The best defensive duos in college football 2024 | News, scores, highlights, stats and rumors

Yes, I know Jeremiah Trotter Jr. is no longer with the Tigers. But this unit has impressive depth and experience, and it starts with linebacker Barrett Carter.

Carter returns to Clemson despite having a chance to leave fairly early in the 2024 NFL Draft. He has been a consistent starter at Clemson since his freshman year in 2021. In three seasons, he has accumulated 151 total tackles, including 21 for loss and nine sacks.

His best season was 2022, when he finished with 5.5 sacks, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles. According to PFF, Carter is the most valuable power conference linebacker in the country as of 2022.

In addition to Carter, linebacker Wade Woodaz returns, who totaled 28 stops last season. Woodaz also ranked third among ACC linebackers last year with a passer rating of 49.7 allowed, according to PFF.

And like some of the other teams featured here, the position group isn’t limited to two potential top players.

Kobe McCloud, who totaled 17 tackles last season, is expected to replace Trotter Jr. Former 5-star linebacker recruit Sammy Brown is also expected to be in the mix. If Clemson wants to make it back to the College Football Playoffs this season, a talented linebacker team will help.