top 50 defensive coordinators in college football top 50 defensive coordinators in college football

Iowa held opponents at or below 3.5 yards per carry each of the past 3 seasons, including 2.8 yards per carry last year. Leading the men on the Army team, the veteran defensive coordinator in college football has his work cut out for him. is the teams top defensive player this season, as hes earned a team-leading 80.4 PFF grade in 2021, which ranks seventh among Power Five off-ball linebackers. . Not all students meet the requirement to join a college football team but those that are eligible are recruited by the coaches and form a team of offensive, defensive or special team players. Although they ran into Joe Burrow's LSU buzzsaw in 2019, Grinch is putting the pieces together for a playoff run that will change the school's narrative. Anthony Poindexter will reportedly stay at Penn State on the staff under James Franklin instead of moving to . Brian Borland, University at Buffalo Defensive Coordinator The Buffalo playcaller has built a consistently excellent unit. San Diego State is essentially West Coast Iowa, as it struggles on offense while the defense shuts down the opposition on a weekly basis. Behind a historically strong defense that produced eight picks in the NFL drafts with a record five in the first round, Georgia won its first national championship in 41 years. He helped coach Clemsons defense making them rank top 10 and on their way to making a top-5. Georgia Bulldogs co-defensive coordinator and inside linebackers coach Glenn Schumann is speaking with the Philadelphia Eagles regarding their open defensive coordinator role. Anon736773 said (original post) "You dont magically forget football and become an incompetent DC after a year at a program that was bereft of talent on defense"If You know what all the top 10 coordinators have in common? I saw a bunch of players continually making the same mistakes, playing with poor leverage, not being able to fit run gaps, and not giving much effort.. Everyone of those things can be coached in to players(effort to some degree is debatable). For an encore, his defense finished fourth nationally in 2021. Also, I'm not tacitly implying other programs on the list has superior talent. Other teams in the foremost position striving to earn the title as the number one defensive team in college football include Texas A&M, Iowa, NC State, and Penn State. View 2021 College Football Team Defense stats, Team Defense leaders & player Team Defense statistics. Its a wash with the uncertainty and lack of hitting in the preseason. Opposing offenses have produced a 34.3% success rate this season the third-best mark allowed by an FBS defense. Opposing offenses have produced a 34.3% success rate this season the third-best mark allowed by an FBS defense. The 3 defensive linemen are at the frontline against the offensive line while the 4 linebackers stay a little distance behind them. Here are five of the best coordinators that are likely one more season away from being future head coaches in college football, beginning with Wisconsin defensive coordinator Jim. Look at all of their lists and see how high they rand Oklahoma coaches. San Diego State is essentially West Coast Iowa, as it struggles on offense while the defense shuts down the opposition on a weekly basis. On non-blitzes, the Badgers have used a stunt 49.5% of the time the highest rate in the Power Five. Pass-rush matters at the Power Five level, as the pass rush can explain what happened on a given pass play just as much as coverage. The latter is six more than any other Power Five defense. s zone defense has been highly effective, leading to a multitude of turnovers. Alex Grinch is one of the best defensive coordinators in college football ever known. Its not exactly a secret, but coaching at the service academies largely involves working around missing ingredients talent often being chief among them. Georgia ranks first in nearly every team defensive metric one could possibly think of ahead of Week 12, including the three most important categories: Nakobe Dean is the best off-ball linebacker in college football. Of course, CCU went from 5 wins in 2019 to 11 last year. Students from various colleges form teams to compete against each other. Cincinnati owns the fourth-highest-graded coverage unit in college football ahead of Week 12. At Texas, he inherits a talented base with a strong pass rush that could surprise in the Big 12. In 2 seasons with the Aztecs, Mattixs defenses have finished No. By Year 3 in 2021, the Cougars had climbed from 119th in the nation in scoring defense in 2018 to No. Theres a reason why Chris Ash, who was known for playing press, didnt in 2020. is eternally solid, but it did come up lacking in a couple of big games last fall. Factors considered included team success, defensive success, longevity, success at other jobs and programs, and the likelihood that this particular defense will shine in 2021. A veteran coach at an above-average school? CINCINNATI UC defensive tackle Dontay Corleone is now one of the team leaders going into the 2023 season. Georgia won 37-0. A quiet reality this offseason: Toney a rising star in the coaching fraternity was pursued by many this offseason, but stayed with new Gators coach Billy Napier. His previous salary was . Steele, a veteran defensive coordinator with 39 years of coaching experience, begins his third stint on the Alabama coaching staff after calling the defense at Miami in 2022. Washingtons defenses have been stout, and an excellent secondary should lead this group in 2021. Shocked! The Cards yielded 50 or more . The Wolverines own the highest-graded edge pass-rushing tandem in college football with Aidan Hutchinson and David Ojabo, who are among the 11 edge defenders nationally with a pass-rush grade at or above 91.0 for the 2021 season. During his time at NC State, he made defensive calls at the Tangerine Bowl in 2003 to win over the Kansas Jayhawks. See less. Tony Gibson, NC State A longtime college assistant, his 2nd season as DC at NC State in 2021. The Tigers have allowed a mere 4.9 yards per play against Power Five competition, ranking seventh. Theres a reason why PK was considered one of the best DCs, and he didnt become an idiot when he arrived at Texas. While at Cal, he got a title as the best Linebacker coach of the year. It would be like if one of our posters made a graphic for their top 50 list. A longtime NFL assistant, he was on the verge on turning the Kentucky defense into a legit factor in the SEC, then left in 2019 for a job with the Kansas City Chiefs. PFF's exclusive metrics provide matchup previews, position rankings, grades, and snap counts. If Yes, Why? A brutal rebuild (with limited personnel) in Nashville isnt the same thing as coaching at Michigan for Minter, the son of longtime successful college DC Rick Minter. He is no doubt one of the best defensive coordinators in college football in 2022. Look at the 15 best defensive coordinators in college football in 2022 ranked based on the success of the team and the defense strategies used, endurance, and accomplishment at other jobs outside the team. Golding gets more criticism than he should for the unit not being as dominant as it was in the early Nick Saban years. Oklahoma States defense is one of the best all-around units in college football. Elite defenses under Jim Harbaugh and David Shaw at Stanford got him the Vanderbilt head coaching job, and after one successful year as Auburns DC, he moves to a place that has had 2 DCs since 2011 (Glenn Spencer, Jim Knowles). The equipment worn includes a helmet, shoulder pads, gloves, shoes, thigh and knee pads, a mouth guard, and compression shorts. While the defense regressed a bit in 2020, it was substantially better since the new staff came on board than it had been. See Also: The 50 Best College Football Players of All Time | 2022 Ranking. Half the time his lists are just troll jobs too. The Wolverines own the highest-graded edge pass-rushing tandem in college football with. He exploits different defense tactics with a 2-4-5 scheme against teams coming in heavy on passes. Opponents managed just 14.8 points per game against the Black Knights, and the 2nd-year DC is a man to watch. LSU defensive coordinator John Chavis won the annual Broyles Award given to the top college assistant coach on Tuesday. The 2021 season, however, is one of the rare exceptions. He is tied for the highest PFF grade at the position through Week 11, and his blitzing prowess is the biggest reason why. In his first season at Wisconsin, Dave led a defense that was ninth nationally in defensive F/+. Rodriguez who was a state champion wrestler and three-time state champion quarterback in high school has a nose for the ball. 10 Best Hockey Boarding Schools in USA | 2022 Ranking, The 25 Best College Football Teams of All-Time | 2022 Rankings, The 50 Best College Football Players of All Time | 2022 Ranking, The 50 Best College Football Coaches of All Time | 2022 Ranking, Best Football Prep Schools in the USA| 2022 Rankings, 15 Largest College Football Stadiums in USA, 15 Best Websites To Watch College Football Online Free, 15 Best High School Football Teams In Florida | 2022, Best Football Prep Schools in the U.S | Rankings, 20 Cute College Mascots In The USA| Pictures, 15 Largest College Football Stadiums in USA | 2022, 100 Informative Speech Topics for College Students in 2022, Top 10 D2 (DII) Colleges in North Carolina | NCAA List 2022. When we talk of the top best defensive coordinators in college football, Geoff Collins should be reserveda special position. He arrived in Ames in 2016 with Matt Campbell and has been a critical factor in the growth of the program. With the 3-4 defense scheme allowing for great complexity in the game, and the 4-3 which affords the team a chance to pressurize the opposing attacking team, it is left to the defensive coordinator to choose which defense strategy is best for his team. How it Works | Locations, University of Arizona International Scholarships for Students in USA, 2023, Ronald McDonald House Scholarships for Students in the US [UPDATED], Top 10 Universities Offering Aeronautical Engineering In The World 2023, 10 Best Medical Schools in Europe for American Students in 2023, 15 UCL Scholarships for International Students 2023| APPLY NOW, Top Artificial Intelligence Courses in 2023, Google BOLD Immersion Program for United States, 2023, UEM Scholarship Program 2023-2024 in Malaysia | APPLY, University of Ottawa Acceptance Rate in 2023, 15 Most Affordable Norway Universities In 2023, Best Football Prep Schools in the USA | 2023 Rankings, 5,000 Holland Government Scholarships For International Students 2023/2024, MAAP Entrance Exam 2023 Timetable, Requirements | Apply, How To Get Masters In Civil Engineering In Australia | 2023, Best Physiotherapy Schools in the World 2023, How Does DUI Classes Work? Clemson has been arguably the most disappointing team of the 2021 college football season, but, defense isn't the reason why. Rodriguez who was a state champion wrestler and three-time state champion quarterback in high school has a nose for the ball. Thats more about personnel than coaching. 2. 15-minute mark: I discuss how the recent trend of less scoring in college football has impacted the Bulldogs. 25. 36 nationally in scoring defense) and 2021 (No. Given 10 returning starters, these guys could become stars in 2021. 1. "SOURCE: Houston D-line coach . While Harsin is an offensive minded coach, he's done an equally good job fielding top caliber defenses while head coach in Boise. Following are some of the best college defensive coordinators in American college football: Greg Mattison Todd Grantham Bud Foster Kirby Smart John Chavis Brent Venables Dave Aranda Lorenzo Ward Bob Shoop Justin Wilcox Greg Mattison Greg Mattison is an American football coach born on November 15, 1949. Well see in 2021. Gutsy move by the golden domers to bring in Cincinnatis ace coordinator. Theres a defense lurking in the SEC that is proving to be one of, if not, the best college football has ever seen. The Badgers have allowed a 17.7% successful pass rate when they get pressure on the quarterback, which is the best in the FBS. The talent on that side of the ball is as bad as its been in a long time. Theyve combined for 83 total pressures, 20 sacks and 16 quarterback hits. If you noticed a trend carrying over to this year again, you'd be right. Position: defensive coordinator Total pay: $900,000 Minter, 39, was one of five finalists for this year's Broyles Award, which is given annually to college football's top assistant coach. The Pokes join. Both Chenal and Sanborn have also been stout run defenders, ranking top five in run-defense grade in the Power Five. Hell do it again at Texas. With Iowa earning 6 straight wins in the 2021 season and a West Division title to their name, Phil is set to take the team to the top spot in college football. He has 10 starters back and even in the eternally loaded SEC West, Arkansas will show significant improvement this fall. There isnt. Clemson is generating pressure at the seventh-highest rate in the Power Five this year. If you feel like you're losing control over your gambling experience, call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, PA, WV), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-888- 532-3500(Virginia) 1-800-522-4700 (NV, TN), 1-800-522-4700 (CO, TN), 1-855-2CALLGA (IL), 1-800-270-7117 (MI). Venables is one of the best in the business when it comes to scheming pressure, which has continued this season. What You Should Know About Notre Dame, Top 10 Accredited Mortuary Science Programs in California, 10 Best Colleges for Publishing and Editing in 2023 | Tuition and Admission Requirements, Top 10 English Teaching Certifications To Get In 2023, Top 10 Best Universities in South Africa 2023 (Latest Ranking), 15 Top Undergraduate Civil Engineering Schools | 2023, 15 Best Schools In Westchester In 2023 | Public, Private, 17 Women Scholarships for International Students, 15 Scholarships for Bangladesh Students in Turkey in 2023, Princeton vs Harvard: Which School is Easier to Get Into in 2023, Nigerian Air Force: Recruitment, Portal, Exams, Courses in 2023-2024 [ONGOING], Merit-Based Scholarships At Syracuse University In USA 2023, Soroptimist Scholarship | Live Your Dream Awards, What is Finishing School in 2023? John Reed-USA TODAY Sports Perhaps one of the more popular names that may get thrown into this conversation from outside the Penn State program is Auburn defensive coordinator Derek Mason, better. One of the surest things in college football is Venables fielding a defense that consistently takes the ball away. Clemson's defense ranks inside the top 10 in success rate allowed versus Power Five offenses this season. 2 Alabama, SEC Women's Basketball Tournament action suspended due to weather delay, 2 SEC players named to late-season watch list for Oscar Robertson Player of the Year Trophy, Overrated? Most of those programs, yes. An offensive play in football involves the team having the ball playing offense by trying to score points at the opponents end, while a defensive play involves the team trying to sabotage the efforts of the opposing team from scoring and getting custody of the ball. He did a great job being the defensive coordinator for the Mississippi state unit which finished at top-20 for their defensive play making the Bulldogs snatch him up with a two-year extension for his contract. He has earned a grade north of 86.0 against the run to go with a 90.5 grade as a pass rusher. 11 and No. John Chavis became a top coordinator at Tennessee. We do not target any individuals under the age of 21. From 2009 to 2014, the Tigers. Notable NFL Defensive Coordinators Leslie Frazier Dan Quinn Dennis Allen Rahim Morris Josh Boyer Joe Barry Shane Bowen DeMeco Ryans Lou Anarumo Steve Spagnuolo Vance Joseph FAQ In zone, Iowa jumps to No. To be the best, youve got to beat the best, and after a few rough spots in 2019, Goldings Tide defense took care of business against the top squads in 2021. The Badgers have allowed just a 5.2% explosive run rate this year as a team the best in the Power Five by over three percentage points. Special teams 1. With the head coach overseeing the general affairs of the teams and the players, we cannot overemphasize the need for a defensive coach. Anon736773 said (original post) https://twitter.com/BigGameBoomer/status/1478059492801658880?s=20Posted without comment Wait.you mean to tell me PK didnt make a list for Top DC OF 2021 after fielding a terrible defense in 2021? Each game of college football has a duration of 60-minutes divided into four quarters, 15 minutes each. Take an already tough UC defense (allowed 16.8 PPG last year) and add veteran Tressel, who spent 14 years as DC at Michigan State. They also went from 21 sacks to 34 and were part of a team that had a 0 turnover margin improving to +13. The offensive coordinator and the defensive coordinator have similar roles on a team . The offensive game has evolved, and everyone on defense at every program is scrambling to adjust. It hasnt allowed more than 25.9 since and usually has hovered around the 20-point mark. Resources for jobs, wealth, insurance, tech, and education. This is essentially a referendum on Mack Brown at UNC. Can I Become A Registered Dietitian Online Without A Nutrition Degree In 2023? He has 48 defensive stops this season, which is tied for the most among Power Five off-ball linebackers. I'm TELLING you they do. He has allowed under 20 yards in eight of his nine starts this year (only 135 total yards) while recording an interception and breaking up six passes. Man, yall gotta stop giving this guy so much attention. With defense plays being an important aspect in college football, then defensive coordinators should be too. Scholarships for Ghanaian Students to Study in the UK in 2023, 10 Best Hockey Prep Schools In USA | 2023, Best Physical Therapy Schools in the World in 2023, 10 Best MBA Programs In Singapore For Indian Students 2023, Innovateher Women Business Challenge 2023, 10 Sure Ways to Get Scholarships in Canada [TRENDING] | 2023, Is Notre Dame An Ivy League School? The coaches utilize this halftime break to discuss strategies with their team, and the players take the time to rehydrate before the start of the second half. Mason's star is among the most ascendant in all of football -- college or pro. In zone, Iowa jumps to No. Rankings & Projections | WR/CB Matchup Chart | NFL & NCAA Betting Dashboards | NFL Player Props tool | NFL & NCAA Power Rankings. Phil Parker, Iowa In the game of football, continuity is key and that is what Phil Parker has gifted us with. This is a leap of faith that Coombs could well be in the top 10-15 a year from now. Before leading the 30th-ranked scoring defense in a 2020 season that saw Buffalo's first AP ranking and their second consecutive bowl win, Brian Borland was leading seven defenders to all-conference selections in 2019 . We support responsible gambling. Grantham has done great and terrible things and has coached everywhere in the world, given or take a few teams. Having coached as a defensive coach in college football for the majority of his career at the University of Florida and Mississippi state university, but now a head coach at the Georgia Tech, Geoff Collins is known for his numerous achievements as a defensive coordinator in college football. This 44-year-old legend has made his mark as a top defensive coordinator in college football stealing our hearts with the great work he did when he was at Texas A&M. 1 Junior College players in both 2018, Jermaine Johnson (Georgia), and 2021, Jeffrey M'Ba (Auburn). Cornerback. Its a list based on 2021. Can he translate that to making a talented defense significantly better? When they dont blitz, Leonhard still tries to wreak havoc with a healthy dosage of stunts. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) includes 130 teams. He has 48 defensive stops this season, which is tied for the most among Power Five off-ball linebackers. With 5 seasons in a row of allowing under 20 points per game, Parkers Hawkeyes will be tough again. They didnt have to go up against that powerhouse Kansas offense. Yes, a head coach qualifies if he calls the defensive plays. It's just not how football is, and I don't know how people come up with all that stuff, except reading others post it on the internet. February 22, 2023 4:30 pm ET. Yep, Texas was 99th in the nation in scoring defense last year. Theres a reason why Chris Ash, who was known for play Not sure what talent on defense youre referring to, there was hardly any, This post was edited by TexasRise 1 year ago. And even on the other half of pass plays where they havent applied pressure on opposing quarterbacks, Houston secondary has more than made up for it. During his tenure, he has helped coach the Pirates to three Jayhawk Conference Championships in 2017, 2019, and 2021. 24. 1 one spot. Muschamp has had successful defenses at LSU, Texas, Auburn and Florida, and last year worked with Oregon coach Dan Lanning and Schumann during Georgias national championship run. According to The Athletic's Bruce Feldman, that person is University of Houston defensive line coach Brian Early for Colorado's vacant defensive coordinator position. He did great work at Louisiana Tech and Mississippi State and is building toward something special at Miami. He has been coaching Iowa Hawkeyes for over 10 years after taking over as the defensive coordinator in 2012. Brent Venables gets it easily, with an average Havoc ranking of 5.5 over the past four seasons. I dont believe our players( in this case our CBs) are as bad as you are making them out to be. I want to think we have to be better on defense in 22 but unfortunately I just can't make myself believe it. And I hate it!!!! Each of his first 2 Bama squads allowed fewer than 20 PPG, fewer than 4 yards per carry, and posted 32 and 35 sacks. Off-ball linebackers Leo Chenal and Jack Sanborn have generated pressure when blitzed, as they rank second and eighth respectively among Power Five off-ball linebackers in pass-rush grade. The defensive coach oversees the affairs of the defense unit, assigns roles to players, and helps them prepare better during practices. The versatile. Stop paying attention to these random lists. Each team has one head coach. Thomas has been an all-around great player, but his impact has been most notable against the run, where he ranks second in the Power Five in grade (89.3). Answer wise, this list could change by the day on fall Saturdays maybe even by the minute. What are the Best College Football Mascots in 2022? With his strategies, the Wisconsin team has ranked top 5 in defense rank, and the Badgers ranked third in scoring defense and improving the points and yards allowed per game. The Buckeyes are allowing 5.9 fewer points and 89.2 fewer yards per game compared to last season, ranking in the top 10 in the Football Bowl Subdivision in scoring defense and total defense. COACHES HOT SEAT COACHES HOT SEAT NFL . He returned to the college game (and SEC) this offseason to lead Brian Kellys defense. A tough linebacker corps will lead this bunch in 2021. 6) seasons have been fantastic for the Gophers under Rossi. Pete Golding was promoted to be the defensive coordinator for the Alabama college football team, leading the team to finish in the top 3 in the SEC in total defense. He also led the unit to rank second in passing defense. Now, there certainly may be some underlying context to Pete Golding's exit and Saban may have propped the back door open for . Built one of the Big 12s best defenses over 4 seasons at Oklahoma State, including a record-setting unit it 2021. has been the star of the group for the third consecutive season, as the true junior is in the midst of one of the best seasons from an outside corner in the PFF College era (2014-present). Year 1 for Odom at Arkansas wasnt a statistical success. UTSA: Delaware defensive line coach Siddiq Haynes has joined UTSA as defensive. Oklahomas defense has not been the same since Alex Grinch started overseeing the affairs of its defense. During the practice period, he plays tapes of the opponents games and points out areas to look out for. His ability to take the defense and thrive has allowed Mark Stoops to become more of a CEO and reset the offense with two smart coordinator hires and rebuilding offensive personnel through the portal. Jim Leonhard has proven to be one of the top defensive coordinators in all of college football. The Top 15 Havoc-Inducing Defensive Coordinators No surprise here with the No. The Oklahoma defensive coordinator refused the offensive teams from earning points as under him, the Sooners went from conceding 33 points to as low as 22 points per game. As his Collins Hill teammates finished off the football program's first state championship in 2021, then Collins Hill senior Jayden Faison was in his own fight. Theyve combined for 83 total pressures, 20 sacks and 16 quarterback hits. make up the highest-graded interior defensive line in college football. This post was edited by Hookem777 1 year ago. Against Power Five offenses, in particular, Oklahoma State actually jumps Georgia in EPA per pass allowed this season (garbage time excluded). . He coached the Penn State defense to have an 11-2 record in 2019 and also led the Nittany Lions to the 2016 Big Ten Championship. Think Saban and Kirby Smart: For years, Smart didnt get the credit he deserved because it was Sabans defense same thing with Roberts and Baylor coach Dave Aranda. in Week 7, the Hawkeyes still are one of the three highest-graded teams in coverage in the Power Five. Cincinnati CB Sauce Gardner allowed 0 yards last night vs USF while picking off a pass. He commanded a Utah State unit that placed No.9 in the nation in defensive F/+ the last two seasons. As part of our annual Top 25 series, heres some fodder for the water cooler arguments, as I rank the nations top 25 FBS defensive coordinators. 14-ranked scoring defense in the nation, and a unit that led the ACC with 15 INTs. Forget about the 2020 COVID season. There is a 20-minute break after the first two quarters. As of publication, the highest paid defensive coach in Division I college football earns more than Wade Phillips in the NFL. We hope it was worthwhile reading through and knowing more about the top defensive coordinators of all time. Wisconsin blitzes at a top-15 rate in the Power Five this season at just over 36% of the time. The ways to score in college football include touchdowns, which will earn a total of 6 points, field goals to give 3 points, two-point conversions, extra points, and safety. Over the years, college football has taken its spot as one of the best sports young ones is enthusiastic about while in college. Agree to disagree. College Football: Ranking the top 10 defenses entering the 2021 season Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Malachi Moore (13) reacts with linebacker Christian Harris (8) and wide receiver John Metchie III (8) after a play against the Florida Gators at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. If I had a dollar for every time I've heard this. Dont Fail to Also Read: The 50 Best College Football Coaches of All Time | 2022 Ranking. While Golding (previously the defensive coordinator at Texas-San Antonio) has only been at Alabama for four seasons, first as co-defensive coordinator before becoming Nick Saban's full-time defensive coordinator, the Crimson Tide have owned a top-20 scoring defense nationally during that span, which is in line with the production of Venables . Venables is one of the best in the business when it comes to scheming pressure, which has continued this season. 20 college football teams we aren't sold on in 2023, SEC Basketball Power Rankings: Mizzou shocks Tennessee, Alabama downs Auburn and more, SEC Basketball Power Rankings: Alabama stays unbeaten in SEC play, Tennessee outlasts Auburn and more, SEC Basketball Power Rankings: A new top team emerges, Alabama loses in blowout fashion, Mizzou lights it up again. Theyre tough against the run and over the past 4 years have generated more sacks than their offense allowed every season. In 2019, his UF defense was outstanding (15.5 PPG allowed, 305 total yards, 49 sacks). Off-ball linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez has been the top performer from the group. Marve is one of the youngest defensive coordinators in the ACC and ranks as one of the best defensive coordinators in college football in 2022. I think our DBs were very average but good enough to understand down and distance and coachable and disciplined enough to play in press coverage on a few select plays during a game where the down and distance mandates that. s single-high structure that isolates their outside corners in one-on-one single coverage under new defensive coordinator, Cincinnati owns the fourth-highest-graded coverage unit in college football ahead of Week 12. N.C. State has one of the most underrated defenses in college football, as the Wolfpack have been one of college football's top defenses on a down-for-down basis so far this season. Ivin Jasper (Navy) Sure, it takes a lot scrolling through the NCAA passing rankings to find the Middies, but there's a reason Jasper is the 2nd-longest-tenured coordinator in college football (entering his 14th season).