Texas, Houston Defenses Lead 2025 National Rankings

The Texas Longhorns are projected to be strong contenders in the 2025 college football season, with outlets such as Athlon Sports and Pro Football Focus ranking their defense—especially the linebacker corps—as the best nationwide. The Longhorns' defense, bolstered by returning talent and transfers, is expected to play a key role as Arch Manning takes over as starting quarterback. Texas Tech has significantly revamped its defensive line through the transfer portal, and Pro Football Focus now rates their unit as one of the most impactful in college football, aiming for a turnaround from a disappointing 2024 season. In the NFL, the Houston Texans' cornerback duo of Kamari Lassiter and Derek Stingley Jr. is recognized as the league's top pairing for 2025 due to their consistent production and upside. Across both college and professional football, elite defensive units are increasingly seen as vital to team success.