1. Matayo Uiagalelei, DE, Oregon

In 2024, he collected 10.5 sacks to rank 10th in the nation in that category.

Uiagalelei could be an elite edge rusher this season and could put up Bednarik award numbers.

2. Jayden Virgin-Morgan, DE, Boise State

He led the team in sacks and hurries, tying Ahmed Hassanein for the top spot in tackles for loss.

Has the ability to dominate a game from the edge.

3. Trey White, DE, San Diego State

He finished his sophomore season fourth in the nation with 1.04 sacks per game, while his 1.54 tackles for loss per game also ranked fourth in the country.

A bright spot in the rough season for SDSU, White should be just as tough to handle off the edge in 2025.

4. CJ Fite, DT, Arizona State

He’s a run-stuffer who came into his own last year with four TFLs, a couple of sacks, and a fumble recovered.

Fite will be a force in the middle of the Sun Devil line in 2025.

5. Jehiem Oatis, DT, Colorado

He is a sure tackler who can be disruptive in the passing game and can get to the QB from the DT spot, and his long arms and size knock down a ton of passes.

The top defensive player in the portal will produce for CU.

6. Bear Alexander, DT, Oregon

The journeyman is in his third collegiate stop, and the tools are there for him to be a dominant force on the line.

We will see if they finally fully materialize.

7. Braylan Shelby, DE, USC

Shelby is long and quick and should cause a ton of issues for opponents in 2025.

Had three sacks in 2025 and could be an impact player this season.

8. Korey Foreman, DE, Fresno State

He is quick off the ball and has the strength to get past bigger linemen. Last season he collected three sacks and five tackles for loss.

Foreman was 14th in the nation in forced fumbles in 2024 as he has the ability to dislodge the ball from the man.

9. Thomas Collins, DT, Oregon State

Willing to do all of the dirty work that makes a successful DT, he can eat up space in the middle and allow LBs to clean up the mess.

Collins also has the athleticism to get penetration and make plays behind the line.

10. Tre Smith, DE, Arizona

He filled up the stat sheet with 53 total tackles and 7.5 of the stops coming behind the line.

Smith also collected 4.5 sacks last fall, which equals the most of any returning Big XII lineman.

11. Clayton Smith, DE, Arizona State

Another true rush edge, Smith finds himself in the backfield a lot.

His sack total from a season ago is tied for the highest of any returner along the line in the conference this fall.

12. Solomon Tuliaupupu, DE, Montana

A force off the edge with a quick first step, he should spend a lot of time in opponents’ backfields this fall.

Injuries limited him at USC, but his size and speed will cause a lot of problems for Big Sky opponents.

Notable

• Arden Walker, DE, Colorado
• Logan Fano, DE, Utah