Top 5 defensive units in Big Ten entering 2024 season ft. Ohio State
The 18 team Big Ten is ready to kick off its 2024 campaign with a new look. Yes, the power conference of middle America has extended west. But the Big Ten is also the conference of the defending national champion. Which league defenses will give a team a shot at the next CFP title? Here's our rundown of the league's top five 2024 defenses.
Top 5 Big Ten defensive units in 2024
#5 Oregon
Hidden in the furor of Oregon's big-play offense is the fact that the Ducks are pretty tough defensively. Coordinator Dan Lanning's group held offenses to 16.5 points per game and 318 yards per game last season. The Ducks also posted a sparkling +11 turnover margin.
The Ducks return a majority of last season's starters. Jordan Burch transferred in from South Carolina before last season and is a standout up front. Linebacker Jeffrey Bassa was second on the team in tackles last year. Corner Jabbar Muhammad is an addition from Washington and will be one of the league's best defensive backs.
#4 Penn State
James Franklin's Nittany Lions have held opponents under 20 points per game in five of the last seven seasons. A year ago, PSU's defense yielded just 13.5 ppg and 248 yards per game. That defense also led the Nittany Lions to a +16 turnover margin.
PSU did have some significant losses, but they return plenty of talent. Abdul Carter is a potential all-conference pick at defensive end. Sophomore middle linebacker Tony Rojas showed impressive potential a year ago, and cornerback Jalen Kimber is an SEC transfer who should star from day one.
#3 Michigan
The defending champions are certain to take a step back on defense, but there's still reason to think they'll be plenty tough. Michigan's last three defenses have allowed fewer than 18 ppg. Admittedly, the 10.4 ppg and 247 yards per game of last year is virtually unbeatable, not to mention a +19 turnover margin.
Michigan had significant losses, but returns plenty of talent. Up front, Mason Graham was a significant standout a year ago. Linebacker Jaishawn Barham is in from Maryland and looks likely to star. Cornerback Will Johnson is one of the few outstanding holdovers from a season ago.
#2 Iowa
The Hawkeyes haven't surrendered 20 ppg since 2015. A year ago, despite a horrible offense, the Iowa defense held opponents to 14.8 ppg and 283 yards per game. The Hawkeyes also return nearly their entire back seven.
Up front, end Deontae Craig is a significant playmaker. Linebacker Jay Higgins amassed a shocking 171 tackles a year ago and is back to lead the defense, and fellow backer Nick Jackson is a star. Safety Quinn Schulte is a significant returnee in the secondary.
#1 Ohio State
A year ago, coordinator Jim Knowles got the season from Ohio State's defense that had been missing-- just 11.2 ppg and 265 yards per game allowed. But Ohio State's offense took a step back and the Buckeyes endured a disappointing 11-2 campaign.
Ohio State has a tremendous returning group. Up front, ends JT Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer are both potential NFL first-round picks. Sonny Styles has moved up to linebacker from safety and should star, and corners Davison Igbinosun and Denzel Burke are both stars. The Big Ten should be wary of the OSU defense.
Which Big Ten defenses are you excited to see in 2024? Share your thoughts below in our comments section!