With EA officially announcing a timeline for the new college football video game, sports enthusiasts worldwide are eagerly awaiting the chance to dive into gameplay for the first time in over a decade. As the release date draws nearer, I’ve decided to predict the top-rated players in each position group. This time we review which interior defensive linemen will give you the most fits in the new game.
5. Dontay Corleone
In 2022, Dontay Corleone established himself as one of the most dominant interior defensive linemen in college football, boasting an impressive 93.8 PFF grade—the highest among all defensive players. While Corleone didn’t exactly replicate his performance in 2023, he was still highly effective and disruptive on the line of scrimmage. He excels at stuffing the run and penetrating the backfield, making him a force to be reckoned with.
4. Tyleik Williams
Tyleik Williams emerged as a standout performer this past season, making a significant impact for the Buckeyes. His impressive season earned him a spot on the 3rd team all-conference in the Big 10, solidifying his status as one of the top defensive linemen in the country. Williams ranked 4th in defensive run stops in 2024 with 26 on the season, showcasing his ability to locate the ball carrier and disrupt the run game effectively.
3. Howard Cross
Returning for his 6th season with the Fighting Irish, Howard Cross has been a steady force for Notre Dame on the defensive line. He holds the highest PFF grade among returning interior defensive linemen at 90.1. Despite being undersized, Cross compensates with explosive speed and relentless effort. His experience allows him to consistently make impactful plays by quickly reading the offense and disrupting plays in the backfield.
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2. Deone Walker
Deone Walker is a mountain of a man standing at 6’6” and 348 pounds. Unlike typical space-eaters that size, Walker excels equally in rushing the passer and stopping the run as he led all interior defensive linemen with 8 sacks in the season. His sheer size allows him to overpower offensive linemen, but it’s his remarkable agility that sets him apart, enabling him to maneuver around blockers and disrupt plays effectively.
1. Mason Graham
Mason Graham’s rise in college football was remarkable, especially in his second year at Michigan. He was one of only two players to achieve top 10 grades in both pass rushing and run defending among interior defensive linemen according to PFF. Graham earned 1st team all-Big 10 honors as a sophomore and continues to dominate in 2024. His versatility demands attention on every play, often drawing double teams due to his exceptional ability to shed blocks and disrupt opposing offenses consistently.
Honorable Mentions
Kenneth Grant, Walter Nolan, Jack Sawyer, Nazir Stackhouse
