Returning all-conference linebacker Zaven Collins leads a Tulsa defense that showed steady improvement each of the last two seasons and comes into the 2020 season with only 4 returning starters but also returns seven players who have combined to start another 51 games.
Tulsa's athleticism, speed and length is what Tulsa's Philip Montgomery likes for his defense. Since moving to the 3-3-5 scheme, the Tulsa defense has made tremendous improvement on the field. The Hurricane defense held the opposition to 394 yards per game last year, which was down 13 yards from a year earlier and 134 yards the opposition totaled in the 2017 season.