Kentucky makes ESPN's Top 25 Future Defense Power Rankings

When we’ll get to see college football again is up in the air, but that’s not stopping sportswriters from writing about it. ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg released his “Future Defense Power Rankings” this morning, which projects the best defenses in college football over the 2020, 2021, 2022 seasons. Kentucky’s defense came in at No. 22. 

Not surprisingly, Mark Stoops’ defense is a big reason for Kentucky’s 18-8 mark the past two seasons. The Wildcats return a good core from a unit that last season ranked second nationally against the pass and 14th in points allowed.

The linebacker group projects very well, as top pass-rusher Boogie Watson (11.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks) returns alongside juniors Chris Oats and DeAndre Square. Kentucky’s secondary remains strong as veteran cornerbacks Brandin Echols and Cedrick Dort Jr. are back, as is top tackler Yusuf Corker at safety. Senior Davonte Robinson provides depth at safety as he returns from an injury that sidelined him all of 2019. Kentucky gets at least one more season from lineman Joshua Paschal (9.5 tackles for loss last season).

Interior lineman Justin Rogers headlines five ESPN 300 defenders Kentucky signed in the 2020 class.

Kentucky is one of eight SEC teams in the Top 25, along with Georgia (No. 1), LSU (No. 4), Alabama (No. 5), Florida (No. 7), Auburn (No. 9), Texas A&M (No. 20), and Tennessee (No. 25).

Whenever it gets here, the future is bright.

[ESPN]