Top 10 edge defenders in the On3 College Football Impact 300

The On3 Impact 300 ranks the best players in college football entering the 2022 season, with a full release coming in the next few weeks. Prior to the release of the inaugural list – which also factors into the calculation of the On3 NIL Valuation – On3 has revealed the Top 10 returning edge defenders.

Alabama star Will Anderson leads the way, ranked as the top overall player in the On3 Impact 300. The Bronko Nagurski winner and unanimous first-team All-American is back for another year of wreaking havoc in opposing backfields.

These are the 10 most impactful edge defenders with less than three months until the 2022 season kicks off.

On3 Impact 300’s Top 10 Edge Defenders

1. Will Anderson, Alabama

Anderson was often a one-man wrecking crew for the Crimson Tide last fall, helping Alabama reach the national title game. He tallied 102 tackles, 34.5 tackles for a loss and 17.5 sacks. He is also one of the huge NIL winners, with his current $1.3 million valuation ranking No. 12 on the NIL 100 rankings.

2. Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Kansas State

One of the most disruptive edge defenders in the country, Anudike-Uzomah specializes in getting the ball out. He led the nation in 2021 with six forced fumbles, to go along with 52 tackles and 11.0 sacks. His current NIL valuation? A cool $529,000.

3. Myles Murphy, Clemson

The 2020 FWAA Freshman All-American built on a promising start to his college career with an even better sophomore campaign. He earned second-team All-ACC selection after recording 43 tackles, 14.0 tackles for a loss, 7.0 sacks and two forced fumbles. He carries a $553,000 NIL valuation.

4. Zach Harrison, Ohio State

The former five-star prospect put together his best season yet in 2021, tallying 33 tackles, 3.0 sacks, a pair of forced fumbles and four passes defended. Harrison is an elite pass-rusher and could be poised to take a major leap this fall.

5. Nick Herbig, Wisconsin

Herbig earned All-Big Ten honorable mention last year, with the production to back that selection up. He finished with 61 tackles, 9.0 sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. His current NIL valuation is $437,000.

6. Nolan Smith, Georgia

The former No. 1 overall recruit in the 2019 class came on strong for the national champion Bulldogs as his junior season wore on. He had eight tackles and seven quarterback pressures in the College Football Playoff semifinal win over Michigan. Smith’s current NIL valuation is $513,000.

7. Isaiah Foskey, Notre Dame

Like Anudike-Uzomah, Foskey specialized in getting the ball off opposing ball carriers. He led the nation with six forced fumbles while also finishing third in Notre Dame history in single-season sack total (11.0). He finished 2021 with 52 tackles and 12.5 tackles for a loss.

8. BJ Ojulari, LSU

Ojulari’s production exploded in 2021 after a strong freshman campaign the prior year. The Tigers defensive end notched 54 tackles, including 7.0 sacks. The Marietta, Ga., native currently carries a $347,000 NIL valuation.

9. Andre Carter, Army

One of the most consistently disruptive forces in the backfield in college football, Carter tallied an eye-popping 18.5 tackles for a loss and 15.5 sacks as a sophomore in 2021. He also forced turnovers, with four forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and an interception. Current NIL valuation: $306,000.

10. Collin Oliver, Oklahoma State

Oliver had a tremendous freshman season, earning unanimous Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year honors. He finished the year with 29 tackles, 11.5 sacks and a forced fumble. His current NIL valuation is $220,000.

Check out On3’s Top 10 quarterbacks , Top 10 running backs, Top 10 wide receivers, Top 10 tight ends, Top 10 offensive tackles, and Top 10 interior offensive linemen for 2022.