Top 5 defensive units in Week 5 of 2024 college football season ft. Texas LonghornsÂ
The 2024 college football season is in full swing as the calendar is set to turn to Week 5. There have been multiple shocking upsets in the early portion of the season leading to a shakeup in the AP Top 25 Poll rankings.
Multiple defenses have continued to stand out as elite units. Here's a closer look at five defenses that have played the best thus far and should continue to do so in Week 5.
Top 5 defensive units in college football entering Week 5
#1. Texas Longhorns
The No.1 Texas Longhorns have been elite on the defensive end this season, allowing just 5.5 points per game and 211.8 yards per game this season. Those stats rank tied for first and fifth in the nation, respectively.
They have recorded 27.0 tackles for loss, seven sacks, seven interceptions, one fumble recovery and one defensive touchdown. The Longhorns have gotten off to a 4-0 start that includes a win over the then-No.10-ranked Michigan Wolverines. They will begin their first season of SEC play as they host the Mississippi State Bulldogs in Week 5.
#2. Georgia Bulldogs
The No. 2 Georgia Bulldogs have also been dominant on the defensive end. They have allowed just 6.0 ppg and 202.0 ypg. The Bulldogs are third in the nation in scoring defense and fourth in yards allowed per game.
They have recorded 21.0 tackles for loss, eight sacks, one interception and two fumble recoveries in three games. Georgia won their first three games of the season, including a blowout victory over the then-No. 14 Clemson Tigers. They are also 1-0 in SEC play after beating the Kentucky Wildcats.
The Bulldogs will visit the No. 4 Alabama Crimson Tide, who fell just short of making this list, in a Week 5 matchup that could have huge College Football Playoff and SEC implications.
#3. Ohio State Buckeyes
The No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes have been another elite defensive unit to start the season. They are fourth in scoring defense while ranking second in the nation in yards allowed per game, as their opponents have averaged just 6.7 ppg and 180.0 ypg.
They have recorded 22.0 tackles for loss, nine sacks, two interceptions, one fumble recovery and scored two defensive touchdowns across their first three games. Ohio State has won their first three games of the season in dominant fashion, outscoring their opponents 157-20. They will kick off Big Ten play in Week 5 as they visit the Michigan State Spartans.
#4. Tennessee Volunteers
The No. 5 Tennessee Volunteers have been great defensively to open the season. They have held their opponents to just 7.0 ppg and 176.0 ypg. Those stats rank fifth and first in all of college football, respectively.
The Volunteers have recorded 31.0 tackles for loss, seven sacks, two interceptions, five fumble recoveries and one defensive touchdown. They have gotten off to a 4-0 start with victories over the then-No. 24-ranked NC State Wolfpack and then-No.15-ranked Oklahoma Sooners. They will have a bye in Week 5 after kicking off SEC play in the latter matchup last weekend.
#5. Ole Miss Rebels
The No. 6 Ole Miss Rebels rank tied for first in scoring defense and 12th in yards allowed per game. Ole Miss has allowed just 5.5 ppg and 239.0 ypg as they have continued to thrive on the defensive end.
They have recorded 43.0 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, four interceptions, three fumble recoveries and one defensive touchdown. The Rebels have gotten off to a 4-0 start and been dominant, outscoring opponents 220-22. They will host the Kentucky Wildcats in Week 5.
Which defense has impressed you the most so far this season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.