Ranking the Top 5 DTs in the Big Ten for the 2025 football season

The Big Ten is returning several dominant defensive tackles that should make life hard for opposing offenses. Here’s a look at who we think are the Top 5 defensive tackles in the conference for the 2025 season:

The 2024 season featured some of the most dominant defensive line play fans have seen in the Big Ten in quite some time. That performance was fueled by star defensive tackles across the conference landscape making plays week in and week out. Guys Like Mason Graham, Derrick Harmon, Tyleik Williams and several others helped make life difficult for opposing offenses.

Despite the drain of talent the conference has seen, there are still plenty of talented defensive tackles returning for 2025. Today, we’ll continue our series counting down our five best players at each position ahead of the 2025 season.

5. Keeshawn Silver – USC

The first player on our list is actually a newcomer to the Big Ten, as Silver transferred to USC this offseason from Kentucky. He was a highly sought-after player in the transfer portal, listed as the No. 2 defensive tackle in On3’s rankings .

Entering his fifth college season, Silver has been a big contributor for Kentucky each of the last two years. In 2024, he registered 26 tackles, one tackle for loss and one sack. What’s most appealing about Silver is his size (6-foot-4, 322 pounds).

Silver will have a big role in USC’s defense. Thanks to his size, he’ll be a huge asset in run defense. I wouldn’t bet on him single-handedly being able to solve USC’s defensive woes, but he’ll should at least make a dent in a breakout season.

4. Rayshaun Benny – Michigan

Speaking of breakout candidates, Benny appears to be a trendy one this offseason. For much of his career, he has been behind some other elite defensive linemen on the depth chart. In 2025, he’ll have a chance to showcase his skills in a bigger role.

In a limited amount of snaps, Benny managed 29 tackles, four tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks last year. He was particularly good in run defense, notching a grade of 87.5 from Pro Football Focus against the run.

It was PFF that got the hype train rolling for Benny earlier this offseason, ranking him as the No. 9 returning interior defensive lineman in all of college football. While that might be a bit high considering he hasn’t seen significant playing time thus far, his production in limited snaps is encouraging.

3. Anthony Smith – Minnesota

Minnesota had a pretty encouraging season last year, finishing with an 8-5 record that included some close losses against higher-caliber opponents. A reason for Minnesota’s success was its run defense, which ranked No. 21 in the country in yards allowed per game.

The biggest contributor to Minnesota’s stout run wall was Smith, who enjoyed a breakout season and earned All-Big Ten honorable mentions. He had 27 tackles, including 11.5 for a loss, as well as six sacks and a forced fumble.

Smith is back for his senior season and will once again be the anchor for the Golden Gopher defensive line. He’s a bit of a tweener at 6-foot-6 and 285 pounds, but he has showcased skills against the run and pass. That versatility is what makes him a valuable piece and what will cause headaches for opposing offensive lines.

2. Aaron Graves – Iowa

There’s not a school in the Big Ten that owns its defensive identity quite like Iowa. Every year, the Hawkeyes have one of the nation’s best defenses regardless of how many stars they lose from the year before. One player that Iowa is fortunate to return this year is Graves, a senior that’s seen playing time in each of his three college seasons so far.

Last season was his best, as he earned All-Big Ten honorable mentions from the coaches and media. The honorable mention doesn’t begin to capture Graves’ productivity. In 2024, he registered 33 tackles, six sacks and eight tackles for a loss. He also forced three fumbles, which led the Big Ten.

Much like Smith, Graves showcases some versatility, as he’s been productive as a run-defender and a pass-rusher. What’s most impressive though is he’s able to be versatile at 300 pounds. He’ll once again be a staple in Iowa’s defense and should be a candidate to be a mid-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft , if not higher based on how he produces in 2025.

1. Zane Durant – Penn State

Yet another countdown with a Penn State player listed in the No. 1 spot. The Nittany Lions have been poster boys for defensive productivity in recent years, and it’ll be no exception in 2025 with Durant returning for another season.

Penn State had the No. 8 defense in the country last year in rushing yards allowed per game, and Durant’s presence makes it likely it’ll be stout against the run again. He is more of a short and stout defender at 6-foot-1 and 291 pounds, but he’s still been plenty productive in his career. Last year, he had 42 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and three sacks. He earned All-Big Ten honorable mentions for his efforts.

Now entering his fourth college season, Durant is one of several Penn State players that opted to return for another shot at a national championship. New defensive coordinator Jim Knowles will be pulling the strings this year, which should help raise the group’s ceiling. If he’s able to repeat his production from a year ago (if not build on it), Durant should be a candidate to be picked in the first or second round of the draft, and it’ll go a long way towards Penn State’s defense maintaining its reputation as one of the nation’s best.