Way-too-early rankings of Big Ten defensive units ahead of the 2024 season
By Sam Fariss
![Oregon's Bryce Boettcher, 28, celebrates a defensive stop against Hawaii during the first half. Oregon's Bryce Boettcher, 28, celebrates a defensive stop against Hawaii during the first half.](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_4756,h_2675,x_0,y_267/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/168/01hxqg27ak7j5nbsy0h3.jpg)
. . . . . 483. iowa. . . 4
Despite having one of the lowest scoring offenses in FBS last season (15.4 points per game for the No. 133 rank), the Iowa Hawkeyes finished third in the Big Ten.
The Hawkeyes, who continuously produce some of the most talented defensive linemen in the country, had the fourth-ranked defensive squad in 2023, allowing just 13.2 points per game.
This season, Iowa will continue to rely on its defense to maintain its impressive overall record and higher-than-expected standing in the conference.