CFB: Top 5 Edge Rushers in the SEC for 2025
As a conference, the SEC recorded a whopping 505 sacks in the 2024 season. With numerous college football bluebloods plying their trade in the conference, it’s no surprise that it’s chock-full of elite pass rushers. Here are the five players we have earmarked as the biggest difference makers in the 2025 season.
1. Keldric Faulk, Auburn
Faulk lands atop my list of SEC pass rushers after a 2024 season that included nine sacks and 45 total pressures, per PFF. The main reason Faulk impressed me was that his profile was so well-rounded. Part of that is that he is going into his third year, while some of the other rushers in the conference were true freshmen last season. The Auburn edge is listed at 6’6 and 270lbs, and his speed-to-power conversion is impressive. His tape is littered with bull rushes that land offensive tackles on their back. The Tigers look like they’re turning a corner under Hugh Freeze. Faulk will be the crown jewel on defense.
2. Dylan Stewart, South Carolina
how in the world is this is a true freshman pic.twitter.com/6Jq9qghsbQ
— Mike Renner (@mikerenner_) September 3, 2024
It was difficult moving Stewart to second place in these rankings; his freshman season was hugely impressive for South Carolina, and if he were draft-eligible next year, he surely would be in consideration for a top-10 spot. The 6’5, 245lbs edge defender found his way to the opposing quarterback seven times last season. His speed and length are elite. His signature move is a little shoulder dip that releases him around the corner of tackles, allowing him easy access into the backfield. Next year may be a stiffer challenge for Stewart, considering he has lost running mates Kyle Kennard, TJ Sanders and Tonka Hemingway. That said, you wouldn’t bet against him overcoming that hurdle.
3. Colin Simmons, Texas
The Texas Longhorns defense is loaded for 2025. They have the experienced Trey Moore, the versatile Anthony Hill Jr., and the explosive edge rusher Simmons. The 5-star recruit out of Duncanville was an immediate force off the edge, contributing nine sacks and leading the pack of returning edge rushers in the conference with a Pass Rush Productivity score of 11.3. Simmons beat Stewart to the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year award in 2024 and could continue to be the more productive of the pair. With the Longhorns’ surrounding talent, he will likely get plenty of one-on-one opportunities.
4. R Mason Thomas (Oklahoma)
There may be some rumblings of unease in Oklahoma, murmurs that head coach Brent Venables’ seat is warming up. One thing Venables has done in Oklahoma is reverse the fortunes of a failing defense. It was never a strong point under Lincoln Riley, but it’s the only thing keeping Venables in a job. The group had a stop rate of 71.2% in 2024 (ranking 12th nationally). The standout performer on the defensive line was R Mason Thomas. He’s a squatty 6’2 but a fireball of energy. Thomas wins with an elite first step, choppy hands and a relentless motor. He may get labelled a tweener at the next level, but with Marvin Jones Jr. on the other side in 2025, he is set for another productive season.
5. LT Overton (Alabama)
Alabama has a rich history of edge rushers. However, LT Overton is not built like recent graduates Dallas Turner and Will Anderson. His 6’5, 280lb frame stands out on tape, and while you would think his reps would be predominantly at 5-Tech or 3-Tech, Overton spent the majority of snaps lined up outside of the tackle. Using that extra bulk to constantly ask questions of blockers. He is a physically overwhelming player who acts like a battering ram on defense. How NFL teams will view him will be interesting, but they are sure to love him given his production in 2024, 9 QB hurries, three sacks and 42 defensive stops.
Honourable Mentions
It’s always difficult trimming a list down to five players, and plenty more could have made the cut for this one. Tyreak Sapp at Florida had eight sacks last year and should form a dynamic duo with interior rusher Caleb Banks. Suntarine Perkins at Ole Miss was even more productive with 11 sacks to his name, but with a 6’1, 210lbs frame, he’s a tricky projection to the next level. Cashius Howell is one to watch at Texas A&M, while some of the high-profile defenders for the Aggies struggled with production, Howell consistently got into the backfield. Now in his second year since transferring from Bowling Green, he may have more potential to tap into.
Rory-Joe Daniels
NFL & Cfb contributor
AS A LONG-SUFFERING CINCINNATI BENGALS FAN, RORY HAS FOLLOWED THE NFL FOR OVER 20 YEARS. HIS PASSION FOR THE DRAFT LED HIM TO GET ENTANGLED WITH COLLEGE FOOTBALL AND HE HAS BEEN WRITING ABOUT PROSPECTS AND THE CFB LANDSCAPE EVER SINCE.