As the new college football season approaches, anticipation is building around standout athletes expected to dominate on the defensive side of the ball. The Athletic has released its Preseason All-American First-Team Defense, spotlighting the players projected to have the biggest impact this year. From disruptive pass rushers to lockdown defensive backs, this list features the elite defenders ready to shape the season ahead.
1. Mikail Kamara
Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Indiana Hoosiers defensive lineman Mikail Kamara (6) prepares for a snap during the second quarter of a game against the Washington Huskies at Memorial Stadium. Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images
Position: Defensive End
Team: Indiana Hoosiers
2. T.J. Parker
Clemson defensive end T.J. Parker (3) during the first football practice at the Allen N. Reeves Football Complex at Clemson University in Clemson, S.C. Credit: Ken Ruinard/Greenville News / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Position: Defensive End
Team: Clemson Tigers
3. Zane Durant
University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions defensive tackle Zane Durant (28) reacts following a tackle on Bowling Green Falcons tight end Harold Fannin Jr (0) during the fourth quarter at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Bowling Green 34-27. Credit: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images
Position: Defensive Tackle
Team: Penn State Littany Lions
4. Peter Woods
Charlotte, NC, USA; Clemson defensive lineman Peter Woods answers questions from the media during ACC Media Days at Hilton Charlotte Uptown. Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Position: Defensive Tackle
Team: Clemson Tigers
5. Anthony Hill Jr.
Arlington, TX, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Carnell Tate (17) and Texas Longhorns linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. (0) and linebacker Liona Lefau (18) in action during the game between the Texas Longhorns and the Ohio State Buckeyes at AT&T Stadium. Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Position: Linebacker
Team: Texas Longhorns
6. Sonny Styles
Michigan tight end Marlin Klein (17) makes a catch against Ohio State safety Sonny Styles (6) during the second half at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. Credit: Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Position: Linebacker
Team: Ohio State Buckeyes
7. Whit Weeks
Houston, TX, USA; LSU Tigers linebacker Whit Weeks (40) defends in coverage against the Baylor Bears during the first half at NRG Stadium. The Tigers defeat the Bears 44-31. Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images
Position: Linebacker
Team: LSU Tigers
8. Leonard Moore
Notre Dame cornerback Leonard Moore (2) during a Notre Dame football spring practice at Irish Athletic Center in South Bend. Credit: MICHAEL CLUBB/SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Position: Cornerback
Team: Notre Dame Fighting Irish
9. D’Angelo Ponds
Indiana’s D’Angelo Ponds (5) at Indiana University football practice. Credit: Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Position: Cornerback
Team: Indiana Hoosiers
10. Caleb Downs
Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) returns a punt during football training camp at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. Credit: Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Position: Safety
Team: Ohio State Buckeyes
11. Koi Perich
Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights wide receiver Ian Strong (9) gains yards after catch during the first half as Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive back Koi Perich (3) pursues at SHI Stadium. Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Position: Safety
Team: Minnesota Gophers
Conclusion
Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers linebacker Whit Weeks (40) and LSU Tigers safety Jardin Gilbert (2) react to making a tackle against Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Jackson Arnold (11) during the fourth quarter at Tiger Stadium. Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
The Athletic’s Preseason All-American First-Team Defense highlights not just individual talent, but also the defensive stars most likely to influence championship hopes for their programs. As the season unfolds, these players will be at the center of the action, showcasing why they earned recognition as the nation’s best heading into the year.
By Annie Chaudhury 
Angel Atienza-Romero