ESPN asked their reporters to rank their top ten pass rushers of College Football for the 2024 season. The reporters asked to rank the pass rushers using a point system to vote. The results include a list of various players with varying backgrounds, strengths, and weaknesses.
The players that the reporters concluded are the top pass rushers for 2024 are James Pearce Jr., Ashton Gillotte, Trey Moore, Jack Sawyer, Rueben Bain Jr., Kaimon Rucker, Harold Perkins, JT Tuimoloau, Princely Umanmieline, Antwaun Powell-Ryland.
ESPN’s Top College Football Pass Rushers
It’s no surprise that James Pearce, Jr. was ranked as number one of the top pass rushers by ESPN. With an impressive 10 sacks, 14.5 loss, and two forced fumbles, it’s easy to see how he became ranked seventh nationally. Pearce Jr. was able to bring down the quarterback in eight out of 13 games. While his stats speak for themselves, so does being voted highest-graded SEC defensive lineman by Pro Football Focus.
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Ashton Gillotte provides Louisville with a “steady upward trajectory” since his freshman year and there’s no stopping him now.
Gillotte earned the number two pass-rushing ranking because of his successful history with the Louisville Cardinals. He started 26 games in the past two seasons. His impressive sack total secured him being ranked No. 10 nationally.
Last year Gillotte was shining when he made 14.5 tackles for loss and an impressive 11 sacks. Gillotte earned first-team All-ACC honors and was a second-team Walter Camp All-American. From his performance and strong stats, it is clear as to why he is a top pass rusher.
Next in the rank of top pass-rushing players is Trey Moore out of Texas. Moore is an impressive player with his ability to stand out among major players with his elite pass-rushing skills and his sack record. In 2023 he has 14 sacks and 17.5 tackles for loss.
Additionally, He has previously earned conference Defensive Player of the Year. Texas has not had a player that could reach 13 sacks since Jackson Jeffcoat in 2013. Moore now has the space to grow his defensive skills while using his well-established talent for Texas.
Next in the ranking is Ohio State’s Jack Sawyer. Sawyer, with a 6’4″ stature and 265 lb weight, was the number-one rated prospect by ESPN. Sawyer has racked up eight tackles and 5.5 sacks. What makes him a top pass rusher is his versatility in positions and ability to “burst” using his size power, and skill.
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Fifth on the list is Rueben Bain Jr.
Bain started the 2023 season holding nothing back. He was able to rack up 7.5 sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss. Bain also successfully achieved four quarterback hurries and 31 pressures.
As Bain continues to play with the same force he brought in the 2023 season, the 2024 season could lead him to the league’s Defensive Rookie of the Year.
The rest of the list is as follows, Kaimon Rucker, Harold Perkins, JT Tuimoloau, Princely Umanmieline, Antwaun Powell-Ryland. The top five of the pass rushers ESPN ranking demonstrate dynamic skills on the field that allow them to use their power and ability to read the field to make the sacks and tackles happen.
