If the SEC’s truly a line of scrimmage league, it’s not surprising that many of college football’s most-talented defensive players reside in a conference that has produced more NFL Draft picks under the run-stopper and pass-rusher labels than any other in recent years. The biggest, nastiest athletes in the country star in the trenches within the SEC and the 10 fiercest defensive line units ahead of the 2024 season are all loaded with future Sunday starpower.
Part of what’s made Kirby Smart and Georgia so dominant during this multi-year stretch of national championships and unbeaten regular seasons is how well the Bulldogs have recruited the defensive tackle and edge positions. They’re leading the charge again, but other nationally-ranked squads in the preseason have impressive two-deeps, too.
Great defensive line play can neutralize the opposition and in turn, make life easier within a conference boasting several of college football’s toughest schedules.
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With overall talent, projected production and depth in mind, here’s our ranking of the SEC’s top defensive line units entering the 2024 season:
