If the returning quarterbacks in college football seem a little more worried than usual, don’t be surprised. The talent chasing them in the pocket fuels that anxiety, and we’re looking at the top edge players who will make their life miserable.
25) Cashius Howell, Texas A&M
2024 PFSN College EDGE+ Grade: 85.21 (B)
There’s been plenty of discussion surrounding Texas A&M’s defensive line this offseason. With the departures of Shemar Stewart, Shemar Turner, and Nic Scourton, many think the Aggies will regress up front. That could not be further from the case.
Cashius Howell came to College Station from Bowling Green, so naturally, there were concerns about his ability to elevate his game to the SEC level. In his first season as a rotational player, he produced 40 tackles, nine tackles for loss, and four sacks. No, he’s the full-time starter and ready to tear up the SEC.
24) Will Heldt, Clemson
2024 PFSN College EDGE+ Grade: 81.37 (B-)
As if Clemson’s defensive line wasn’t stacked already, Dabo Swinney wised up and used the transfer portal to add to that elite group. Heldt excelled for a struggling Purdue team in 2024 and should find life much easier when he lines up opposite T.J. Parker.
The Tigers also usher in the Tom Allen era after underperforming in 2024. Heldt won’t be behind like most transfers, because the rest of his teammates will be learning a new system. Once everything clicks for this defensive line, teams are in serious trouble.
23) Jayden Virgin-Morgan, Boise State
2024 PFSN College EDGE+ Grade: 80.22 (B-)
Someone has to step up in Ahmed Hassanein’s absence for Boise State, but fortunately, Jayden Virgin-Morgan returns. Hassanein commanded most of the attention for this defense, but Virgin-Morgan put up some big numbers himself.
Jayden Virgin-Morgan and Trey White are two young, up-and-coming pass rushers who could make a splash with their talent next season. pic.twitter.com/QS94aHdoUU
— FootballKennerDe (@KennerFootball) July 14, 2025
With their star defensive lineman off to the NFL, they turn to a couple of returning veterans to keep things steady. Virgin-Morgan has the explosive first step to put offensive tackles in a bind, and that should open up the field for the teammates around him.
22) Joshua Josephs, Tennessee
2024 PFSN College EDGE+ Grade: 79.16 (C+)
James Pearce gave the Tennessee Volunteers a reliable force on the defensive line, but he took his talents to the NFL. The Vols need to replace multiple starters up front, but they feel confident that Pearce’s replacement is already on the roster.
Joshua Josephs is ready to break out. He was part of the rotation, but now he has the opportunity to showcase his skill set fully. A big reason for the defense’s success was the fact that the defensive line didn’t give any time for the opposing quarterback to sit in the pocket, and Josephs is hoping to continue that trend in 2025.
21) Dean Miller, Kansas
2024 PFSN College EDGE+ Grade: 76.77 (C)
For those of you who might have said “who?” when you looked at this name, let me explain. Dean Miller was a bright spot for a Kansas defense that was pretty average in getting to the quarterback. Despite a lack of support, Miller still managed to thrive.
He’ll command more attention during the 2025 season, though there’s plenty of excitement surrounding Texas transfer Justice Finkley opposite of him. If Miller continues playing at this level, the Jayhawks are in business, and Finkley should also thrive.
20) Derrick Moore, Michigan
2024 PFSN College EDGE+ Grade: 83 (B)
While most people were rightfully gushing over defensive tackles Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant for Michigan’s defense, Derrick Moore was putting in work, too. With Graham and Grant gone, Moore may step into more of a leadership role.
Moore recorded 23 tackles, six tackles for loss, and four sacks in 2024, and he should be able to build upon that production. He’s been a significant contributor in Michigan’s defense for three years, and the 2025 season could be his best one yet.
19) LT Overton, Alabama
2024 PFSN College EDGE+ Grade: 82.49 (B-)
While everyone continues putting the spotlight on the quarterback position for Alabama, the defense also has some work to do. The secondary gets the most scrutiny; however, the defensive line has some work to do as well. The Tide were average at being disruptive last year, and that has to change.
If defensive coordinator Kane Womack can get guys like LT Overton to thrive, this defense will be a problem. Overton produced 42 tackles, three tackles for loss, and two sacks in 2024, so a big breakout season is possible with that foundation. It would also help a secondary that’s set to have a big year.
18) Isaiah Smith, SMU
2024 PFSN College EDGE+ Grade: 76.87 (C)
Heading into the 2024 season, Isaiah Smith was a name that not many knew. The Mustangs’ defensive line was full of depth and talent, but the fanbase wasn’t quite sure which players would be the most prominent producers. Smith stood out, but he’s still not a household name despite that.
Underrated defensive ends heading into the 2025 college football season!
Isaiah Smith breakout season incoming 👀 pic.twitter.com/JUwOSUxIHD
— Joe Broback (@JoeBrobackCFB) May 5, 2025
If Smith builds upon his production from last year, he’ll be one of the best defenders in SMU history. He’s an explosive player who puts tackles in a bind on the edge, and he’ll be one of the big reasons why the Mustangs can slow down opposing offenses.
17) Bryce Young, Notre Dame
2024 PFSN College EDGE+ Grade: NA
Injuries thrust some younger players into the starting lineup for Notre Dame last year, and Bryce Young is thankful for that. The Fighting Irish enter the season with good depth on the edge, and Young will be on people’s minds a lot this year.
Young stands 6’7″ and 273 pounds, so it’s tough to miss him. NFL Draft circles are already talking about him, and a breakthrough season would skyrocket his draft stock. We’ve been hearing about him for a while now, but now we get to see what he can do for Marcus Freeman’s defense in a full-time capacity.
16) Anthony Smith, Minnesota
2024 PFSN College EDGE+ Grade: 83.82 (B)
Minnesota had to move Anthony Smith all around the defensive line last year, and he saw a good chunk of time at defensive tackle. His 2024 PFSN grade is from his time as a tackle, but he has exciting abilities on the edge as well.
He’ll need to work on his explosiveness on the edge, but Smith works really well with his hands and understands how to use leverage to win. He’ll also mentor a young Jaxon Howard opposite him, and that success could lead to the Gophers having an elite tandem on the edge.
15) Eric O’Neill, Rutgers
2024 PFSN College EDGE+ Grade: 85.09 (B)
Eric O’Neill’s journey has been a rewarding one. He started his career with LIU, a team that most FBS teams schedule to get an easy win. When he thrived with the Sharks, he took his talents to James Madison to test himself. All he did with the Dukes was record 52 tackles, 18.5 tackles for loss, and 13.0 sacks, leading him to the transfer portal once again.
Eric O’Neill heads to Rutgers this year after climbing his way up the college ranks. His pass rush game is something else and deserves your attention:
– Uses length to get and maintain leverage
– Rocket off the edge
– Big motor for endless pursuit of the QB pic.twitter.com/gSnx973flP— Andrew Harbaugh 🏈 (@MandrewNFL) June 22, 2025
So if you’re wondering if he’ll have success at Rutgers, odds are he will. His process of preparing for a season and getting into the lineup has shown that he’s ready for the Big Ten. If he can get into a rhythm within Greg Schiano’s defense, the sky’s the limit for him.
14) Tyreak Sapp, Florida
2024 PFSN College EDGE+ Grade: 81.96 (B-)
Concerns about DJ Lagway’s health continue this offseason, leading the Gators fanbase to believe the defense will need to do more until he gets healthy. Fortunately for them, the defense gets two of its top guys back this year. Tyreak Sapp and defensive tackle Caleb Banks could have gone pro, but they returned to Gainesville for one final season.
Sapp had a breakout year in 2024, and he shone against the run. He’s also a solid pass rusher, which means the Gators have at least one player on the edge that’s reliable. A challenging schedule makes for a difficult season, but leaders like Sapp should help the team navigate the year.
13) Trey White, San Diego State
2024 PFSN College EDGE+ Grade: 79.55 (C+)
No one knew who Trey White was coming into the 2024 season, but that quickly changed. White was a wrecking ball in the Mountain West with 76 tackles, 21.0 tackles for loss, and 12.5 sacks.
Teams knew that he was the one guy they had to worry about, yet White still found ways to be disruptive. He’ll have more of a supporting cast in 2025, meaning he’ll discover that he has plenty of opportunities to repeat last year’s success.
12) Suntarine Perkins, Ole Miss
2024 PFSN College EDGE+ Grade: 83.15 (B)
He wasn’t a well-known name heading into 2024, but Suntarine Perkins changed that quickly. The Rebels’ defensive line featured several big-time players, and Perkins added another to the rotation.
Ole Miss’s Suntarine Perkins might be my favorite prospect I watched all summer. Can’t remember someone his size (6-1, 210) playing on the line of scrimmage in a major conference and still being a difference maker.
Don’t care where he plays, I want him on my football team pic.twitter.com/EAjzxQJC8Q
— Mike Renner (@mikerenner_) July 30, 2025
Perkins isn’t your prototypical edge rusher. He stands at 6’1″ and 210 pounds, a featherweight in a world where middleweights typically dominate. Still, he found ways to be disruptive against offensive linemen who, most of the time, had 100 pounds on him. He’s a winner, plain and simple
11) Matayo Uiagalelei, Oregon
2024 PFSN College EDGE+ Grade: 77.82 (C+)
This is a big year for Matayo Uiagalelei. Multiple departures on the defensive line put him into a more prominent role in 2025, but he’s ready for it. Oregon leaned on him at times last year when injuries hurt the edge position, and Uiagalelei provided disruptive play that this defense desperately needed.
10) Dani Dennis-Sutton, Penn State
2024 PFSN College EDGE+ Grade: 86.65 (B)
Replacing Abdul Carter won’t be easy, but Penn State’s track record suggests they’ll be fine even without their star edge rusher. While they don’t have anyone with Carter’s exact skillset, they’ve recruited well enough at the position to replace his production.
Dani Dennis-Sutton made a name for himself last year in Carter’s shadow. With teams focused on slowing down Carter, Dennis-Sutton found that he had opportunities to make plays. He didn’t disappoint, and now he inherits Carter’s role within this defense.
9) R Mason Thomas, Oklahoma
2024 PFSN College EDGE+ Grade: 79.90 (C+)
Oklahoma’s defensive line was a bright spot for a team that struggled, but much of that talent departs to the NFL. Fortunately, R Mason Thomas is back after a big year in which he recorded 23 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, and nine sacks.
With Brent Venables taking over the defense, many expect the Sooners to thrive defensively. The line should benefit from the move, too, and we’ve seen what edge rushers can do under Venables. If Thomas has another gear to hit, the Sooners’ defense will be a nightmare to block.
8) Gabe Jacas, Illinois
2024 PFSN College EDGE+ Grade: 84.38 (B)
One of the more overlooked edge rushers coming into the 2025 season is Illinois’ Gabe Jacas. He turned down the opportunity to go to the NFL Draft, but Bret Bielema isn’t going to complain. His tart edge rusher returns, and this defense should be one of the best in the Big Ten.
Jacas has all of the tools to dominate on the line of scrimmage. He knows how to use his hands well, and he takes his game to another level when the intensity ramps up. Illinois needs multiple new starters up front, but they’ll learn a lot from him to get up to speed.
7) Mikail Kamara, Indiana
2024 PFSN College EDGE+ Grade: 87.37 (B+)
Curt Cignetti knew what he was doing when he took over Indiana, and bringing guys like Mikail Kamara with him was a big reason for their success. The Hoosiers’ defense swarmed teams last year, and the defensive line was a problem for most opposing offenses.
Kamara doesn’t have the typical size you want on the edge, but that doesn’t stop him from winning. He understands what he does well, and he uses his natural leverage to his advantage. His return to campus surprised some, but the Hoosiers are in a great place with him back on the roster.
6) David Bailey, Texas Tech
2024 PFSN College EDGE+ Grade: 82.28 (B-)
It’s easy to see why David Bailey isn’t getting a ton of hype heading into the 2025 season. After all, since not many people were watching Stanford last year, they missed what he was doing. Now that he’s transferred to Texas Tech, more eyes should be on his game this year.
My position-by-position previews for the 2026 NFL Draft begin next week – eager to share all the scouting buzz from the summer!
I really like this EDGE group. Texas Tech’s David Bailey (Stanford transfer) brings a ton of juice and could be a SR riser this season 🚀 pic.twitter.com/8wNHmRx5kB
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) July 10, 2025
Bailey’s a disruptor through and through, and the Red Raiders are happy to get a guy who knows how to wreak havoc. Bailey finished the 2024 season with 22 tackles, eight tackles for loss, seven sacks, and five forced fumbles. He’ll have more help this year with his new team, and that makes him even more dangerous.
5) Rueben Bain Jr., Miami
2024 PFSN College EDGE+ Grade: 76.78 (C)
Miami fell short in 2024, so this roster is plenty motivated to get things back on track this year. If they can keep certain players healthy, a College Football Playoff appearance should be in the cards. At the top of that list is Rueben Bain Jr.
Rueben Bain Jr. broke onto the scene with 7.5 sacks, 13 TFLs, and 3 FFs as a true freshman. Less productive last year, but was nursing a calf injury.
Elite power, strength, leverage game — and the flashes of torso and ankle flexibility, like the one below, are super compelling. pic.twitter.com/j8S5IExEUy
— Ian Cummings (@IC_Draft) July 22, 2025
Bain is an absolute force when healthy. Teams have struggled blocking him in the past because he’s so powerful and has underrated athleticism. He can single-handedly ruin an offense’s game plan, so keeping him on the field is imperative for the Hurricanes’ success this year.
4) Dylan Stewart, South Carolina
2024 PFSN College EDGE+ Grade: 87.86 (B+)
A full offseason of Dylan Stewart in South Carolina’s strength and conditioning program is going to do wonders for his game. That’s also coming off a massive freshman season where he burst onto the scene with 10.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks.
He has the burst to dominate in the SEC, but he had trouble at times using power to his advantage. If he has a great offseason, the power concern should go away. It will just come down to understanding how to use that to his advantage, and the sky’s the limit once he puts everything together.
3) Keldric Faulk, Auburn
2024 PFSN College EDGE+ Grade: 84.14 (B)
Mr. Versatility gives Auburn a unique player with the ability to move Keldric Faulk all around the defensive line. At 6’6″, 285 pounds, Faulk has the size to handle life on the interior defensive line; however, he thrives on the edge.
An explosive first step typically puts offensive tackles in a bind, and recovering from that mistake is usually impossible. He has all of the tools to be a top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and he’s also a young player who has plenty of elite football ahead of him.
2) T.J. Parker, Clemson
2024 PFSN College EDGE+ Grade: 87.62 (B+)
A significant driver of the Clemson hype is the returning talent on the defensive line. A team that once thrived due to its disruptive play on the line should get back to that. Parker is a big reason for that, and we received a preview of what this year could be for the Tigers on defense.
Throw in new defensive coordinator Tom Allen, and the Tigers should take big leaps this year. Parker was a unit on defense, and he gave the Tigers one of many disruptive forces up front. They also added transfer Will Heldt, so the opposing offense must be wary of trying to send help towards Parker’s side.
1) Colin Simmons, Texas
2024 PFSN College EDGE+ Grade: 89.62 (B+)
Another explosive player with tremendous upside. Colin Simmons didn’t look like a freshman last year, and that’s the most terrifying part of his game. We knew that he would be a contributor to the Longhorns’ defense, but Simmons didn’t want to wait before putting his name at the top of this list.
Colin Simmons sacks from his freshman year. No telling how high of a sack total he will put up in 2025.
The 2024 Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year. @ontexasfootball pic.twitter.com/KWBpwgpCNm
— CJ Vogel (@CJVogel_OTF) May 28, 2025
He’s explosive at the snap, and most offensive tackles struggle to keep up with his speed around the edge. He’ll have plenty of support up front this year once again; his presence at worst opens up opportunities for his teammates.
