see Clemson ever falling too far as long as Venables is calling plays.
You can check out the quarterback rankings here. Let's get started with the top 25 defenses through the 2022 season.
1. Georgia Bulldogs
2019 future defense ranking: 2
Scouting the Bulldogs: The offseason in Athens is focused on new offensive coordinator Todd Monken and quarterback transfer Jamie Newman. Georgia's defense, meanwhile, keeps chugging along at an elite level.
Not surprisingly, coach Kirby Smart has made defense Georgia's signature, and the group should keep thriving under coordinator Dan Lanning, a 2019 Broyles Award finalist. Georgia's 2020 defense boasts more star power with players like nose tackle Jordan Davis, linebackers Monty Rice and Azeez Ojulari and safety Richard LeCounte. Although seniors like Rice, LeCounte, nickelback Mark Webb and end Malik Herring all depart after 2020, Georgia boasts an excellent group of underclassmen, some of whom (Ojulari, linebacker Nakobe Dean, end Travon Walker) are guaranteed to play at least through 2021.
But Georgia's strengths on defense continue to be its depth at almost every position, as well as its recruiting clout. The Bulldogs signed two five-star defenders in 2020 -- Kelee Ringo (ESPN's top-rated cornerback) and Jalen Carter (ESPN's No. 2 defensive tackle) -- and have a 2021 commitment from David Daniel, ESPN's No. 3 junior safety.
Marty Smith examines what the future looks like for the Clemson Tigers after they had their 29-game winning streak snapped by LSU in the national championship.
2. Clemson Tigers
2019 future defense ranking: 4
Scouting the Tigers: Venables did arguably his best job with the 2019 defense, which overcame the loss of four linemen to the NFL draft and led the nation in defensive efficiency (93.3) and first downs allowed (14.53 per game). Clemson loses another first-round draft pick in the versatile Isaiah Simmons, as well as top cornerback A.J. Terrell and starting safeties Tanner Muse and K'Von Wallace. There's a chance the unit takes a mini step back in 2019, although that's what we thought a year ago too. The Tigers' defensive line returns intact and could be a force, especially if junior end Xavier Thomas upgrades his play to complement senior end Justin Foster, sophomore tackle Tyler Davis and others.
After the team signed two five-star 2020 defenders in Bryan Bresee (ESPN's top-rated tackle and No. 3 overall player) and Myles Murphy (ESPN's No. 4 end and No. 13 prospect), Clemson's young nucleus up front is incredibly exciting. Clemson gets short-term leadership from linebacker James Skalski and safety Nolan Turner, but the real excitement should be 2021 and beyond after Clemson signed nine ESPN 300 defenders in its most recent class.
3. Ohio State Buckeyes
2019 future defense ranking: 7
Scouting the Buckeyes: After a historically bad 2018 season, Ohio State's defense returned to form last fall, leading the FBS in yards per play (4.13) and sacks (53), among other categories. Despite losing two projected top-10 picks in end Chase Young and cornerback Jeff Okudah, as well as co-coordinator Jeff Hafley, the Buckeyes are set up well on this side.
The linebackers bounced back nicely in 2019 under new coach Al Washington and will lead the unit in the short term as seniors Tuf Borland, Baron Browning and Pete Werner all return. Ohio State also received a big boost when cornerback Shaun Wade returned, and he'll fill Okudah's role in a secondary that looks more solid at corner than safety. The post-Young line will be fascinating, as Ohio State turns to talented younger ends like Zach Harrison and Tyreke Smith to fill the production void. Taron Vincent, who missed all of 2019 with injury, and Tommy Togiai form an exciting defensive tackle tandem with multiple years of eligibility left.
Ohio State's top 2020 recruits are on offense, but incoming recruits like Jacolbe Cowan and Cody Simon should help, and the Buckeyes have a commitment from defensive end Jack Sawyer, ESPN's top-ranked 2021 prospect. The return of assistant coach Kerry Coombs ensures talent will continue to roll in.
4. LSU Tigers
2019 future defense ranking: 3
Scouting the Tigers: LSU's defense surged down the stretch to help secure the national title. But there's short-term uncertainty here, as talented coordinator Dave Aranda moves on to Baylor, and LSU loses key pieces like safety Grant Delpit, cornerback Kristian Fulton and linebackers K'Lavon Chaisson, Jacob Phillips and Patrick Queen. New coordinator Bo Pelini hardly inherits a bare cupboard, though, as national awards candidate Derek Stingley Jr. and others are back. Stingley, who had six interceptions as a true freshman, will play two more seasons on the Bayou. He joins veteran safety JaCoby Stevens in a secondary that should be the unit's strength in 2020.
LSU needs linebacker Damone Clark to step up this fall, but it also signed two of ESPN's top five outside linebacker recruits in Phillip Webb and Antoine Sampah. The Tigers' defensive line has lacked star power lately, and LSU will look for big things from Neil Farrell and Tyler Shelvin in 2020, while younger players like Jaquelin Roy, ESPN's No. 37 overall recruit in 2020, should emerge going forward. LSU's recruiting will surge. The key is how quickly Pelini's scheme clicks.
5. Alabama Crimson Tide
2019 future defense ranking: 1
Scouting the Crimson Tide: I expected Nick Saban's defense to shine in 2019 after a shaky end to the 2018 season. Instead, injuries hit Alabama especially hard, beginning with Dylan Moses in the preseason, and the unit never really recovered. Alabama's defense remains extremely talented and deep at most positions, but there's an element of uncertainty in 2020 that hasn't been present for a while. Moses' return from an ACL injury will be huge, as Alabama's linebacker play must improve substantially.
Christian Harris and Shane Lee gained a ton of experience as freshmen and could help lead the unit through at least 2021. Alabama also gets at least two more seasons from nose guard DJ Dale, and ends LaBryan Ray and Christian Barmore both could play through 2021 as well. The secondary is a short-term concern, as only one starter returns in junior cornerback Patrick Surtain II, a national awards candidate in 2020. Safety Jordan Battle's continued development is key, since he will play at least through 2021.
Alabama signed five-star defensive end Chris Braswell, four-star linebacker Drew Sanders and eight other ESPN 300 defenders in the 2020 class, so long-term depth looks great.
6. Oregon Ducks
2019 future defense ranking: 19
Scouting the Ducks: Mario Cristobal is restoring Oregon's championship standard by upgrading new areas. Under Cristobal, the Ducks' offensive line has become the program's signature position group. Oregon's defense also is taking big steps and seems set up for great things in 2020 and beyond.
Eight starters return in 2020, and Oregon's mix of veterans, incoming recruits and promising underclassmen like sophomore end Kayvon Thibodeaux (nine sacks, 14 tackles for loss in 2019) solidify the outlook. A playmaking secondary that recorded 20 interceptions last season returns intact, and while cornerback tandem Thomas Graham Jr. and Deommodore Lenoir are both seniors, others like Jevon Holland and Verone McKinley III could play through 2021. If players like sophomore cornerback Mykael Wright blossom, Oregon could have an elite secondary every year.
Cristobal's impact on recruiting is obvious, as Oregon signed Justin Flowe (ESPN's top-ranked inside linebacker and No. 10 overall player), Dontae Manning (ESPN's No. 2 cornerback), Noah Sewell (ESPN's No. 2 inside linebacker) and other standouts in the 2020 class.
7. Florida Gators
2019 future defense ranking: 5
Scouting the Gators: Despite some key personnel departures, coordinator Todd Grantham has Florida's defense well positioned to be a top-10 unit in 2020 and beyond.
There are some short-term question marks, especially at linebacker after the departure of David Reese. Florida also must reload a pass rush that thrived last year (fifth nationally in sacks) with Jonathan Greenard and Jabari Zuniga. The Gators remain experienced up front with players like junior end Zachary Carter and senior tackles Kyree Campbell and Tedarrell Slaton. Defensive end Brenton Cox Jr., a transfer from rival Georgia, should help in 2020 and beyond, along with other younger linemen like sophomore Mohamoud Diabate. The Gators need a big year in 2020 from linebacker Ventrell Miller, and the depth at cornerback remains strong with Marco Wilson, Trey Dean and Kaiir Elam.
Florida's top three 2020 recruits play defense, headlined by five-star lineman Gervon Dexter, ESPN's No. 17 overall player in the class, and four-star lineman Antwaun Powell (No. 38 overall).
8. Washington Huskies
2019 future defense ranking: 9
Scouting the Huskies: The start of coach Jimmy Lake's tenure brings some questions, especially on offense, but Washington's defense should continue to thrive. Lake's NFL-style schemes and keen talent identification and development ensure that the unit will not slip.
The 2020 defense should be one of Lake's best, as Washington is very experienced at line, outside linebacker and in the secondary. Players like safety Elijah Molden and end Levi Onwuzurike both bypassed the NFL draft to return. Both men lead groups featuring talented players with multiple years of experience left, from sophomore cornerback Trent McDuffie to sophomore linemen Tuli Letuligasenoa and Sam Taimani.
Washington returns productive outside linebackers Ryan Bowman (for one more year) and Joe Tryon (for possibly two more), and has recruited well there with players like Sav'ell Smalls, ESPN's top-rated outside linebacker and No. 15 player in the 2020 class. If players like Edefuan Ulofoshio and Jackson Sirmon keep developing, Washington's linebackers should excel during the next few years.
9. Auburn Tigers
2019 future defense ranking: 10
Scouting the Tigers: Veteran coordinator Kevin Steele is churning out elite defenses on the Plains every year. Steele faces challenges in 2020 after key personnel losses, and head coach Gus Malzahn's permanent hot-seat status impacts where to slot Auburn. But this defense should continue to perform.
Auburn's front seven is its short-term strength, with seniors like linebacker K.J. Britt and end Big Kat Bryant, along with promising young players like sophomore linebacker Owen Pappoe, who will play for the Tigers at least through 2021. Another true sophomore, end Derick Hall, could help solidify the future by continuing to develop. The biggest key for 2020 is how junior safeties Jamien Sherwood, Christian Tutt and Smoke Monday develop, given Auburn's questions at cornerback outside of junior Roger McCreary.
Auburn signed two of ESPN's top four 2020 safeties in Christopher Thompson Jr. and Ladarius Tennison, and Wesley Steiner (ESPN's. No. 4 linebacker) should be in the rotation soon.
10. Penn State Nittany Lions
2019 future defense ranking: 16
Scouting the Nittany Lions: The group improved last season and could be poised to take a significant step in 2020, as Penn State's upgrades in recruiting are starting to materialize.
Penn State returns some solid veterans for 2020 -- senior end Shaka Toney among them -- but the lineup that fans have waited for is taking shape. Junior linebacker Micah Parsons, a national defensive player of the year candidate, will start his third year at linebacker. Redshirt sophomore Jayson Oweh could be moving into a primary pass-rushing position after Yetur Gross-Matos' departure. Sophomore cornerbacks Keaton Ellis and Marquis Wilson step into bigger roles for a secondary that became Penn State's weakness last season.
The young talent seemingly is everywhere, from sophomore linebacker Brandon Smith and sophomore end Adisa Isaac to incoming freshmen like Curtis Jacobs (ESPN's No. 6 outside linebacker in the 2020 class) and Cole Brevard (ESPN's No. 7 defensive tackle). There aren't many seniors in the two-deep, and while Parsons is almost certainly gone after 2020, other key contributors should play at least through 2021.
11. Michigan Wolverines
2019 future defense ranking: 6
Scouting the Wolverines: Michigan's defense has been the team's best unit during coach Jim Harbaugh's tenure, but its general dominance has been overshadowed by struggles in big games against Ohio State and others. Veteran coordinator Don Brown isn't going to ease off the gas, but his scheme brings both risks and rewards.
This year, the Wolverines lose All-Big Ten defensive back Lavert Hill and All-Big Ten linebackers Khaleke Hudson and Josh Uche, among others, but return a strong line and secondary. Players like end Aidan Hutchinson, safety Daxton Hill and linebacker Cameron McGrone all have multiple years of eligibility left. There's good short-term leadership with linemen Carlo Kemp and Kwity Paye, cornerback Ambry Thomas and others. Linebacker Josh Ross will be key in 2020 for a reloading group.
Michigan's recruiting isn't at 2016 level, but it continues to add strong pieces like Braiden McGregor (ESPN's No. 2 athlete in 2020) and linebacker Jaylen Harrell.
12. Wisconsin Badgers
2019 future defense ranking: 18
Scouting the Badgers: Wisconsin's defense reached historic levels for much of the 2019 season. Despite the departures of standout linebackers Zack Baun and Chris Orr, the trend here is impossible to ignore: Since 2015, the Badgers rank second nationally in both defensive efficiency and fewest touchdowns allowed (130), trailing only Alabama.
The strength of the defense could shift from linebacker to line in 2020, as Wisconsin boasts experience at end (Isaiahh Loudermilk, Garrett Rand, Matt Henningsen) and a promising young tackle in sophomore Keeanu Benton. Linebackers Jack Sanborn (team-high 80 tackles, including 5.5 sacks) and Leo Chenal both have multiple years of eligibility left, and Wisconsin has recruited very well at the position with players like Spencer Lytle and Nick Herbig.
There's good depth at both secondary positions, as safeties Scott Nelson and Reggie Pearson and corners Faion Hicks and Rachad Wildgoose all have multiple years of eligibility left. Coordinator Jim Leonhard is among the nation's best and has helped upgrade the defense's talent.
13. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
2019 future defense ranking: 8
Scouting the Irish: Coordinator Clark Lea is really good, and if Notre Dame can hang on to him a few more years, its defense should never slip too much. There are some questions about the 2020 unit, which lacks a ton of star power other than sophomore safety Kyle Hamilton and linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah. The good news is that both men have multiple years of eligibility left.
Notre Dame's line lacks the dominant pass-rushers of 2019 but should be solid with veterans like fifth-year end Daelin Hayes and fourth-year tackles Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa and Kurt Hinish. The outlook at safety looks great with Hamilton, junior Houston Griffith and Isaiah Pryor, a graduate transfer from Ohio State who will contribute this fall.
The key for Lea is building depth at linebacker and identifying stars up front. Offensive players headline recent recruiting classes, but ESPN 300 lineman Rylie Mills is a nice pickup for 2020, along with linebacker Jordan Botelho.
14. Miami Hurricanes
2019 future defense ranking: 13
Scouting the Hurricanes: Miami has its issues on offense, but the defense continues to produce. Since 2017, the Hurricanes rank 15th nationally in efficiency and fourth in yards per play allowed. Manny Diaz and his staff will continue to recruit and develop strong talent.
Miami should have one of the nation's top defensive lines in 2020. Gregory Rousseau returns after a massive redshirt freshman season (15.5 sacks, 19.5 tackles for loss), and will pair at end with Temple graduate transfer Quincy Roche, the 2019 AAC Defensive Player of the Year. Even if both are gone in 2021, there's talent emerging in Jahfari Harvey, incoming freshman Chantz Williams and others. Linebacker is a mini concern with mainstays Shaquille Quarterman and Michael Pinckney departing, although Zach McCloud (129 tackles from 2016 to 2018) is back for his fifth year. Miami gets cornerback Al Blades Jr. and safety Gurvan Hall Jr. for at least one more year, and junior cornerback DJ Ivey led the team with three interceptions in 2019.
In addition to Chantz Williams, the eighth-ranked defensive end, Diaz's 2020 recruiting haul includes Avantae Williams, ESPN's top-ranked safety.
15. Iowa Hawkeyes
2019 future defense ranking: 20
Scouting the Hawkeyes: Phil Parker isn't a head-coaching candidate and therefore doesn't get nearly enough recognition, but the ninth-year Hawkeyes coordinator is among the nation's best. Since 2015, Iowa ranks 10th in defensive efficiency and third in fewest touchdowns allowed (141).
The unit has some short-term holes after losing projected first-round draft pick AJ Epenesa, leading tackler Kristian Welch and top defensive backs Michael Ojemudia and Geno Stone. But Parker typically reloads in the secondary, a group cornerback Matt Hankins and safety Jack Koerner should lead in 2020. The development of sophomore defensive backs like Kaevon Merriweather, D.J. Johnson and Julius Brents is key to maintaining the back-end success. Senior end Chauncey Golston should be Iowa's primary pass-rusher in 2020, and junior tackle Daviyon Nixon (5.5 tackles for loss in 2019) could solidify the middle through 2021. There's no obvious star at linebacker, but there are several solid underclassmen like junior Djimon Colbert.
Iowa's lone ESPN 300 prospect in the 2020 class is on defense in lineman Logan Jones.
16. TCU Horned Frogs
2019 future defense ranking: 15
Scouting the Horned Frogs: TCU is just 12-13 the past two seasons, but its defense isn't to blame. The Frogs in 2019 led the Big 12 in yards allowed (336.9 YPG) and were the league's only defense to allow less than 200 pass yards per game.
The group returns most of its key contributors, including senior linebacker Garret Wallow, who led the Big 12 in tackles (125) and finished third in tackles for loss (18). TCU also brings back dynamic safety tandem Trevon Moehrig and Ar'Darius Washington, who combined for nine interceptions in 2019. Both have multiple years of eligibility left. Another player who should be around at least through 2021 is end Ochaun Mathis, who will lead TCU's line along with senior tackle Corey Bethley. Dee Winters returns at linebacker after a solid freshman season.
TCU's 2020 class includes ESPN 300 cornerback Keontae Jenkins and defensive lineman Jaquaze Sorrells, a decorated 2019 recruit who signed with South Carolina but never made it to campus in Columbia.
17. Baylor Bears
2019 future defense ranking: Not ranked
Scouting the Bears: After producing the Big 12's stingiest defense last year, Baylor should continue to thrive under new head coach Dave Aranda and veteran coordinator Ron Roberts. Aranda's schemes are nationally respected, and he brings an aggressive mentality to a league that is slowly generating better defensive play.
Baylor will be extremely young in 2020, so some speed bumps are possible, but All-Big 12 linebacker Terrel Bernard provides a strong centerpiece for at least one more season. The Bears have good depth at cornerback with veterans Raleigh Texada and Kalon Barnes, as well as younger players like sophomore Mark Milton. Junior safety JT Woods could help solidify the back end after a solid 2019 season (36 tackles, three fumble recoveries).
But the growth of this unit in 2021 and 2022 should be very exciting. Defensive end James Sylvester, an ESPN 300 selection, is Baylor's top recruit for 2020.
18. Utah Utes
2019 future defense ranking: 12
Scouting the Utes: Utah's track record of success on defense under Kyle Whittingham and Morgan Scalley is impossible to dismiss, but if this were a one-year projection, the Utes might be left out. Nine starters are gone from 2019, and almost all of them will be drafted in the NFL, including line mainstays Bradlee Anae and Leki Fotu, and top cornerback Jaylon Johnson.
The defensive front should be fine going forward, as junior Mika Tafua and senior Maxs Tupai are ready to step in at end, and Utah boasts three senior tackles, including Viane Moala. Utah really benefits from having linebacker Devin Lloyd (team-high 91 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks in 2019) for at least one more year. The secondary will drop off in the short term, perhaps significantly, as Utah is inexperienced and very young, especially at cornerback.
But there are some promising young players, like incoming freshman Clark Phillips III, the ESPN 300 cornerback who flipped from Ohio State to Utah in the early signing period, and freshman safety Nate Ritchie. Safety R.J. Hubert's recovery from a knee injury is worth watching for 2020.
19. Cincinnati Bearcats
2019 future defense ranking: 25
Scouting the Bearcats: Luke Fickell has Cincinnati positioned for its first New Year's Six-level bowl since the 2009 season, and the defense is the biggest reason.
Fickell and dynamic coordinator Marcus Freeman could have their best group yet in 2020, as nine starters return, as well as safety James Wiggins, a 2018 second-team All-AAC selection who missed last season with a knee injury. The line looks exceptional, with familiar names like Myjai Sanders, Michael Pitts, Ethan Tucky, Curtis Brooks and Elijah Ponder.
While most will be gone in 2021, there's good young talent behind them. The secondary also projects very well with cornerback Ahmad Gardner, a freshman All-America selection in 2019, playing at least two more seasons. Veteran cornerback Coby Bryant enters his third year as a starter. The Bearcats are extremely deep at safety with Wiggins, senior Darrick Forrest and junior Ja'von Hicks. Cincinnati loses key players at linebacker but brings back senior Jarell White, who had 7.5 tackles for loss and three forced fumbles in 2019. While Fickell might not be at Cincinnati through 2022, he has set up this unit for success.
20. Texas A&M Aggies
2019 future defense ranking: Not ranked
Scouting the Aggies: Mike Elko's defense is still waiting for its big breakthrough, which could come in Year 3 of the Jimbo Fisher era. Elko remains one of the nation's top coordinators, and the Aggies return some key pieces from a unit that last season held up relatively well except against LSU and Alabama.
Texas A&M will miss star defensive tackle Justin Madubuike but looks strong up the middle with veteran linebackers Anthony Hines III and Buddy Johnson (20 tackles for loss combined in 2019) and safeties Demani Richardson and Leon O'Neal Jr. Of that group, only Johnson is a senior. Texas A&M has added top juco cornerbacks Elijah Blades and Brian George in its past two classes. Elko ultimately needs more playmaking from the defensive line, which boasts promising non-seniors like end Tyree Johnson (junior) and tackle DeMarvin Leal (sophomore).
Texas A&M's defensive recruiting has been strong, signing standouts like Leal, 2020 cornerback Jaylon Jones (ESPN's No. 3 CB), 2020 lineman McKinnley Jackson and 2020 linebacker Antonio Doyle.
21. Pittsburgh Panthers
2019 future defense ranking: Not ranked
Scouting the Panthers: Pitt's defense ranked in the top 10 nationally in several key categories last season: yards per play (fourth), yards per rush (seventh), sacks per pass attempt (sixth) and red zone touchdown percentage (ninth).
Coach Pat Narduzzi should have his best Pitt defense in 2020, as seven starters are back. Plus, Rashad Weaver (6.5 sacks, 14 tackles for loss in 2018) is set to return from a knee injury. Weaver joins a talented line already featuring Jaylen Twyman, one of the nation's top tackles who recorded 10.5 sacks in 2019, and senior end Patrick Jones II, who broke out last fall with 8.5 sacks, four forced fumbles and 18 quarterback hurries.
Pitt also should be excellent in the back end with All-ACC safety Paris Ford (97 tackles, three interceptions, three forced fumbles in 2019), veteran safety Damar Hamlin (30 career starts, 223 tackles) and others. Linebacker Phil Campbell III solidifies the midsection for another year. Pitt will lose a lot in 2021, but Narduzzi and his staff have a solid track record of developing players.
22. Kentucky Wildcats
2019 future defense ranking: Not ranked
Scouting the Wildcats: Not surprisingly, Mark Stoops' defense is a big reason for Kentucky's 18-8 mark the past two seasons. The Wildcats return a good core from a unit that last season ranked second nationally against the pass and 14th in points allowed.
The linebacker group projects very well, as top pass-rusher Boogie Watson (11.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks) returns alongside juniors Chris Oats and DeAndre Square. Kentucky's secondary remains strong as veteran cornerbacks Brandin Echols and Cedrick Dort Jr. are back, as is top tackler Yusuf Corker at safety. Senior Davonte Robinson provides depth at safety as he returns from an injury that sidelined him for all of 2019. Kentucky gets at least one more season from lineman Joshua Paschal (9.5 tackles for loss last season).
Interior lineman Justin Rogers headlines five ESPN 300 defenders that Kentucky signed in the 2020 class.
23. Appalachian State Mountaineers
2019 future defense ranking: Not ranked
Scouting the Mountaineers: During his first year as Louisville's coach, Scott Satterfield told me (and others) he didn't think many Cardinals defenders would have started at his previous program, Appalachian State. The Mountaineers' defense has emerged as one of the best in the Group of 5, ranking 19th nationally in efficiency since 2015.
Despite a coaching change last year, Appalachian State finished in the top 25 in points allowed, yards per play and QBR. The defense loses some key pieces from 2019 but returns All-Sun Belt performers in end Demetrius Taylor (team-high seven sacks and three forced fumbles in 2019) and cornerback Shaun Jolly (five interceptions), along with promising young players like sophomore linebacker Nick Hampton (5.5 sacks, eight quarterback hurries).
Appalachian State loses its top four tacklers, so some short-term turbulence is possible. But new coordinator Dale Jones knows the personnel after coaching at Appalachian State from 1996 to 2018.
24. Texas Longhorns
2019 future defense ranking: 14
Scouting the Longhorns: There's hesitation to include Texas, which backslid significantly on defense in 2019, struggled in its revamped front seven and had to dismiss respected playcaller Todd Orlando.
So why did the Longhorns make the rankings? For starters, I really like Tom Herman's hire of coordinator Chris Ash. Texas has the ingredients to be better up front, perhaps a lot better, as Ash builds around players like junior linebacker/end Joseph Ossai, who had six tackles for loss and three sacks in the Alamo Bowl. Other than end Ta'Quon Graham, most of Texas' expected contributors at line or linebacker carry multiple seasons of eligibility. There's good growth potential with sophomores like linebacker Ayodele Adeoye and tackle Keondre Coburn. Texas projects very well at safety with Caden Sterns, Chris Brown and B.J. Foster. The cornerback position must stabilize with several non-seniors, including D'Shawn Jamison (three interceptions in 2019).
Texas continues to excel in recruiting, signing ESPN 300 defensive ends Alfred Collins and Vernon Broughton in the 2020 class.
25. Tennessee Volunteers
2019 future defense ranking: Not ranked
Scouting the Vols: A strong finish to the 2019 season and a very promising forecast in colleague Bill Connelly's SP+ 2020 outlook (No. 7 defense) vault the Vols into these rankings.
Tennessee allowed no more than 22 points in its final six games and returns eight starters, as well as gifted lineman Emmit Gooden, who missed all of 2019 with a knee injury. Coach Jeremy Pruitt has a lot of options with a 2020 defense that returns promising sophomores like linebackers Henry To'o To'o and Quavaris Crouch and nickelback Jaylen McCollough, as well as other key non-seniors like linebacker Kivon Bennett (team-high nine quarterback hurries in 2019) and cornerback Bryce Thompson (three interceptions). Tennessee's defensive line is seasoned with Gooden and senior ends Darel Middleton and Aubrey Solomon.
The real excitement is Pruitt's recruiting, which includes Keshawn Lawrence and three other ESPN 300 defenders in the 2020 class.