The Big Ten has some straight-up nasty defensive ends ready to break out in 2023 and it was hard to narrow down this talented group to just three guys, but while I was doing my rankings I did notice that the top four studs are from two schools.
The gap between the top four and the rest is rather large but that’s not an insult all three players on the below list are potential first-round picks or All-Americans. The top of the list features two Buckeyes, which should be surprising to no one, but let’s dive into the bets defensive ends in the Big Ten.
3
Chop Robinson, Penn State
Why the Pick
Chop Robinson had an extremely productive 2022 season with 5.5 sacks and ten tackles for loss in his first season at Penn State after transferring from Maryland and those numbers should improve in 2023.
Chop Robinson 2022 season highlights#WeAre | @chopyoungbull pic.twitter.com/JUDjgvAjR9
— White Out Weekly (@whiteoutweekly) March 24, 2023
2
Jack Sawyer, Ohio State
Why the Pick
Jack Sawyer has 7.5 career sacks at Ohio State, but there is a high likelihood that he surpasses that number in just 2023 alone. Sawyer has unique versatility and works better in space than most ends.
Jack Sawyer with the big SACK! pic.twitter.com/fFGXry9Tge
— The Buckeye Nut (@TheBuckeyeNut) November 12, 2022
1
J.T. Tuimoloau, Ohio State
Why the Pick
J.T. Tuimoloau is an elite defensive end prospect with the upside to become an All-American, but he has to reach that potential in 2023. With only seven sacks in two seasons for the Buckeyes, big things are needed from him in 2023.
J.T. Tuimoloau had one of the best defensive performances in Ohio State history.pic.twitter.com/cklFjGjnon
— Mr. Ohio (@MrOH1O) October 30, 2022