Predicting Postseason All-Big Ten Defense

USA Today

21 hours ago

It may be too soon to tell for some, but it's never too early to start thinking about the All-Big Ten teams, specifically what should be a loaded defensive group. In a conference that prides itself on defensive prowess, 2025 should be a fascinating year for all candidates concerned. After all, this prestigious honor only comes around a couple of times in your life. As I predict the postseason All-Big Ten defense, I think of all these players that I name and the potential history and weight they carry on their shoulders.
Defensive Line
Mikail Kamara, Indiana
Curt Cignetti must have been delighted to see Mikail Kamara's decision to return to Bloomington. The first Indiana D-lineman to be named to an All-America team in 17 years, Kamara will be further looking to bolster the reputation of this burgeoning Hoosiers program. Look for him to improve upon his 10 sacks and 15 tackles for loss in a defense that will continue to surprise due to its continuity and depth.
Zane Durant, Penn State
In a much more expanded role on the interior, look for Zane Durant to truly flourish, especially in terms of stopping the run. An All-Big Ten honorable mention last year, look for him to finally get his flowers. With 42 tackles, 11 for loss, three sacks and a pass breakup, his elite athleticism was on display for all to see. Now it feels like time for him to take that next step. Look for him to mightily benefit from Dani Dennis-Sutton's abilities on the edge to be able to create pressure himself.
Rayshaun Benny, Michigan
Benny has always been a player who has had to wait his turn. Now that he will be a firmly cemented starter along the Wolverines' front seven, look for him to make the most of it. While only appearing in 11 games, two of them starts, Benny still managed 29.5 tackles, 4 QB hurries and two pass breakups. Now without stars surrounding such as Mason Graham, Benny's stat line is sure to explode in his sixth year with the program.
Dani Dennis-Sutton, Penn State
Dennis-Sutton's inclusion in this team should be a no-brainer. After all, the hardest part of his Penn State career is officially over. Without Abdul Carter on the other side of him, all the stats and accolades now could be his. Even with Abdul Carter opposite him, Dennis-Sutton still wreaked havoc. He still had 42 tackles and 8.5 sacks, more than enough for Penn State fans to believe that he can continue to carry the torch for one of the country's most fearsome college defenses.
Linebackers
Gabe Jacas, Illinois
One of the most underrated players on this squad, Jacas is the figurehead of everything the Illini do defensively. He is an athletic freak with the ability to move sideline-to-sideline and in his final year with Illinois, will catch many an NFL scout's eye. His 74 tackles, 13 TFLs, and 8.5 sacks are impressive for an edge, let alone an outside linebacker. Last year, they were enough for third team honors. This year, it would be foolish if anything close to those same numbers doesn't earn him a first team spot.
Aiden Fisher, Indiana
Another underrated playmaker, look for Fisher to continue to do a little bit of everything for the Hoosiers. The first ever Indiana linebacker to earn first-team All-America honors, Fisher's abilities will continue to earn him all the praise he garners. His 118 tackles last season already placed him No. 16 on the single season chart for Indiana, and this year could be his chance to improve upon that as the Hoosiers defense could be frisky and physical yet again.
Dominic Deluca, Penn State
Dominic Deluca could be said to be the ultimate glue guys for the Nittany Lions. Without him anchoring the back end of the front seven, the Penn State linebackers may not be as cohesive as they would be with him. His two interceptions in their CFP first round game against SMU highlighted his talents and positional versatility for a Penn State squad looking for an emotional leader. While all the big guns could be in the front four, it's players like Deluca who ensure the solidity and well-rounded nature of the defense at large.
Cornerbacks
AJ Harris, Penn State
AJ Harris may reap a lot of the benefits for what his front seven will be able to do this year. If that potent front four do their job well, look for Harris' explosiveness and awareness to generate a lot of turnovers for the Nittany Lions. While only having one interception last year, his five pass breakups prove that more opportunities will come his way this year, especially with the talent surrounding him. His longevity also stands out, playing in all 16 games, something that can go unappreciated for a team of Penn State's depth.
D'angelo Ponds, Indiana
Several have made the case that with just one season of sample size, D'angelo Ponds is already the best cornerback in the conference. Entering his junior season, he still has room to grow even better. His two-interception game against Washington certainly put him on the map and his nine pass breakups stood out to many. Look for his star to continue to ascend in what could be his final season as a Hoosier.
Safeties
Caleb Downs, Ohio State
If it weren't for all the offensive talent that the Buckeyes had, Caleb Downs would certainly be the headliner in Columbus this year. Viewed as the best defensive player in the country by many, Downs could look to make history as only the second ever DB to win the Heisman. Third on the team last year in tackles with 82 and with eight pass breakups and two interceptions, both in the CFP, Downs has already made an immediate impact on the Buckeyes. The sky's truly the limit for this former Alabama transfer.
Dillon Thieneman, Oregon
In two seasons with the Purdue Boilermakers, Thieneman was named to a second-team and third-team All-American, a Big Ten Freshman Player of the Week 5 times, and the 247Sports True Freshman of the Year. To top it all off last year, he led all Big Ten DBs with 104 tackles. Now imagine what he can do for an Oregon Ducks program looking to make a major breakthrough as CFP contenders. If the Purdue version of Thieneman shows up for the Ducks, chances are they can maintain their contender status for several more years in Eugene.