top of page

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Thanks for subscribing!

Writer's pictureWilliam Luke Hendrick

A Controversial Ranking Of The Top 10 Edge Rushers In College Football

After the success of the offensive side of the ball in college football ranking, it's time to turn our attention to the defense.


We will start with the top ten edge rushers in college football, with a few honorable mentions, whether it's a transfer player or a player who has been in his program for a few years.


Honorable Mentions:

Trey Moore, Texas

Antwaun Powell-Ryland, Virginia Tech

Mykel Williams, Georgia

Collin Oliver, Oklahoma State

Jacob Manu, Arizona

Patrick Payton, Florida State


10. Josaiah Stewart, Michigan Wolverines

Edge Rusher Josaiah Stewart
Edge Rusher Josaiah Stewart

2023 Stats: 5.5 sacks, 38 total tackles, zero forced fumbles


Josaiah Stewart played for two seasons at Coastal Carolina, appearing in 25 games and 17 starts. He recorded 79 total tackles, 25 tackles for loss, and 16 sacks, earning All-Sun Belt first-team and All-Sun Belt second-team honors.


In 2023, Stewart took his talents to Ann Arbor, where he didn't skip a beat. He appeared in all 15 games as an edge rusher, leading all defensive linemen in tackles (38) and tackles for loss (8.5), 5.5 sacks, and three quarterback hurries.


9. JT Tuimoloau, Ohio State Buckeyes

Edge Rusher JT Tuimoloau
Edge Rusher JT Tuimoloau

2023 Stats: 5 sacks, 38 total tackles, zero forced fumbles


The Buckeyes' highest-rated defensive commit in the modern recruiting era, JT Tuimoloau, broke out as a Sophomore in 2022 after a 28-tackle season, 10.5 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks, earning First-Team All-Big Ten Conference honors.


He took an even more significant step forward in 2023, logging 28 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and five sacks, earning Second-Team All-America and First-Team All-Big Ten Conference honors. Now, he enters the 2024 season as one of the top defensive ends and a contender for major national awards.


8. Princely Umanmielen, Ole Miss Rebels

Edge Rusher Princely Umanmielen
Edge Rusher Princely Umanmielen

2023 Stats: 7 sacks, 39 total tackles, zero forced fumbles


Princely Umanmielen transferred from Florida to Ole Miss after leading the Gators in tackles for loss (11.5), sacks (7), and quarterback hurries (17) in 2023. He earned Coaches All-SEC Second Team and AP-All Second Team honors for his efforts.


Now, with the Rebels, he'll form one of the best defensive lines in the SEC with former five-star Walter Nolen and 2023 Rebels sack leader Jared Ivey.


7. Rueben Bain Jr, Miami Hurricanes

Edge Rusher Rueben Bain Jr
Edge Rusher Rueben Bain Jr

2023 Stats: 7.5 sacks, 44 total tackles, three forced fumbles


Rueben Bain Jr. took no time to make his presence known as a true freshman for the Hurricanes. Bain Jr. finished with a team-high 7.5 sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss, earning ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year honors, All-ACC third team, and ESPN's Freshman All-American Team.


To show how dominant he has been since PFF started tracking college football statistics in 2014, only Myles Garrett has a higher pass rush grade as a true freshman than Rueben Bain Jr.


6. Kaimon Rucker, North Carolina Tar Heels

Edge Rusher Kaimon Rucker
Edge Rusher Kaimon Rucker

2023 Stats: 8.5 sacks. 61 total tackles, one forced fumble


Kaimon Rucker has been among the most dominant edge rushers over the past two seasons. Per PFF, Rucker leads all edge rushers in wins above metrics, pressures (96), and run-defense stops (42).


5. Abdul Carter, Penn State Nittany Lions

Edge Rusher Abdul Carter
Edge Rusher Abdul Carter

2023 Stats:4.5 sacks, 49 total tackles, one forced fumble

 

A few years ago, the Nittany Lions' defense featured a game-wrecker in Micah Parsons, and Abdul Carter is the next one in line. Carter has lined up as a linebacker for the past two seasons and is moving to edge this season, yet he still posted a 24.1% pass rush win rate, which would've been third among all edge rushers, per PFF.


4. Ashton Gillotte, Louisville Cardinals

Edge Rusher Ashton Gillotte
Edge Rusher Ashton Gillotte

2023 Stats: 11 sacks, 45 total tackles, three forced fumbles


Ashton Gillotte is coming off a breakout season, starting all 13 games, amassing 45 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, and 11 sacks. He earned first-team All-ACC honors and second-team All-American Honors by USA Today. Now, he returns for his fourth season with the Cardinals, where he was named Walter Camp Preseason All-American.


3. Jack Sawyer, Ohio State Buckeyes

Edge Rusher Jack Sawyer
Edge Rusher Jack Sawyer

2023 Stats: 6.5 sacks, 48 total tackles, two forced fumbles


Jack Sawyer lived up to his five-star billing in his first season as a full-time starter, posting team highs in tackles for loss (10) and sacks (6.5), as well as second in tackles (48) and leading all defensive linemen with 24 solo stops. He enters the 2024 season with the second most tackles-for-loss (19.5) and a team-high sacks (14) in his three-year career with the Buckeyes.


2. Nic Scourton, Texas A&M Aggies

Edge Rusher Nic Scourton
Edge Rusher Nic Scourton

2023 Stats: 10 sacks, 50 total tackles, one forced fumble


The former Purdue Boilermaker transferred to Texas A&M this off-season following his breakout year, where he earned second-team All-Big Ten Honors. His 21.3% pass-rush win rate was ninth-best among edge defenders, and he is one of the best run defenders amassing 25 run-defense stops, per PFF.


1. James Pearce Jr, Tennessee Volunteers

Edge Rusher James Pearce Jr
Edge Rusher James Pearce Jr

2023 Stats: 9.5 sacks, 27 total tackles, two forced fumbles


James Pearce Jr. proved he was one of the top edge rushers in the nation this past season, earning a 21.3% pressure rate and 92.4 pass-rush grade, finishing third among all edge rushers, per PFF. If Pearce Jr. can build off his sophomore season and win with power more consistently, he could be in contention for the No. 1 overall pick in what is seen as a down year for quarterbacks.


Read More College Sports News From Stadium Rant Here: College Sports News

EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNTS: 

Order your favorite whiskey or spirit for the big game right to your doorstep and use code STADIUMRANT10 for a 10% discount at Caskers

Use code STADIUMRANT20 for a 20% discount at Bulletproof Coffee, SwingJuice, and Performix

If you love to shotgun beers, use code STADIUMRANT10 at Wild Man Drinking Company.


MORE FROM STADIUM RANT:

If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to our newsletter here. Check out Stadium Rant Original shows on our YouTube channel and subscribe! Give our socials Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok a follow for more great content!

bottom of page