Georgia tops Michigan as they battle for…

Here’s our look at the nation’s best front sevens entering the 2024 campaign.

1. Georgia

It’s business as usual for Georgia’s defense under coach Kirby Smart, which means the Bulldogs will pose a challenge for everyone up front. Mykel Williams is a potential first-round draft pick after two good years on the fringes. Nazir Stackhouse and Warren Brinson have followed the journeyman route at defensive lineman, but they are also on track for an NFL salary when they finish their sixth seasons as monstrous run-stuffers.

The Bulldogs are probably even more stocked at linebacker, with players like Chaz Chambliss, Smael Mondon Jr., and CJ Allen, who started five games as a true freshman last season after being rated as a top-50 recruit nationally. He’ll have at least two more seasons to make his imprint in the SEC.

2. Michigan

Michigan saw a program-record 13 players selected in the NFL Draft, but the Wolverines’ defensive front remains well-stocked as Sherrone Moore takes over for Jim Harbaugh. Mason Graham, a sophomore defensive tackle, is already generating first-round draft speculation after tormenting opponents in 2023. With Graham and fellow junior run-stuffer Kenneth Grant — a returning all-conference standout — it will be nearly tough to open up holes against Michigan.

Behind them, Maryland transfer Jaishawn Barham, who earned honorable mention All-Big Ten honors as a sophomore, could be one of the most essential additions to the roster at linebacker. He will join productive returners Ernest Hausmann, Josaiah Stewart, and Derrick Moore to form an experienced and intimidating front.

3. Ohio State

Ohio State returns a group of top-tier players from a team that only allowed more than 17 points once last season. The main attraction is defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau, a two-time All-Big Ten selection and likely first-round draft pick. Fellow senior and all-conference star Jack Sawyer anchors the line’s other flank. Tyleik Williams, the enormous havoc-breaker, stands in the center. Any of the three could have declared for the NFL Draft, but all three returned to provide the Buckeyes with one of the sport’s most formidable defenses.

Steele Chambers and Tommy Eichenberg are no longer leading tacklers, but there is still plenty of potential in the linebacker group. If junior linebacker C.J. Hicks lives up to his potential as the nation’s No. 10 recruit in the Class of 2022, the defensive front will become even more formidable.

4. Notre Dame

Howard Cross III, a defensive tackle, returns for his sixth season and will anchor the defense line. Cross, a small bully, finished second on the team in tackles last season with 66. The potential All-American is surrounded by veteran teammates, including productive fifth-year defensive linemen Jordan Botelho and Rylie Mills. Speaking of experience, middle linebacker Jack Kizer has decided to return for his sixth season. Those four alone bring a total of 18 seasons of experience to the 2024 season. If former four-star linebackers Jaylen Sneed and Drayk Bowen are ready for bigger roles, Notre Dame’s defensive front might be one of the strongest in recent memory.

5. Utah

Utah must replace its top sacker, Jonah Elliss, but it has enough talent to do so by committee. Levani Damuni, the team’s leading tackler, returns to linebacker with all-conference player Karene Reid. Junior Tafuna is poised to lead the push for a fourth consecutive all-conference season. Logan Fano and Keanu Tanuvasa, both sophomores, could be poised to become the next great Utah defenders. The Utes also benefit from their coaching constancy, as the program enters Year 20 with coach Kyle Whittingham and Year 9 with defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley. It’s always a good bet to trust the Utes’ front seven when they’re in charge.