The Big Ten went through major changes in the offseason. The conference will now feature a bloated 18 teams in 2024 following the additions of Oregon, USC, Washington, and UCLA. The conference is littered with premium defensive talent as a result.
Big Ten Media Days began on July 23rd and will conclude on July 25th. The conference will produce several first-round picks in the 2025 NFL Draft. We've identified 10 Big Ten defensive prospects with the most upside to impress this campaign.
Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
Michigan's Will Johnson is the definition of a true shutdown cornerback prospect. Johnson is an outstanding mover at 6-foot-2 and 202 pounds with fluid hips and patience. The elite Wolverines defender allowed just 14 receptions in coverage last season with zero touchdowns and four interceptions.
Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
Who's going to replace Chop Robinson and Adisa Isaac at Penn State this year? Abdul Carter played "MIKE" linebacker last season, but is now making a transition to full-time edge rusher. He recorded 22 pressures and 4.5 sacks in 2023 despite receiving few pass-rushing opportunities. Length and explosiveness should help Carter make an immediate impact at his new position.
Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham projects as a versatile three-down defender at the next level. The Wolverines standout produced 7.5 tackles for loss last season. Graham is an extremely disruptive player that creates consistent backfield penetration.
J.T. Tuimoloau, EDGE, Ohio State
J.T. Tuimoloau would have garnered top-32 consideration in the 2024 NFL Draft had he decided to declare. The experienced Buckeyes defender returns to the program as a highly-skilled edge setter. Tuimoloau will attempt to improve his pass-rushing production this season after recording a modest 5.0 sacks in 2023.
Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State
Ohio State's Tyleik Williams is one of the most experienced defensive tackles in college football with 38 career appearances under his belt. Williams is disruptive with terrific power at the point of attack. The Manassas Virginia native accumulated a career-high 10 tackles for loss in 2023.
Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Ohio State safety Caleb Downs is arguably the most exciting incoming transfer to grace the conference this season. Downs was named 2023 SEC Freshman of the Year at Alabama in 2023. The versatile defensive back is a naturally gifted talent that totaled 107 tackles, five pass breakups, and two interceptions last season, and he also scored a touchdown via an 85-yard punt return.
Jay Higgins, LB, Iowa
Death, taxes, and Iowa linebackers. Jay Higgins' 171 total tackles in 2023 tied the all-time program record for the most takedowns in a single season in school history. Higgins is a versatile three-down linebacker who displays terrific instincts and football I.Q.
Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
Kenneth Grant flashed spurts of disruption last year. This season, he'll be Michigan's primary nose tackle, playing on the interior alongside Graham as the duo prepares to replace Kris Jenkins. Grant utilized power and first-step quickness to record 6.5 tackles for loss last season.
Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State
Carter's transition to EDGE is garnering headlines for the Nittany Lions, but don't forget about Dani Dennis-Sutton. Dennis-Sutton only started three games last year, but possesses all the tools required at 6-foot-5 and 258 pounds to make a major leap as a full-time starter in 2024. The well-built defensive end generated 24 pressures and eight tackles for loss despite few pass-rushing opportunities.
Denzel Burke, CB, Ohio State
Recurring injuries derailed his 2022 season, but Ohio State cornerback Denzel Burke returned to form in 2023. Burke is versatile enough to thrive in both press-man and off-coverage looks. He had nine pass breakups last season and has future first-round potential.
Honorable mentions: Sebastian Castro (Iowa, DB), Jack Sawyer (Ohio State, EDGE), Xavier Nwankpa (Iowa, DB), D’Angelo Ponds (Indiana, CB), Dillon Thieneman (Purdue, S), Jabbar Muhammad (Oregon, CB), Hunter Wohler (Wisconsin, S), Ricardo Hallman (Wisconsin, CB).
