Coordinator Blake Baker led a defense that improved from one of the worst in FBS in 2021 into a top-20 unit by SP+. He was thanked for his efforts with a contract extension and a raise, and now he gets to lead his charges into year two with eight returning starters.
Because of how many impact players return, we can safely predict who will be starting at the two linebacker spots, the two defensive tackles, the two traditional safety spots, and both cornerbacks. But some rotation depth remain to be determined, as well as replacing program stalwarts Martez Manuel, Isaiah McGuire, and Trajan Jeffcoat.