Defensive Line U: ESPN releases updated Top-10 for best DL producing schools

Each year ahead of the college football season, ESPN releases “Position U.” The breakdown outlines the top 10 schools for each position group, including defensive line, while taking a number of factors into account.

The 2023 version of “Position U” is out, as is ESPN reporter David Hale‘s explanation of how the rankings were decided upon.

“ESPN Stats & Information combed through data on every team dating back to 1998, looking at key markers of greatness at each position,” Hale wrote. “We awarded points for college production (by way of all-conference and All-America honors), NFL draft selections and NFL production (though only through the players’ first five years — Michigan can claim responsibility for Tom Brady’s success for only so long).”

With that said, here is a look at the top 10 defensive line units in college football:

1. Alabama

Alabama has a long history of producing dominant defensive linemen, and it’s a big reason why Nick Saban has been so successful during his time with the Crimson Tide. Will Anderson Jr. is the most recent member of Defensive Line U to star at Alabama, before being a high draft pick.

Recent draft picks Quinnen Williams and Daron Payne also starred at Alabama, before taking their talents to the NFL. Williams and Payne made the Pro Bowl last year. Don’t be surprised if Anderson is next.

2. Florida State

The Seminoles have always recruited at an elite level, even as the program has slipped some in recent years. There is a ton of talent on the defensive front currently on Florida State’s roster, whether it be players FSU recruited or brought in from the transfer portal.

Jared Verse should be one of the top defensive ends in the country this season after choosing to come back for another go-around with Florida State. FSU also recently produced Brian Burns, who was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the first round of the 2019 draft.

3. Ohio State

Starting with Will Smith, Vernon Gholston and Cameron Heyward, the Buckeyes have had a number of dominant defensive linemen who went on to be high draft picks in the past 20 years. More recently, Joey Bosa and Nick Bosa have been two of the best defensive players in the NFL, while Chase Young made numerous plays for the Buckeyes, before being picked No. 2 overall.

JT Tuimoloau is expected to keep that run going. He was named first-team All-Big Ten last season and enters 2023 with 45 career tackles, including 15 tackles for loss.

4. Clemson

Clemson has produced as many elite defensive linemen as anyone over the past 10 years. Christian Wilkins and Dexter Lawrence are two of the best defensive tackles in all of football, while Bryan Bresee and Myles Murphy were selected in the first round of this year’s draft.

The Tigers had multiple other defensive linemen who could have been picked in the 2023 draft, including Ruke Orhorhoro and Tyler Davis. However, they chose to return for one more season to try and accomplish something special this fall.

5. Penn State

Penn State has a long history of have physical players who can get after the quarterback up front. Chop Robinson is up next on the list. Robinson finished with 10 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks last fall, despite not being a starter.

That speaks to the depth Penn State has on its roster. The Nittany Lions should continue to churn out impressive defenders up front.

6. Texas

The Longhorns have a history of producing dominant pass rushers. That list includes Brian Orakpo, who won the Nagurski Award given to the best defender in the country in 2008.

With Steve Sarkisian running the program, Texas is back to recruiting at an elite level. If the Longhorns can continue to bring in top talent, including on the defensive line, they could get back to being an elite program.

7. LSU

Offense was the main reason why LSU won its most recent national title, but the Tigers have historically had excellent defenses, too. Yes, a big part of that is defensive backs. However, the Tigers have also had some excellent defensive linemen come through.

That list includes Booger McFarland, Marcus Spears, Glenn Dorsey, Tyson Jackson, Michael Brockers and Barkevious Mingo as far as members of the LSU defensive line who were drafted in the first round in the past 25 years.

8. USC

USC has struggled in recent years defensively, but the Trojans have still had a defensive lineman picked in three straight drafts. That includes this past season when Tuli Tuipulotu was picked in the second round by the Chargers.

USC is on the rise under Lincoln Riley, who has made it his mission to get the defense fixed. Don’t be surprised if the Trojans continue their run.

9. Georgia

If you just based this list off of recent results, the Bulldogs would likely be much higher. Georgia has won back-to-back national titles, and having a dominant defensive front is a big reason why.

Jalen Carter, Travon Walker and Jordan Davis have been selected in the first round of the past two NFL drafts, while in total Georgia has had five defensive linemen drafted in the past two years. The Bulldogs and Kirby Smart are bringing in elite talent and should continue to move up the list.

10. Michigan

Michigan has also had its fair share of defensive linemen drafted in recent years. That includes Aidan Hutchinson, who went No. 2 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft. Hutchinson was dominant during his time with the Wolverines, helping Michigan reach the College Football Playoff in 2021.

Jim Harbaugh has consistently had strong defenses during his time at Michigan, and that should continue this season. Watch for Kris Jenkins to have a big year as a senior in 2023.

Alabama is atop the “Defensive Line U” standings right now, but there are plenty of programs in contention and trying to catch up. It will be interesting to see how the 2023 season unfolds and what the rankings look like in 2024.