Big 12 football power rankings: Is TCU’s Devean Deal a top-level pass rusher?
There’s no position on defense that can impact a game quite like a strong defensive line.
Having a solid three or four man D-line can disrupt an entire offense’s gameplan. College offenses are getting more explosive by the year which only increases the value of having a defensive line that can be disruptive without sending the blitz.
The Big 12 only has a couple defensive linemen that have made ways nationally, but it doesn’t mean the league is lacking quality defenders up front, they’re just getting overlooked by the players from the SEC and Big 10.
But what’s why we have these power rankings. The Star-Telegram’s Big 12 power rankings continue with a look at 10 of the best defensive linemen in the Big 12:
Dontay Corleone, Cincinnati
Breakdown: Nicknamed ‘The Godfather’ Corleone has become a household name while anchoring the Bearcats’ defense. Corleone has earned three straight all-conference selections including being selected first team All-Big 12 last season and he was also voted an All-American in 2022. Corleone has 26 tackles, 5.0 for loss and 3.5 sacks last season despite being slowed by blood clots in the off-season.
C.J. Fite, Arizona State
Breakdown: A second team All-Big 12 selection a year ago, Fite anchored an Arizona State defense that helped the Sun Devils reach the College Football Playoff. Fite was disruptive in the middle with 30 tackles, 4.0 for loss and 2.5 sacks.
Lee Hunter, Texas Tech
Breakdown: The Red Raiders poached Hunter from Central Florida after Hunter was voted second team All-Big 12 with the Knights. UCF’s defense wasn’t good, but Hunter was a bright spot as he had 27 quarterback pressures, 19 solo tackles and 9.5 tackles for loss. Hunter was one of the many four-star transfers Texas Tech brought in.
Dean Miller, Kansas
Breakdown: The Jayhawks have quietly produced a number of quality defenders in the Big 12 the last few seasons with Miller emerging as one of the conference’s best pass rushers. A second team all-conference pick last year, the defensive end led Kansas with six sacks and also had 10 tackles for loss.
Devean Deal, TCU
Breakdown: Deal could technically be viewed as a linebacker, but in TCU’s scheme his primary objective is getting after the quarterback. Despite splitting time with Cooper McDonald, Deal finished tied for fifth in sacks in the league with 5.5. Deal is poised for an even bigger year in his second year under defensive coordinator Andy Avalos.
Arden Walker, Colorado
Breakdown: Walker is an easy pick for being the league’s breakout player after he saw his role with the Buffaloes increase week-by-week. Despite not being a full-time starter until the end of the season Walker was the highest graded edge rusher in the conference by Pro Football Focus and he also produced 4.5 sacks. Walker will be one of Colorado’s anchors on defense.
Jimmori Robinson, West Virginia
Breakdown: Robinson was a big pick up for the Mountaineers after a stellar season with UTSA. Robinson played outside linebacker for the Roadrunners and 43 tackles, including 27 unassisted tackles, 10.5 sacks, 17 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and two pass breakups. He’ll play more on the defensive line with West Virginia, but if he can provide even half of his production from 2023 then it’ll be a huge boost to the Mountaineers’ defense.
Nyjalik Kelly, UCF
Breakdown: It was a bummer to lose Hunter, but the Knights did retain Kelly, who transferred into the program last season from Miami. Kelly thrived with a bigger role as he recorded 53 tackles, 5.5 sacks and forced three fumbles while being one of the highest graded edge rushers in the Big 12 by PFF.
This story was originally published June 5, 2025 at 12:00 AM.
