As we slowly approach the thick of the offseason, the 2022 campaign is officially behind us, and for Texas A&M, the slate is clean after their 5-7 disaster has been put to bed once and for all. Possessing one of the more elite rosters in college football, the Aggies offense is led by sophomore quarterback Conner Weigman, five returning starters on the O-line, and a wide receiver rotation loaded with talent and experience.
However, A&M’s predominant strength is pointing toward the defense, as nearly every key starter outside of Antonio Johnson and Jaylon Jones return this season.
To quote the legendary Paul “Bear” Bryant, Defense wins championships, and in the new age of high-flying Air Coryell-like offensive schemes used throughout the college football landscape, recruiting the best athletes in the secondary, linebacker, and especially the defensive line is beyond crucial to compete year after year.
On Monday, ESPN staff writers combined their knowledge and opinions to rank the Top 10 defenses going into the 2023 season, including several blue-blood programs with a couple of surprises; nonetheless, this list is filled with contenders, not pretenders. So here are the Top 10 defenses for the 2023 campaign, and yes, the Aggies have made the list, but where?