Top 10 returning edge defenders in college football for the 2023 season

Florida State’s Jared Verse: The redshirt sophomore leads this list and would’ve likely been a top-20 pick in the 2023 Draft had he declared.
Washington’s Bralen Trice: The redshirt sophomore is second on this list and led the nation with 70 pressures this year.
Penn State’s Chop Robinson: The sophomore rounds out the top three and led all Power Five edge defenders with a 90.6 grade this season.

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

It’s officially time to hit the reset button.

Now that we know who will continue playing on Saturdays next fall, let's take an early look at the top returning players at every position.

Here are the top 10 interior defensive linemen returning to college football next season. Please note that NFL projection is not taken into account here.

1. Jared Verse, Florida State Seminoles

Arguably the most surprising returner in college football, Verse was a projected top-20 pick in the 2023 draft before announcing that he’d stay in Tallahassee for another season.

The former Albany edge dominated in his first season at the FBS level, as the redshirt sophomore’s 24.4% pass-rush win rate ranked fourth among Power Five edge defenders while his 10 tackles for loss/no-gain were tied for sixth.

#FloridaState Edge Jared Verse #5 terrorized the LSU backfield all night. Officially had 2.0 sacks but his impact was greater than that.

The Albany transfer is quickly establishing himself as one of the most disruptive pass rushers in CFB. pic.twitter.com/L1kRBmkZwm

— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) September 5, 2022

2. Bralen Trice, Washington Huskies

For the first time since 2019, Alabama’s Will Anderson Jr. didn’t lead the nation in total pressures.

Trice set the pace this year with 70 pressures and was college football's most productive pass-rusher. The redshirt sophomore also led all FBS edge defenders in pass-rush win rate (29.5%) and was second in pressure rate (22.4%).

Top 10 EDGE Rushers in the 2023 NFL Draft I A Thread

Honorable Mention: Bralen Trice (1/11)

Pros: Tons of production, a disruptive pass rusher with very good measurables at 6’4″, 270 pounds.

Cons: Doesn't have great bend#NFLDraft #NFLDraft2023 #WillAnderson #MylesMurphy pic.twitter.com/X7ar46DE6I

— MRCROCKPOT (@mrcrockpot) November 26, 2022

3. Chop Robinson, Penn State Nittany Lions

After seeing limited playing time at Maryland as a true freshman, Robinson transferred intradivision to Penn State and broke out as a sophomore.

He led all Power Five edge defenders in overall grade (90.6) and pass-rushing grade (92.4). For his efforts, he was the fourth-most valuable Power Five edge defender according to PFF’s wins above average metric.

CHOP ROBINSON continues to make his mark as he strip sacks TJ Finley to end the half #WeAre | @chopyoungbull

pic.twitter.com/RtfsvZ1LJc

— White Out Weekly (@whiteoutweekly) September 17, 2022

4. Dallas Turner, Alabama Crimson Tide

It’s not easy to stand out when your counterpart is Anderson, whose 207 career pressures are the most in the PFF College era.

That’s the predicament Turner has been in over the past two seasons, but the spotlight will be fully shining on him with Anderson now off to the NFL. Over Turner’s first two years, his 14 sacks are tied for the second most among returning Power Five edge defenders.

Dallas turner pic.twitter.com/2XACLLyKbR

— bama vids (@timeoop) October 3, 2022

5. Mykel Williams, Georgia Bulldogs

As just a true freshman, Williams started for a defense that went on to win the national championship.

The former five-star recruit’s 75.9 run-defense grade ranked fourth among SEC edge defenders and led all FBS true freshmen edge defenders. Williams’ six sacks tied for the most among true freshmen while his 33 pressures were tied for the second-most. He’s one of the biggest breakout candidates for the back-to-back champions next season.

The fact Mykel Williams done this to a potential 1 rounder is CRAZY 👀https://t.co/ZfgdF7q4XV

— Chris Figgures (@chrislfiggures) January 4, 2023

6. J.T. Tuimoloau, Ohio State Buckeyes

If you want to see what Tuimoloau is capable of, turn on his tape against Penn State.

In that contest, the sophomore earned a career-high 93.5 grade while recording two sacks, two interceptions (one of which he returned for a touchdown), a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, a tackle for loss, a batted pass and three pressures. He’ll need to improve his consistency as a run-defender though, as the former top-five recruit only earned a 59.8 grade in that area.

J.T. Tuimoloau had one of the best defensive performances in Ohio State history.pic.twitter.com/cklFjGjnon

— Mr. Ohio (@MrOH1O) October 30, 2022

7. Laiatu Latu, UCLA Bruins

If there was a comeback player of the year award in college football, Latu would have been a top candidate.

The redshirt junior missed the last two seasons at Washington after he was forced to medically retire with a neck injury. He resumed his career this past season at UCLA and was one of the most productive edge defenders in the country. Among Power Five edge defenders, Latu was tied for second in pressures (64), third in pressure rate (21.7%) and tied for third in sacks (12).

oooohhh weeeeee we got a live one here, folks.

Haven't heard much about UCLA EDGE Laiatu Latu, but he has some serious pass-rush skills! Nice repertoire of moves, understands how to utilize footwork to create optimal rush angles and manipulate OL and has some power. pic.twitter.com/AlqYphjZKJ

— John Owning (@JohnOwning) November 7, 2022

8. Brandon Dorlus, Oregon Ducks

At 6-foot-3 and 290 pounds, Dorlus blurs the line between edge defender and interior defensive lineman. He spent his sophomore season in 2021 lined up more on the interior before playing out on the edge more this past season.

Regardless of where he lines up, the junior produces at a high level. Dorlus’ 88 pressures over the last two years lead all returning Power Five edge defenders.

Oregon EDGE 3 Brandon Dorlus is quite effective with his swim move. Fun player that should be able to contribute right away. pic.twitter.com/I0lU6v2CBc

— Russell Brown (@RussNFLDraft) January 13, 2023

9. Gabriel Murphy, UCLA Bruins

Latu wasn’t the only transfer edge defender who excelled for UCLA.

Gabriel Murphy and his twin brother, Grayson both joined the Bruins after they dominated at North Texas. While Grayson still excelled as a pass-rusher, Gabriel was the more well-rounded of the two this season, as he was one of three Power Five edge defenders who earned 80-plus grades as both a pass-rusher and run-defender.

Between Laiatu Latu and the Murphy twins, UCLA has the best edge room in the country heading into next season.

Here, Gabriel Murphy (#11, top of screen) perfectly times his jump and blows by the tackle for a strip-sack. pic.twitter.com/YQnK8voNyy

— Max Chadwick (@MaxChadwickCFB) February 9, 2023

10. Princely Umanmielen, Florida Gators

Umanmielen’s 88.1 pass-rushing grade over the past two seasons ranks fourth among returning Power Five edge defenders.

The junior can do more than just get after the quarterback,as his 21 run-defense stops this year also ranked top 10 among Power Five edge defenders.

Princely Umanmielen breakout confirmed 😤 pic.twitter.com/R4hdqptVun

— Cam Mellor (@CamMellor) November 5, 2022