2023 Opposing Defensive Line Unit Rankings

Written by: Ethan Roberts (@usaEthanRoberts)

We are ranking each position groups for all of IU’s 2023 opponents. Today, we focus on the defensive line.

1. Ohio State Buckeyes

The Buckeyes begin the list as the best defensive line unit in the country. This is not something that Buckeye fans are used to, but it is a new reality for them since Jim Knowles took over as defensive coordinator following a disastrous 2021 defense. Knowles got off to a hot start with the 2022 defensive unit with a commendable first year from former five-star true freshman J.T. Tuimoloau, who ranked 2nd overall in the 2021 class. Tuimoloau recorded a monstrous performance against Penn State last fall that solely won them the game and the strengthened defensive line led them all the way to the college football semifinals where they were one kick away from beating the Georgia Bulldogs. Their defensive line recruiting has also been on fire lately as they managed to pick up a crucial commitment from five-star defensive tackle Justin Scott.

2. Michigan Wolverines

Michigan had a great year defensively under coach Jim Harbaugh in the 2022 campaign. The key word that needs to be remembered is depth. Michigan had fifteen players record at least a half a sack last season. They racked up a whopping 37 sacks, which is over 2 sacks per game for those that count. Their defensive line was heighted by NFL draftees Mazi Smith (Cowboys) and Mike Morris (Seahawks). The new Wolverine defensive core will be led by Senior Jaylen Harrell, Junior Junior Colson and Senior Kris Jenkins. They have also recruited several four-star defensive linemen in the past two seasons.

3. Illinois Fighting Illini

For all the guys looking for fun factoids to tell at the water cooler on Monday, here’s what you need to know about Illinois. They have the best defensive tackle in the country. Not Georgia, nor Alabama, right there in Champaign, Illinois. Jer’zhan Newton is a force to be reckoned with. He is a run stopper that is a certified day one draft pick. He led the FBS with 13 tackles for losses. Beyond Newton, The Fighting Illini have been picking and choosing out of the portal, landing three-stars Terah Edwards and Raashaan Wilkins, both of which may get playing time immediately.

4. Penn State Nittany Lions

Perhaps the most underrated unit on the list, The Nittany Lions defensive line plays host to multiple future draft picks. They capped off a solid defensive performance last season that was led by NFL draftee PJ Mustipher (Broncos). The 2023 unit will be led by edge rushers Adisa Isaac and Chop Robinson. Penn State also recruited well in the 2022 class picking up five-star Dani Dennis-Sutton.

5. Wisconsin Badgers

Wisconsin struggled early on in 2022 and culminated in the firing of head coach Paul Chryst. Luke Fickell will aim to bring the level of quality back to the defense. Wisconsin still managed to maintain a top 20 scoring defense. Their defensive line will be Redshirt Senior Rodas Johnson, Graduate Isaiah Mullens and Redshirt Junior Darian Varner. They recruited at an average level with two three-star recruits on the defensive line in the last two years.

6. Louisville Cardinals

The Cardinals occupy the first non-conference spot, although that feat isn’t difficult, no offense to Akron and Indiana State. They amounted to an impressive 50 sacks last season. Most notably led by NFL draftees Yasir Abdullah (Jaguars) and YaYa Diaby (Buccaneers). They are returning production from Ashton Gillotte, who led the returning starters with 7 sacks last season. They also had an impressive 2022 class with commitments from four-star edge rusher Popeye Williams and three-star lineman Tawfiq Thomas.  

7. Michigan State Spartans

The Spartans totaled 29 sacks in the 2022 season with a below-average pass defense. Their sack leader was linebacker Jacoby Windmon with 5 sacks, who is returning for the 2023 season. The Spartans will need to look to their youth to take a massive step up in quality. They may look to the 2022 class where four-star lineman Alex VanSumeren and three-star linebacker Quavian Carter can compete for a starting spot.

8. Rutgers Scarlet Knights

Rutgers posted one of the worst scoring defensive performances in the country last year, ranking 95th. However, a bright spot in their team is the recruiting on the defensive line. Their 2022 class featured three players to look at. Four-star linebackers Moses Walker and Anthony Johnson, along with three-star defensive lineman DJ Allen and edge rusher Kenny Fletcher. Their projected defensive linemen are Arron Lewis, Isaiah Iton, Wesley Bailey and Kyonte Hamilton.

9. Purdue Boilermakers

The Boilermakers fit the description of the word “average” last season, ranking 74th in the country for scoring defense. They had 16 different players with at least a half a sack last season, which boasts optimism for Boilermaker fans. They were led by Jack Sullivan and Khordae Sydnor, neither of whom are with the team for the 2023 season. They have recruited well and landed four-star defensive linemen Nic Scourton and Joe Strickland (fun fact I played 6th grade football as quarterback against Strickland and was sacked four times). The Boilermakers have room for improvement in their defense but have reason for cautious optimism.

10. Maryland Terrapins

The issue with Maryland’s defense line is a lack of identity. Nobody reached higher than 4 sacks last season. Their leading returning starter in sacks is linebacker Jaishawn Barham. He capped off a decent true freshman season with 58 tackles and 4 sacks. The Terrapins are hopeful that Barham combined with their 2023 recruitment of a pair of four-star edge rushers in Rico Walker and Neeo Avery.

11. Akron Zips

The Akron Zips are the only non-power five FBS school on the schedule for the Hoosiers, which slot the Zips into the eleven spot. The Zips main production came from Victor Jones and Zach Morton, neither of whom are with the program anymore. The Zips will look to improve their defensive line room this season with better coaching and recruiting.

12. Indiana State Sycamores

The list rounds out once again with IU’s sole FCS opponent on the schedule. Their best players in the unit last season were Gianini Belizaire and Kris Reid Jr. The 2-9 Sycamores will need to improve in multiple areas on the team to become competitive.