These are the defensive stars you’ll be hearing about every Saturday this fall. And maybe Sundays soon after.
You want defense? These four bring it in waves.
The 2025 college football season is brimming with offensive talent, superstar QBs, electric transfers, flashy schemes. But it’s the defenders in the trenches and on the back end who’ll decide who hoists the trophy in January. And across the Power 4, each league has a guy you better game-plan for on the scouting report or they'll have your OC in shambles.
According to PFF college’s Dalton Wasserman here's the top defensive players across the Power 4.
ACC – Peter Woods, DL, Clemson
Clemson’s defensive line has always been their calling card and Peter Woods is the next anchor of that defense.
He’s big, fast, and already hard to block. Last year he showed flashes. This year, he’s about to break out. The Tigers are counting on Woods to be the tone-setter down in the trenches and if you’re watching the ACC this season, expect to hear his name early and often. Think All-ACC first team, with the NFL knocking on his door after the season.
Big Ten – Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Caleb Downs was good enough to start at Alabama as a freshman. Now he’s at Ohio State, and somehow even better.
The Buckeyes already had a stacked defense. Downs makes them elite. He’s the kind of safety who erases mistakes, punishes wideouts, and reads quarterbacks on what seems like open throws. Big Ten teams are going to have to throw away from Downs if they have any chance of having a passing offense.
SEC – Colin Simmons, EDGE, Texas
Colin Simmons might still be figuring it all out. This year he could be putting the SEC on notice.
Simmons is the Longhorns’ most explosive weapon off the edge. His physical tools are already NFL-caliber. He’s not the most experienced guy on this list, but don’t be shocked if he finishes with double-digit sacks and a few game-wrecking performances on the biggest stages.
Big 12 – Austin Romaine, LB, Kansas State
Austin Romaine is the backbone of a Kansas State defense that doesn’t blink.
He doesn’t play with flash. He just finds the ball, finishes tackles, and sets the tone. Romaine quietly posted one of the best seasons of any linebacker in the league last year, and there’s no reason to think that’ll change in 2025. With the Wildcats eyeing another Big 12 run, Romaine is their steady hand in the chaos.
The quarterbacks will get the headlines. The flashy receivers will get the most attention, but if your team has any shot of making the 12-team College Football Playoff? You’ll need guys like these.
Woods. Downs. Simmons. Romaine.
These aren’t just conference stars of their prospective conferences, they're future pros who can flip a game on a given snap.
Bet against them at your own risk.
Category: General Sports
