EA Sports College Football 25 releases Top 25 Defensive Power Rankings

Thursday is the penultimate day of EA Sports College Football 25 Rankings Week. As the ratings of the top offensive and defensive units in the highly anticipated video game are finally being released ahead of Friday’s full rollout of the overall team power rankings.

College football fans and gamers alike have been eager to know how the offenses and defenses of the upcoming game will stack up against one another ahead of College Football 25’s July 19 release. Especially ahead of a college football season where each team looks different thanks to the transfer portal, numerous head coaching changes, and the recent NFL Draft.

They say defense wins championships, but will it be enough to stop the high-flying offenses in College Football 25? Check out EA Sports’ power rankings of the top defensive units in the upcoming College Football 25 video game below.

1. Ohio State — 96 OVR

The Buckeyes rank atop College Football 25 power rankings. And rightfully so after being the nation’s No. 2 scoring defense last year that returned nearly all their star players and made several impactful transfer portal additions.

Up front Ohio State returns all-conference players like Jack Sawyer and J.T. Tuimoloau. And with defensive backs like Denzel Burke returning along with former Alabama safety Caleb Downs joining the squad out of the portal, it’s safe to say the Buckeyes have all their bases covered defensively.

2. Georgia — 94 OVR

Georgia’s defense has been one of the most menacing units in the country since head coach Kirby Smart took over the program in 2016. And in College Football 25 they will continue to be just that as the second strongest unit in the game.

The Bulldogs’ defensive prowess has been a major key to their recent success, helping lead Georgia to two national titles in the past three seasons. Plus Sanford Stadium being ranked No. 5 toughest place to play in the game will surely make things hard for opposing offenses playing between the hedges.

3. Oregon — 90 OVR

The Oregon Ducks have traditionally been known for their strength on the offensive side of the ball. But recently their defense has become one of the best in the country with strength on all three levels.

Last season Oregon was the Pac-12’s top scoring defense and the No. 11 ranked scoring unit in the FBS. With transfer portal additions like cornerback Jabbar Muhammad and defensive lineman Derrick Harmon only adding to their strength both virtually and in real life this upcoming season.

4. Alabama — 90 OVR

Alabama will be tasked with maintaining the high defensive standards established by former head coach Nick Saban this upcoming season. Also losing numerous key players to the NFL and the transfer portal like Dallas Turner, starting cornerbacks Terrion Arnold and Kool-Aid McKinstry, and the aforementioned Downs.

But the Crimson Tide have never had an issue reloading on the defensive side of the ball, which EA Sports believes will not change with Kalen DeBoer now at the helm. Helping matters is Bryant-Denny Stadium’s No. 2 ranking in College Football 25’s toughest places to play also working in Alabama’s favor.

5. Clemson — 90 OVR

The last time Clemson allowed 21+ points in a season was in 2013. Establishing themselves as one of the nation’s most consistent and productive units in the country for a decade.

The Tigers will continue to be consistent in College Football 25. As linebacker Barrett Carter will likely serve as the tip of the spear for Clemson’s defense and one of the most fun and havoc-wreaking players on that side of the ball to play with in the video game.

6. Notre Dame — 90 OVR

Notre Dame ranks right outside of the top five following their strongest defensive season of the last 10 years. Holding opponents to just 16.6 points and 282.4 yards per game last season in their second full year under head coach Marcus Freeman.

The Fighting Irish have a strong chance to build on their impressive defensive showing last season given their amount of returning starters. Headlined by one of the best cornerbacks in the country Benjamin Morrison.

7. Michigan — 90 OVR

The reigning national champions break into the top 10 after their defense played a major role in their undefeated season last year. Undeniably the best defense in the country after being the only unit to hold opponents to under 10 points per game last season.

Along with losing their head coach, the Wolverines also lost several significant players on defense including five players to the NFL Draft. But they do return several top players like Will Johnson, Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant, and hopefully their strong culture on that side of the ball.

8. Texas — 88 OVR

Similar to Michigan, the Texas Longhorns also lost a lot of star players from last year’s team. Headlined by the defensive line duo of Byron Murphy and T’Vondre Sweat.

But the Big 12’s top defense from last season does return a ton of production with standout defensive transfers like Andrew Mukuba and Trey Moore. They’ll look to maintain their elite defense as they transition to the SEC.

9. Penn State — 88 OVR

On both sides of the ball, Penn State returns a ton of their impact players from last year’s squad. Especially on the defense following a season where they ranked No. 3 in the nation in scoring after holding opponents to 11.4 points per game.

From Abdul Carter to Dani Dennis-Sutton and Jaylen Reed, the Nittany Lions have plenty of star power on defense. And with a White Out in Beaver Stadium being a feature in College Football 25, opposing offense may want be ware of Penn State in the game.

10. Utah — 88 OVR

The Utah Utes round out the top 10 defensive units of EA Sports College Football 25 after being one of the most physical units in the country last season. Carrying the Utes to an eight-win season despite the team’s offensive shortcomings with quarterback Cam Rising missing the entire season.

Up front Utah returns a ton of strength and has the potential to be one of the top front sevens in their first season in the Big 12. With their offense coming back to form likely making them not just a top defense, but one of the top overall teams in the game this year.

College Football 25 Defensive Power Rankings 11-25

11. Florida State – 88 OVR
12. Oklahoma – 88 OVR
13. Iowa – 88 OVR
14. Virginia Tech – 86 OVR
15. Wisconsin – 86 OVR
16. USC – 86 OVR
17. Auburn – 86 OVR
18. LSU – 84 OVR
19. Texas A&M – 84 OVR
20. Colorado – 84 OVR
21. Oklahoma State – 84 OVR
22. Louisville – 84 OVR
23. North Carolina – 84 OVR
24. Kansas State – 84 OVR
25. Florida – 84 OVR