By Mark Pszonak
1. S Dillon Thieneman – Oregon (Purdue)
Thieneman has already dominated in the Big Ten for two seasons, yet it still feels as though he is underappreciated. That won’t be the situation in Eugene next season.
2. CB Mansoor Delane – LSU (Virginia Tech)
Delane is an experienced veteran who is coming off his best collegiate season. He should fit in seamlessly into the Tigers’ secondary.
3. S Kendal Daniels – Oklahoma (Oklahoma State)
While Oklahoma State’s defense experienced its fair share of issues during Daniels’ time in Stillwater, it wasn’t because of his shortcomings. He arrives in Norman after totaling 240 tackles, 24 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, five interceptions and 13 passes defended in three seasons with the Cowboys.
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4. LB Josiah Trotter – Missouri (West Virginia)
After an injury sidetracked his true freshman season, Trotter played up to his lofty expectations in 2024 with 92 tackles, four tackles for loss and one interception. He should have no problem continuing his ascent in the SEC.
5. DE Patrick Payton – LSU (Florida State)
Payton proved himself as a defensive playmaker at Florida State by totaling 32 tackles for loss and 16 sacks during his three seasons in Tallahassee. Expectations are high that he will have the same level of production in Baton Rouge.
6. CB Tacario Davis – Washington (Arizona)
Davis has been dominant during his last two seasons at Arizona with 69 tackles and 21 pass breakups. Now he reunites with his former head coach, Jedd Fisch, to showcase his abilities in the Big Ten.
7. DL Jaheim Oatis – Colorado (Alabama)
A large part of Colorado’s improvement from 2023 to 2024 was the play of the defensive line. Oatis will help to continue this. At 6-foot-5 and 320-pounds, he will be counted on to control the middle of the line.
8. LB Dasan McCullough – Nebraska (Oklahoma)
2024 was a disappointing season for McCullough, mostly due to a foot injury that caused him to miss the first five games. Now healthy, he should be able to return to his form from the previous two seasons when he totaled 79 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and six pass breakups.
9. CB Theran Johnson – Oregon (Northwestern)
Oregon successfully reloaded its secondary through the portal (also see Thieneman above) during this cycle. Adding Johnson was a huge piece of this, who finished third in the Big Ten this season with 10 passes defended.
10. DE Clev Lubin – Louisville (Coastal Carolina)
Lubin only spent one season with the Chanticleers after signing as a JUCO. However, during his one season he dominated with 44 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks. Look for him to be placed in positions to make plays for the Cardinals in 2025.
