College football's top 25 future defense power rankings
Kayvon Thibodeaux, Will Anderson & Derek Stingley Jr. ESPN4:24 AM PT
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Adam RittenbergESPN Senior Writer
The future power rankings return with a look at the 25 best defenses over the next three seasons: 2021, 2022 and 2023. These rankings feature some of the teams that appear in the quarterback and offense lists, although there's not as much overlap.A reminder: The list considers current rosters, future recruiting, potential NFL departures, non-senior depth and unit trajectory. The NCAA's blanket waiver is also factored in, which allows players to not count the 2020 season against their overall eligibility, as well as the one-time transfer policy.
Finally, coaching and trends factor into the rundown. Programs that traditionally excel on defense -- Georgia, Clemson, Wisconsin, Notre Dame, Cincinnati, Northwestern, Utah -- almost always will find a place on this list, even after significant personnel turnover.
1. Clemson Tigers
2020 future defense ranking: 2
6. Oregon Ducks
2020 future defense ranking: 6Scouting the Ducks: Oregon became a national program largely because of exciting offenses, especially during the Chip Kelly era. But coach Mario Cristobal is making defense the program's signature. Although the Ducks allowed more than 28 points per game in 2020 then lost coordinator Andy Avalos, they project as one of the more talented units in the country. Defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux is a top 2022 NFL draft prospect, after earning Pac-12 Defensive Lineman of the Year honors. Oregon must build around him, starting with players like tackles Brandon Dorlus, Kristian Williams and Popo Aumavae, all of whom have multiple years of eligibility left. The Ducks need more pass-rushing prowess and could look to younger ends like sophomore Bradyn Swinson.
Inside linebacker should be the defense's strength through 2021 and possibly 2022, thanks to sophomore Noah Sewell and junior Isaac Slade-Matautia. They tied for the team tackles lead last fall, and Sewell had 6.5 tackles for loss and an interception. Outside linebacker Mase Funa is another key part of the future, along with Justin Flowe, ESPN's No. 10 overall recruit in 2020. The preseason opt-outs in the secondary allowed players like cornerbacks Mykael Wright and DJ James, safety Verone McKinley III and nickel Jamal Hill to gain more experience. All four have only sophomore eligibility. Oregon is stocked with young talent in the back end, from second-year cornerback Dontae Manning (ESPN's No. 24 overall recruit in 2020) to incoming freshman Avante Dickerson, ESPN's No. 2 cornerback and No. 49 overall recruit for 2021. The Ducks already have four ESPN 300 defenders committed in the 2022 class.
