Defense wins championships, especially in the SEC.

9 of the last 10 champions of the SEC had a Top 20 defense. On every SEC Championship winning defense during this era, there’s been some of the biggest stars that football has ever heard of: Jonathan Allen, Jalen Carter, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and many more.

This year will be no different: Walter Nolen, James Pearce Jr., Harold Perkins, and the rest of the best will highlight what should be a deep defensive class in the SEC that will make an immediate impact on Sunday afternoon. But we aren’t talking about individual defenders, we’re talking about an entire defense.

Who will be the best defense in the SEC in 2024? Will there be enough balance between them and the offensive side of the ball to claim an SEC championship and an automatic bid into the College Football Playoff?

Here are my picks for the top 5 defenses in the SEC.

5. Texas:

Notable players: Ethan Burke, Trey Moore, Anthony Hill Jr, Colin Simmons, Andrew Mukuba

Despite losing co-defensive coordinator Jeff Choate, nothing will change for Texas entering their first year in the SEC.

Their biggest strength would have to be in their front seven. They are loaded with talent, not only do you have a breakout star in Trey Moore and Ethan Burke on the defensive line, you also add former Polynesian Player of the Year watchlist defensive tackle, Tiaoalii Savea.

Their secondary is going to have a lot of experience with a continually improving Malik Muhammad, who could turn out to be the future leader of this D to pair alongside with Andrew Mukuba. 

4. Alabama

Notable players: Jehiem Oatis, Jihaad Campbell, Malachi Moore, Domani Jackson

Forty-seven. That’s the total number of players the Crimson Tide lost to graduation, the transfer portal, or the NFL draft. Plus the loss of Nick Saban hurts to go along with that.

But make no mistake, this is the same Alabama team that has had to replace stars in the past, only this time, it's with a new coach. Kalen DeBoer adds not one, not two, but three defensive coordinators in 2024.

The secondary might be the best place for Alabama to have the most production. Malachi Moore is the permanent captain of the defense since last year. He returns and should have his best season yet to go along with a young, yet promising Domani Jackson.

While he may not have played a ton at USC, he's a very dangerous corner who can be lethal against the run as well.

3. Missouri

Notable players: Toriano Pride Jr, Williams Nwaneri, Darris Smith, Corey Flagg

Corey Batoon inherits a defense that held a slightly depleted Ohio State offense to three points in the Cotton Bowl last year.

This Missouri defense was 8th in the nation in sacks per game. Despite losing Blake Baker to LSU and a hefty $2.5 million contract, this defense will be much better than last year.

Darris Smith is a perfect replacement for Darius Robinson, the all-SEC defensive lineman who should be a top draft pick in 2024. 

2. Ole Miss

Notable Players: Walter Nolen, Kam Franklin, Trey Amos, Princely Umanmielen, Kam Banks

This Ole Miss defense reminds me so much of 2014-15’ Ole Miss. Dave Wommack leading the way at DC, Robert Nkemdiche, Cody Prewitt, it's almost like their counterparts are in Oxford right now.

Walter Nolen could be the next Nkemdiche, except he’s bigger and is much more versatile than Robert ever was. Pete Golding will utilize Nolen at every defensive line position available, he can put him at nose and with his quickness, he can get off the ball quickly and the center has no chance unless the double team or block down on him.

If he lines up at a four tech head up on the tackle, he’s extremely powerful and strong enough to shed blockers and maintain outside containment to get tackles for loss if an offense dares to run his way.

The secondary is extremely experienced, led by Trey Amos, who should be the unquestioned leader of that position group. 

1. Georgia

Notable players: Ellis Robinson IV, Justin Williams, K.J. Bolden, Xzavier McLeod, Jalon Walker, Nazir Stackhouse, Mykel Williams, Smael Mondon Jr., Malaki Starks

There’s no doubt that despite over the last two seasons of unquestionable talent being lost to the NFL Draft and the transfer portal. That said, this Georgia Bulldogs team will continue to be the best defense in the SEC in 2024.

Malaki Starks is the best defensive back in the SEC and don’t be surprised if he wins the Jim Thorpe and Chuck Bednarik Award.

Nazir Stackhouse and Mykel Williams will combine as the next best duo on the defensive line in all of college football. Stackhouse has an opportunity to join great interior Georgia Bulldogs like Jordan Davis, Jalen Carter, and Geno Atkins.