The college football season is approaching. There is always debate over ranking the best players in the sport. Here are the top 25 college football edge rushers heading into the 2024 season.
Note: While projection of what a player can be is considered, most rankings are from what has been seen on the field. These are not NFL Draft rankings, but rather focus on the best players in college football.
25. Aaron Lewis, Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Lewis has had modest production throughout his Rutgers career. He has 17 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks in his career with last season being his best in sack production.
24. Jah Joyner, Minnesota Golden Gophers
Joyner was at Minnesota for three seasons with little production, but really popped off in 2023. He finished the season with 7.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks.
23. Elijah Roberts, SMU Mustangs
After three seasons at Miami where he struggled to play, Roberts transferred to SMU last season and had a breakout year. In 2023, he registered 12.5 tackles for loss and 10 sacks.
22. Ethan Downs, Oklahoma Sooners
Downs had 13.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks in 2022. He followed that up with 6.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks last season. If he can take a step forward, Oklahoma could adjust to the SEC quicker.
21. Josiah Stewart, Michigan Wolverines
Stewart registered 25.5 tackles for loss and 16 sacks during two years with Coastal Carolina. As a rotational player at Michigan last year, he totaled 8.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks. With an increased role, Stewart should also produce more in 2024.
20. J.J. Weaver, Kentucky Wildcats
Weaver has been useful at edge rusher and off-ball linebacker during his college career. When on the edge, he has been productive, as he has 32 tackles for loss and 16.5 sacks in his career. Seven of his career sacks came in 2023.
19. B.J. Green, Colorado Buffaloes
Green had the best season of his career last season at Arizona State, when he totaled 11.5 tackles for loss and six sacks. Now, he is joining Colorado for what could be his last year of college football.
18. Dani Dennis-Smith, Penn State Nittany Lions
While Dennis-Smith doesn’t have the best career production, he has waited his turn behind some talented edge rushers. He has 6.5 sacks in two seasons and now pairs with Abdul Carter to create a feared tandem.
17. Tyler Batty, BYU Cougars
Batty adjusted well to the first year of Big 12 play, finishing the 2023 season with nine tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks. If BYU improves, it could be on Batty taking a step forward.
16. Malachi Lawrence, UCF Knights
Although he didn’t produce much in 2022, Lawrence upped his game in 2023. He finished the season with 10.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks.
15. Antwaun Powell-Ryland, Virginia Tech Hokies
Powell-Ryland started his career off at Florida before transferring to Virginia Tech. He had a great season in 2023, with 9.5 sacks.
14. Rueben Bain, Miami Hurricanes
As a true freshman last season, Bain racked up 12.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. He could take a huge step forward this season and really push into the top 10 or five of this list.
13. Jasheen Davis, Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Davis has excelled at getting tackles for loss in his career with 17.5 in 2023 and 14.5 in 2022. He also rushes the passer well with 20 career sacks.
12. Trey Moore, Texas Longhorns
Moore was one of the best pass rushers in college football last season with 14 sacks at UTSA. Now, he is transferring to Texas where he will have to ramp up his ability against SEC competition.
11. Landon Jackson, Arkansas Razorbacks
Jackson was a bright spot for Arkansas last season, totaling 13.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. His play could help Arkansas take a step forward in 2024.
10. Kaimon Rucker, North Carolina Tar Heels
Rucker has had a solid career at UNC, but last season was his best by far. He had 15 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks. If he plays like that again, North Carolina could compete in the ACC.
9. Princely Umanmielen, Ole Miss Rebels
Over four seasons at Florida, Umanmielen had 24.5 tackles for loss and 15 sacks. Last season, he totaled 11.5 tackles for loss and seven sacks. He’ll be looking to build on that this season at Ole Miss.
8. Jack Sawyer, Ohio State Buckeyes
Sawyer decided to return to Ohio State this season instead of going pro. He had 10 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks last season. Sawyer will be a big part of a great defense at Ohio State this season.
7. Patrick Payton, Florida State Seminoles
Payton helped Florida State have an undefeated regular season with his 14.5 tackles for loss and seven sacks. With a lot of new faces joining the Seminoles, they will look for Payton to maintain or improve his production.
6. Nic Scourton, Texas A&M Aggies
Scourton had a breakout season last year at Purdue with 15 tackles for loss and 10 sacks. He now is playing for Texas A&M as part of a talented defensive line.
5. Mykel Williams, Georgia Bulldogs
Williams has excelled on the edge and the interior defensive line. He has had 13 tackles for loss and nine sacks over the last two seasons, but more is expected now that he is a junior.
4. Abdul Carter, Penn State Nittany Lions
After playing off-ball linebacker early in his career, Carter is moving to the edge for this season. He has 11 sacks in his career, but the full-time move to the edge should give him the chance to display his athleticism.
3. JT Tuimoloau, Ohio State Buckeyes
Tuimoloau also returned to Ohio State, despite being a projected early-round pick. He has 22 tackles for loss and 11 sacks for his career. Tuimoloau has showed up in some big games for Ohio State over the years.
2. Ashton Gillotte, Louisville Cardinals
Gillotte was one of the best edge rushers in college football last season with 14 tackles for loss and 11 sacks. He decided to return to Louisville for the 2024 season instead of going to the next level.
1. James Pearce, Tennessee Volunteers
Pearce really flashed at the end of last season, finishing the year with 14.5 tackes for loss and 10 sacks. He not only is one of the best edge rushers in college, but is a projected early draft pick as well.
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