Mike Farrell Sports

College Football Recruiting, Opinion, and Analysis

The Farrell 50: Top Defensive tackles for 2023

Mike Farrell ranks Jer’Zhan Newton, Tyler Davis, and the rest of the best defensive tackles in the country

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Illinois DL Johnny Newton

The rating of the top defensive tackles entering any season is always an annual treat. Sometimes they pan out, and sometimes they flip. Who is this year’s slam dunk, and which guy on this list will make me look dumb? Here’s my top 50 in order and ranked in tiers — it’s called the Farrell 50, and I’ve been doing it since 2010.

Tier One

1. Jer’Zhan Newton, Illinois

2. Tyler Davis, Clemson

3. Dontay Corleone, Cincinnati

Cincinnati Bearcats defensive lineman Dontay Corleone (58) tackles Indiana Hoosiers running back Shaun Shivers (2) in the first quarter of a college football game, Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022, at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati.

4. Mehki Wingo, LSU

5. Leonard Taylor

6. Kris Jenkins, Michigan

Michigan defensive lineman Kris Jenkins (94) celebrates a play against TCU during the second half at the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. on Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022.

7. Maason Smith, LSU

Tier Two

8. DeWayne Carter, Duke

9. Byron Murphy II, Texas

Sep 10, 2022; Austin, TX, USA; Texas defensive lineman Byron Murphy II (90) rushes Alabama quarterback Bryce Young (9) during the game at Royal Memorial Stadium on Sep. 10, 2022. Mandatory Credit: Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman-USA TODAY NETWORK

10. Braden Fiske, Florida State

11. Jaylon Hutchins, Texas Tech

12. Nazir Stackhouse, Georgia

Georgia Tech running back Jamie Felix (23) is stoped by Georgia defensive lineman Nazir Stackhouse (78) and Georgia defensive lineman Zion Logue (96) during the first half of a NCAA college football game between Georgia Tech and Georgia in Athens, Ga., on Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022.

13. Simeon Barrow, Michigan State

14. Noah Shannon, Iowa*

Shannon has been suspended for the season for gambling.

More Sports News

15. Bear Alexander, USC

16. Howard Cross, Notre Dame

Nov 19, 2022; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Boston College Eagles running back Pat Garwo (24) runs the ball as Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive lineman Howard Cross III (56) prepares to tackle in the second quarter at Notre Dame Stadium.

17. Mike Hall, Ohio State

Tier Three

18. Jowon Briggs, Cincinnati

19. Jahvaree Ritzie, North Carolina

20. Patrick Jenkins, Tulane

21. Darius Hodges, Tulane

22. Cameron Ball, Arkansas

23. Junior Tafuna, Utah

Nov 5, 2022; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Utes defensive tackle Junior Tafuna (58) reacts to a fumble recovery against the Arizona Wildcats in the third quarter at Rice-Eccles Stadium.

24. Rylie Mills, Notre Dame

25. Ricky Barber, UCF

26. Justin Rogers, Auburn

27. Nathan Pickering, Mississippi State

28. Ruke Orhohoro, Clemson

29. Fabien Lovett, Florida State

30. Mason Graham, Michigan

31. Walter Nolen, Texas A&M

Nov 26, 2022; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Walter Nolen (88) and linebacker Edgerrin Cooper (45) celebrate a defensive stop against the LSU Tigers during the second half at Kyle Field.

32. Tonka Hemingway, South Carolina

Tier Four

33. Elijah Chatman, SMU

34. Deone Walker, Kentucky

Sep 10, 2022; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Kentucky Wildcats defensive tackle Deone Walker (0) tackles Florida Gators running back Nay’Quan Wright (5) during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

35. Tuli Letuligasenoa, Washington

36. Tyliek Williams, Ohio State

37. Darius Robinson, Missouri

38. Keenan Stewart, UTEP

Sep 12, 2020; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas El Paso Miners defensive lineman Keenan Stewart (54) prepares to tackle Texas Longhorns running back Bijan Robinson (5) in the first half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.

39. Jayson Jones, Auburn

40. Kristian Williams, Missouri

41. Omari Thomas, Tennessee

42. Gabe Hall, Baylor

Sep 3, 2022; Waco, Texas, USA; Albany Great Danes offensive lineman Will Marotta (72) blocks Baylor Bears defensive lineman Gabe Hall (95) during the second half at McLane Stadium.

43. Uso Seumalo, Kansas State

44. Roderick Brown, North Texas

45. Peter Woods, Clemson

Clemson safety Andrew Mukuba (1), defensive lineman Peter Woods (11) and defensive tackle Payton Page (55) run in a drill during preseason practice in Jervey Meadows in Clemson, S.C.

46. Jaden Crumedy, Mississippi State

47. Lee Hunter, UCF

48. T’Vondre Sweat, Texas

49. Marley Cook, Middle Tennessee

50. Branson Dean, Miami

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