Defensive Line: Ben Bell, Kelvin Gilliam, Kemari Copeland, James Djonkam, Emmett Laws, Kody Huisman, Keyshawn Burgos, Aycen Stevens, Elhadj Fall
This is a position grouping that lost some talent to the NFL in Antwaun Powell-Ryland and Aeneas Peebles, but they do return some players who played last season, as well as some very interesting transfers.
Back is Kelvin Gilliam, who came over from Oklahoma in December of 2023 and Kemari Copeland is returning after suffering a season-ending injury early in 2024. Emmett Laws should push for some playing time, but the Transfer Portal has added some pieces that could be big addiitons when all is said and done.
Ben Bell is an edge rusher who could cause problems for other teams, while James Djonkam is a wild card. Keyshawn Burgos is a veteran who will play some valuable minutes this fall.
Bell has the potential to make plays, and Djonkam is a graduate transfer from Eastern Michigan who is looking to prove that he can make an impact in a Power 4 conference before he graduates. All of this could end up pointing to a unit that, when healthy, can be underrated, but it may take some lumps early in the season.