Although the Big 12 isn’t known for their defense, the defensive lines this upcoming season could be some of the best in the country with.
Texas and TCU are the two defenses that bring a lot of talent back, but other teams could come into the fray. Teams with elite defense outshine other D-Lines, while others will be relied on heavily to contribute and make a difference in their team’s season.
10. Oklahoma State Cowboys:
Oklahoma State has a huge hole and with talents like Jordan Brailford (First Team All-Big 12) and Jarrell Owens (2nd Team) graduating. The top 2 D-Lineman returning have a combined 13 Tackles and just 0.5 TFL in Cameron Murray and Brock Martin. After redshirting last year, Freshman Tyler Lacy could make an impact, but so much inexperience along the D-Line could be a huge issue for the Cowboys in winning close games down the stretch.
9. Kansas Jayhawks:
After seeing the progression of the D-Line from last year, they return a couple of key players that could change the momentum of some games. Cody Cole, Kyron Johnson, and Azur Kamara all had more than 3 TFL last year and could bring some value to the D-Line that all started last year. True Freshman DaJon Terry could come in and get some immediate playing time if one of the Jayhawks go down to an injury.
8. West Virginia Mountaineers:
Darius Stills returns for his Junior year to captain the Defensive Line and his brother Dante Stills is looking to build off a very promising Freshman Season in what many consider a “Mulligan” year for Neal Brown. Reese Donahue brings some good experience and will now be a 3 year starter. That being said, not a ton of production has came from their top 2 guys. Taijh Alston and Jeffrey Pooler will likely battle it out for the final D-Line spot. WVU’s lack of established linebackers will not make life easy on the D-Line.
7. Baylor Bears:
The Bears return one of the most disruptive D-Lineman in the Big 12 in DT/DE James Lynch for his Junior season. Former Texas A&M DE James Lockhart returns for his Senior year and will be asked to do a lot in rushing the passer. Outside of those 2, the Defensive Line is a huge question marks with a lot of young, inexperienced players. With a experienced LB core, it could take some pressure off, but Baylor has struggled in recent years in getting to the QB.
6. Texas Tech Red Raiders:
Texas Tech losses Honorable Mention Joseph Wallace, but not all hope is lost. Big 6’3, 305 lbs. Broderick Washington played really well in the Nose Tackle spot with 6.5 TFL’s and 3 Sacks. Eli Howard returns for his Junior year and gets former Fullerton College DE Quentin Yontz for his senior year. Texas Tech brings back experience, but the question is can they adjust to Matt Wells’ new system and how well can they thrive in the Big 12?
5. Texas Longhorns:
Even though Texas’s secondary is stacked, their front 7 took a big hit. Not only with Brecklyn Hager, but Chris Nelson and First Team All-Big 12 Charles Omenihu also are no longer at Texas. After dealing with some lingering injuries, Senior Malcolm Roach needs to step up and be the captain of this D-Line. Since Texas runs a 3-4, there isn’t as much pressure along the D-Line, Seeing guys like Gerald Wilbon and even incoming highly touted freshman in Keondre Coburn and Moro Ojomo should be very interesting. At 6’3 330 lbs. and a Top 125 talent in the nation, Coburn could contribute immediately maybe even start with the talent he has.
4. TCU Horned Frogs:
TCU took the biggest hit when it comes to losing talent in a First Round draft pick and a 1st Team All-Big 12 in LJ Collier and Ben Banogu. TCU does return some guys with good experience in Corey Bethley (9.5 TFL, 5 Sacks) and Ross Blackwood. Even though they don’t have a ton behind that, Gary Patterson is a defensive mastermind and produces something really special out of not much. TCU’s defense should be very good once again this year, the D-Line play will determine if they peak to elite levels like in recent seasons.
3. Oklahoma Sooners:
Kenneth Mann and Neville Gallimore (Honorable Mentions) both return and bring a daunting DT combination that is Top 3 in the conference. Ronnie Perkins had a very productive 2018 with 8 TFL and 5 Sacks. Oklahoma could very well be higher on this list, but the talent and production is a little higher for the 2 teams in front of them. Bolton and Murray are tackling machines in the LB which could take away some of the spotlight from the D-Line.
2. Kansas State Wildcats:
Reggie Walker had a breakout freshman year in 2016, eclipsing double digit TFL. He fell off a bit his Sophomore year, but returned with 12.5 TFL and almost 8 sacks. He and Jaquan Bailey are the Top 2 DL’s in the conference.
But what makes them great is that Kansas State brings everyone back with key players like Trey Dishon (26 Tackles, 2 TFL), Wyatt Hubert (34 Tackles, 7.5 TFL, 4.5 Sacks) and Big 12 Honorable Mention Kyle Ball (4 Sacks, 2 TFL). Kansas State’s D-Line is a legit top 15 D-Line in the nation and Reggie Walker has the potential to be a first round draft pick once this season ends. The difference in a win total could be relied on how the D-Line plays.
1 Iowa State Cyclones:
Iowa State has a ton of star studded talent returning in Jaquan Bailey (14.5 TFL, 8 Sacks), Ray Lima (3.5 TFL’s), and Spencer Benton (4 TFL’s, 3 Sacks). With guys like Marcel Spears returning to help in the Linebacking core, it also brings another passer rusher that can create havoc. The Cyclones are going to be a very scary team for Big 12 offenses.
