As the summer sun creeps up, college football fans find themselves wading through the usual mess of preseason rankings. This time, it’s former ESPN analyst and Georgia pass rusher David Pollack stirring the pot on his See Ball Get Ball podcast, dropping his Top 5 defensive line units for 2026.
Pollack’s not just any guy with a mic—he racked up a program-record 36 sacks at Georgia and has a shelf full of national defensive awards. So, when he talks about what makes a defensive front scary—size, speed, athleticism—folks tend to listen.
He’s got his eyes on units stacked with talent, each with the potential to wreck a game plan. Let’s take a look at his picks and see what all the fuss is about.
Honorable Mention: Oklahoma Sooners
First up, the Oklahoma Sooners didn’t quite make Pollack’s Top 5, but he couldn’t leave them off entirely. Their defensive line is deep and talented—maybe not headline-grabbing, but the kind of group that wears you down over four quarters.
Their rotation keeps guys fresh, which is sneakily one of the most important things for a defense. Oklahoma might not have the biggest names, but they’re a headache for any offense.
5. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Notre Dame sneaks in at No. 5. They’re returning junior edge rushers Boubacar Traore and Bryce Young, plus senior tackle Jason Onye, and these guys helped the Irish post a Top 10 scoring defense last year.
Add in former Alabama transfer Keon Keeley, along with elite tackles Francis Brewu and Tionne Gray, and suddenly Notre Dame’s front looks pretty mean. There’s a lot of upside here, even if it’s not the flashiest group on the list.
Key Players to Watch
- Boubacar Traore – Junior EDGE rusher
- Bryce Young – Junior EDGE rusher
- Jason Onye – Senior tackle
- Keon Keeley – Former Alabama transfer
- Francis Brewu – Elite DT from Pitt
- Tionne Gray – Elite DT from Oregon
4. Texas Tech Red Raiders
At No. 4, it’s Texas Tech. Last season, they led the FBS in rush defense, then turned around and rebuilt their entire front four through the transfer portal.
Senior nose tackle A.J. Holmes is the only holdover, and he’s a good one—On3’s top-rated defensive lineman. He’s joined by Wake Forest transfer Mateen Ibirogba, the No. 1 defensive tackle in the 2026 portal class.
Senior transfers Adam Trick and Trey White round out the edges. This group’s got something to prove, and honestly, they might just pull it off.
Transfer Portal Impact
- A.J. Holmes – Senior nose tackle
- Mateen Ibirogba – Former Wake Forest transfer
- Adam Trick – Senior transfer EDGE from Miami of Ohio
- Trey White – Senior transfer EDGE from SDSU
3. Miami Hurricanes
Miami almost slipped through the cracks, but Pollack caught himself and slotted them in at No. 3. Their defensive front is anchored by senior tackle Ahmad Moten, a monster in the middle and a big reason Miami led the ACC in defense last year.
He’s flanked by Justin Scott and junior EDGE Marquise Lightfoot. Plus, they grabbed Damon Wilson Jr.—he’s bounced around Georgia and Missouri, but he can rush the passer, no doubt.
Defensive Standouts
- Ahmad Moten – Senior defensive tackle
- Justin Scott – Defensive tackle
- Marquise Lightfoot – Junior EDGE
- Damon Wilson Jr. – Former Georgia and Missouri pass rusher
2. Texas Longhorns
Texas lands at No. 2, and honestly, it’s hard to argue. Junior pass rusher Colin Simmons is probably the best EDGE in college football right now—he led the SEC with 12 sacks last year and doesn’t look like he’s slowing down.
Sophomore Lance Jackson lines up opposite him, making for a scary duo. The Longhorns also picked up 380-pound nose tackle Ian Geffrand from Arkansas to pair with senior Hero Kanu.
And with Will Muschamp back as defensive coordinator, there’s a little extra spice on this unit.
Star Players
- Colin Simmons – Junior pass rusher
- Lance Jackson – Sophomore EDGE
- Ian Geffrand – 380-pound nose tackle from Arkansas
- Hero Kanu – Senior defensive transfer
1. Oregon Ducks
At the top? Oregon Ducks. They’re bringing back their entire defensive line from last year’s No. 7 total defense, and that’s not something you see every day.
Senior pass rushers Teitum Tuioti and Matayo Uiagalelei bring the heat off the edge. In the middle, you’ve got Bear Alexander and A’Mauri Washington—Pollack calls them the best 1-2 punch at defensive tackle in college football this season.
Defensive Line Powerhouses
- Teitum Tuioti – Senior pass rusher
- Matayo Uiagalelei – Senior pass rusher
- Bear Alexander – Defensive tackle
- A’Mauri Washington – Defensive tackle
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