Defense is the Big Ten’s (B1G) calling card. In 2024, they had four teams in the Top 10 and eight in the Top 20, the most of any conference. A B1G reason for that is the B1G Skill up front. For those asking who or what B1G skill guys are, let’s get you up to speed.
The B1G Skill guys are the defensive tackles, linemen, and EDGE players. An EDGE lines up on the outside of the defensive line and specializes in pressuring the quarterback, and has a hybrid role between defensive end and outside linebacker. A defensive lineman, on the other hand, typically refers to interior players like defensive tackles who focus on stopping the run and controlling the line of scrimmage from the inside. They work in tandem to set the tone and mentality of the defense.
The Big Ten has B1G Skill heading into the 2025 season. We look at the Top B1G skill EDGE and defensive tackles in the league.
B1G Skill: Top Big Ten Defensive Linemen for 2025
To make our list more well-rounded, we have divided it into two groups. Not only does this allow us to cover more players, but it also demonstrates the evolution of the B1G Skill position. The EDGE has become a premium position in college football and the NFL. Here is a breakdown of the EDGE and pure defensive tackles drafted in the first three rounds. The results speak for themselves.
| EDGE | Defensive Tackles | |
| Round 1 |
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| Round 2 |
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No defensive tackles were selected. |
| Round 3 |
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No defensive tackles were selected. |
Here are some of the B1G Skill names to keep an eye on during the 2025 college football season and the 2026 NFL Draft.
B1G Skill: Defensive Tackles
#5 Jalen Thompson DL Michigan State Spartans
A two-year starter from Detroit for the Spartans. Thompson heads into his junior season with 36 career tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and 2.0 sacks. He has also knocked down three passes.
#4 Bear Alexander DT Oregon Ducks
Bear is on the third college after stops at both Georgia and USC. After spending the last two years in LA, Alexander hit the portal again this Winter, coming to Eugene. Alexander appeared in just three games in 2024, but had an impressive 2023. He started 12 of 13 games and earned Phil Steele All-Pac-12 First Team and All-Pac-12 Honorable Mention honors. Alexander led the team with four quarterback hurries, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, and a pass breakup, while totaling 48 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks. If he stays locked in this season, Alexander has the opportunity to see his name called in the First Round.
#3 Aaron Graves DL Iowa Hawkeyes
The senior from Dayton, Iowa, has been a stalwart for the Hawkeyes. Has been a meaningful contributor to the Hawkeyes in each of his three seasons in Iowa City, starting all 13 games last year. He finished the season with 33 tackles (17 solo), including six sacks and eight tackles for loss. He led both the team and the Big Ten with three forced fumbles, and added three pass breakups and two quarterback pressures.
#2 Rayshaun Benny DL Michigan Wolverines
Benny has been an integral part of the Wolverines’ defensive front, appearing in 41 games and making three starts. He is expected to be a key contributor for the 2025 Wolverines. Despite not being a starter in 2024, Benny put up an impressive stat line. The Oak Park (MI) native had 29 tackles with 3.5 for loss, 1.5 sacks, four quarterback hurries, and two pass breakups. He saved his best performance for the last regular-season game. Benny shared Defensive Player of the Week honors for his performance at Ohio State.
#1 Zane Durant DT Penn State Nittany Lions
Durant has been a fixture on the Nittany Lion defensive line for the last three years and is looking for 2025 to be the icing on the cake. Last season was his best, where he finished the season with 42 tackles, 11 tackles for loss (most on this list for defensive tackles), three sacks, and a pass breakup. Durant is a leader in the defensive room for Penn State and will be a big reason if Penn State is able to live up to their B1G expectations for the season.
B1G Skill: EDGE Defenders
#5 Braylan Shelby USC Trojans
Shelby has appeared in 25 games during his first two years for the Men of Troy. The Friendswood, Texas native made an impact in year two as a rotational player, playing in 12 games and making three starts. He finished the season with 28 total tackles (19 solo), with 5 for loss, three sacks, one pass breakup, and two quarterback hurries.
#4 Derrick Moore Michigan Wolverines
Where are the Buckeyes? A second Wolverine cracks our list, and he is a good one. Moore has played in more than 41 games over the last three years and has been an All-Big Ten selection in 2023 and 2024. Last year, Moore moved from rotational player to starter. In 12 games, he had 23 tackles, four sacks, four quarterback hurries, two pass breakups, and one fumble recovery.
#3 Mikail Kamara Indiana Hoosiers
The Falls in Bloomington are just hitting differently under Curt Cignetti. You knew that already, though, if you read our piece last week on the top B1G Coaches for 2025. Kamara came to Bloomington with Cignetti from James Madison and announced his presence with authority in 2024. Finished as a finalist for the Lott IMPACT Trophy and semifinalist for the Bednarik Award, Kamara became the first Indiana defensive lineman since 2007 to earn All-America honors. A first-team All-Big Ten selection by both coaches and media, he started all 13 games and graded as the No. 4 edge rusher in the conference, finishing with 47 tackles (19 solo), 10 sacks, six quarterback hurries, and one pass breakup. The 2024 Hoosiers were no fluke; look for Kamara and his squad to be back in 2025.
#2 Matayo Uiagalelei Oregon Ducks
DJ’s little brother is not so small on the field. Uiagalelei has appeared in 27 of Oregon’s 28 games in his two years in Eugene. Uiagalelei is likely to continue rising up draft boards if he has another strong campaign or improves upon his 2024 performance. He played in all 14 games, making 11 starts. The standout sophomore from Belflower, California, earned All-Big Ten first-team honors from the media and second-team recognition from the league’s coaches. Uiagalelei led the Ducks with a career-high 10.5 sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss. His 10.5 sacks led the Big Ten in the regular season and ranked third overall after postseason play. He finished 2024 with 38 tackles (24 solo), two forced fumbles, a blocked kick, two pass breakups, and an interception.
#1 Dani Dennis-Sutton Penn State Nittany Lions
Could the defensive line be the downfall of the Buckeyes in 2024? If so, it could be the key to making everyone Happy in Happy Valley. Penn State owns our #1 EDGE and defensive tackle on our list. Dennis-Sutton has been a key cog in the Penn State defense in each of the first three years since coming over from the McDonogh School in Baltimore. A two-time All-Big Ten selection, Dennis-Sutton has appeared in 42 games over his career, making 17 starts, including 14 in 2024. He was a disruptive force in 2024 and is a big reason why he earned our #1 ranking. Dennis-Sutton finished the season with 42 tackles (24 solo), 13 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, nine quarterback hurries, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, an interception, and three pass breakups.
Main Photo: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
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