Oregon has just one defensive player in EA Sports' Top 10 defenders in latest game
It's true in real life, and it's probably true in the video game rules, depending on your settings and sliders, of course.
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The newest version of EA Sports' College Football 26 is set to release next week, and in anticipation, the ratings for every player in the game have been published, including the Top 10 defensive players' ratings in the game and the country.
It's curious that only one Oregon Duck appears in the Top 10 as the Ducks are expected to have one of the best defensive units in the country for 2025. But it's hard to argue with the other nine players listed. Perhaps college football is becoming more of a defensive game right now, which makes it even more important to have a really good offense and quarterback, in particular, in today's game.
Here are the Top 10 defensive players in college football, according to EA Sports.
10. Dillon Thieneman - Oregon Ducks
Oct 18, 2024; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Oregon Ducks running back Jay Harris (22) is tackled by Purdue Boilermakers defensive back Dillon Thieneman (31) during the second half at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images
Position: Strong Safety
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Rating: 93
9. Keldric Faulk - Auburn Tigers
Auburn Tigers defensive lineman Keldric Faulk (15) celebrates a stop as Auburn Tigers take on California Golden Bears at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024.
Position: Left Edge
Rating: 93
8. Leonard Moore - Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Notre Dame cornerback Leonard Moore (15) celebrates interrupting a reception attempt during the first round of the College Football Playoff between Notre Dame and Indiana at Notre Dame Stadium on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in South Bend.
Position: Cornerback
Rating: 93
7. Colin Simmons - Texas Longhorns
Position: Right Edge
Rating: 93
6. Peter Woods - Clemson Tigers
Aug 31, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive lineman Peter Woods (11) shown on the field pregame prior to the game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Position: Defensive Tackle
Rating: 94
5. Jermod McCoy - Tennessee Volunteers
Tennessee defensive back Jermod McCoy (3) celebrates after making a play during a college football game between Tennessee and Georgia at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Ga., on Saturday, November 16, 2024.
Position: Cornerback
Rating: 94
4. Dylan Stewart - South Carolina Gamecocks
Aug 31, 2024; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks edge Dylan Stewart (6) celebrates after a sack against the Old Dominion Monarchs in the second quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
Position: Right Edge
Rating: 94
3. TJ Parker - Clemson Tigers
Clemson defensive end T.J. Parker (3) during the Spring football game in Clemson, S.C. Saturday, April 6, 2024.
Position: Left Edge
Rating: 96
2. Anthony Hill, Jr. - Texas Longhorns
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 10: Anthony Hill Jr. #0 of the Texas Longhorns celebrates in the second quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the Goodyear Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium on January 10, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by)
Position: MIKE Linebacker
Rating: 96
1. Caleb Downs - Ohio State Buckeyes
Jan 1, 2024; Pasadena, CA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Caleb Downs (2) prays with teammates in the endzone before the 2024 Rose Bowl college football playoff semifinal game against the Michigan Wolverines at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Position: Free Safety
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Rating: 96
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: EA Sports lists their Top 10 defenders and Oregon appears just once
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Contact/Follow @Ducks_Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opinions.
