Dominance Defined: Ranking the SEC’s Five Best Defenders After Week 2

 

The Southeastern Conference, in its ever-expanding glory, has once again established itself as the premier conference in college football. With 11 teams ranked in the AP Top 25 after a thrilling Week 2, the SEC’s dominance is undeniable. While the offensive fireworks have been plentiful, it’s the standout defensive performances that have truly captured the attention of fans and analysts alike. From game-sealing interceptions to bone-jarring sacks, a handful of defenders have separated themselves from the pack. Here are the five best defenders in the SEC after the second week of the 2025 season.

1. Jalon Kilgore, DB, South Carolina

Jalon Kilgore has cemented his status as the SEC’s premier ballhawk. The South Carolina defensive back, who tied for the conference lead with five interceptions in 2024, has been even more dominant to start the 2025 season. His stat line through two games is nothing short of incredible, and he is playing with the kind of poise and confidence that makes him a true game-changer. His ability to read opposing quarterbacks and make a play on the ball is second to none, and he’s not just a coverage specialist; he’s a clutch defender who has already made a number of plays that have swung the momentum in favor of the Gamecocks. Against a tough Week 1 opponent, he came up with a crucial interception that sealed the win.

2. Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas

The SEC’s newest member has a defender who is already at the top of the conference’s elite. Anthony Hill Jr., the highly-touted linebacker from Texas, has been an absolute force through the first two weeks. He is a modern-day linebacker—a fast, powerful player who can stop the run, rush the passer, and drop back into coverage with equal effectiveness. While the Longhorns suffered a tough loss to Ohio State, Hill Jr.’s performance was a major bright spot. He was flying all over the field, making tackles for loss and disrupting the Buckeyes’ rhythm. His ability to be a “three-down” player makes him incredibly valuable, and he is well on his way to cementing himself as one of the best linebackers in the nation.

3. Suntarine Perkins, LB, Ole Miss

Ole Miss may have lost a number of key defensive players to the NFL, but Suntarine Perkins has proven that the Rebels’ defense is still a force to be reckoned with. The dynamic linebacker has explosive burst and a motor that never quits. He has already racked up an impressive number of sacks and pressures, showcasing his ability to get into the backfield and disrupt the passing game. His performance against Oklahoma in Week 1 was a statement, and he has continued that high level of play in Week 2. He is the tone-setter for the Ole Miss defense, a player who can single-handedly change the momentum of a game with his disruptive play.

4. Whit Weeks, LB, LSU

Another talented linebacker on this list, Whit Weeks has been a stabilizing force for the LSU defense. He led the Tigers in tackles in 2024 and has picked up right where he left off. He is a tackling machine with a nose for the football, and his versatility allows him to make plays in every aspect of the game. He can make plays against the run, provide solid pass coverage, and even get to the quarterback on blitz packages. Weeks is a quiet leader who makes his presence felt on every snap. His consistent, high-level play is a major reason why LSU is a top-ranked team, and he is a rock that the defense is built around.

5. Dylan Stewart, EDGE, South Carolina

South Carolina has a second player on this list, and for good reason. Dylan Stewart, the sophomore edge rusher, is an absolute nightmare for opposing offensive lines. He has an elite combination of speed, power, and pass-rushing moves that make him incredibly difficult to block one-on-one. His stat sheet is impressive, and he has already proven that his strong freshman season was no fluke. He is a consistent threat to get to the quarterback, and his ability to generate pressure on every play makes him a huge asset to the Gamecocks’ defense. His presence on the field forces offenses to adjust their game plan, and he is a major reason why South Carolina has a top-ranked defense in the SEC.