EA Sports has announced that they are dropping College Football 26 in July, and fans are already gearing up to play the latest edition of one of the most beloved games of all time.
While many users focus on offense, the key to winning football games, even virtual ones, is defense. Here are the ten teams I think will have the best defenses in EA Sports College Football 26.
Best Defenses in College Football 26
10) Illinois Fighting Illini
Illinois is somewhat of a sleeper team in college football next season. Their defense only ranked 68th in the country last season. However, the Illini are returning nine starters along their defense in 2025, and I expect the game to reflect that strong number with a good overall.
9) Tennessee Volunteers
Tennessee finished off last season ranking 6th in total defense. The Vols are returning over half their starters from that unit, and should be an elite defense in the video game. The reason they’re not higher is because the game rated James Pearce so highly, who left to the NFL this offseason.
8) Oregon Ducks
Oregon’s defensive unit ranked 15th in the country last season and was one of the top units in the ’25 edition of the game. While the Ducks did lose a lot of starters, they went to work in the transfer portal and have so much talent still that I think the game will keep them in the top 10.
7) Texas Longhorns
Much like Oregon, the Longhorns lost a ton of talent this offseason to the NFL Draft, especially on the defensive side of the ball. However, I doubt they drop too far from their third-best defense rank, and I think the game will keep their unit highly rated.
6) BYU Cougars
BYU had the best defense in the Big 12 last season, and with the Cougars returning four of their five top tacklers from 2024, I think their unit will be amazing in 2025. BYU has some elite talent along their entire defense and a lot of their defensive roster should post high overalls in the game.
5) Alabama Crimson Tide
Say what you will about the outlook for Alabama’s offense next season, but their defense is still one of the best overall units in the country. Having players like LT Overton and Justin Jefferson returning should give the Tide a very high overall.
4) Clemson Tigers
I think this is going to be the year we see Clemson football return to CFB dominance, and like the elite Clemson teams of the past, that starts with their defense. The Tigers have players like Wade Woodaz and Sammy Brown who should be in the 90s, along with plenty of depth, so I think they’ll easily be a top unit in the game.
3) Indiana Hoosiers
EA CFB 25 did not respect the Hoosiers enough, and I expect that to change in the new edition of the game. Indiana had the second overall defensive unit in the country last season, and with what Cignetti did in the transfer portal, I don’t think that’ll change. Expect the Hoosiers to boast one of the top defenses in the entire video game.
2) Penn State Nittany Lions
Penn State always has a good defensive unit, and despite losing Abdul Carter I don’t think the Nittany Lions will see much of a drop off in 2026. Their defensive roster is loaded with talent and has elite pass rushers (which the game really values), so I think they’ll be the second best unit in the game.
KEEP READING: Can You Pre-Order EA Sports College Football 26? Latest Release Date, Price, and Details
1) Ohio State Buckeyes
I expect Caleb Downs to be the highest-rated defensive player in the entire video game next season, and on top of him, Ohio State has superstars all over the place. There’s no doubt in my mind that when it drops, Ohio State will have the best defense in the game.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
