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The 2024 college football season is in full swing as the calendar is set to turn for Week 4. There have been multiple shocking upsets in the early stages of the season leading to a shakeup in the AP Top 25 Poll rankings.
There have, however, been several defenses that have continued to stand out as elite units.
Here's a closer look at five defenses that have played the best thus far and should continue to do so in Week 4.
Top 5 defensive units in college football entering Week 4
#1. Georgia Bulldogs
The No. 2 Georgia Bulldogs have been dominant on the defensive end through three games – the first of which was a matchup with the then-No. 14 Clemson Tigers. They have allowed just 6.0 points per game and 202.0 yards per game.
The Bulldogs are fourth in the nation in scoring defense and eighth in yards allowed per game. They have a bye in Week 4.
#2: Ohio State Buckeyes
The No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes have also been elite defensively to start the season. They are tied for first in scoring defense while leading the nation in yards allowed per game, as their opponents have averaged just 3.0 ppg and 138.0 ypg. Ohio State will host the Marshall Thundering Herd in Week 4.
#3: Ole Miss Rebels
The No. 5 Ole Miss Rebels rank tied for first in scoring defense and 22nd in yards allowed per game. Ole Miss has allowed just 3.0 ppg and 253.7 ypg as they have continued to thrive on that end. The Rebels host the Georgia Southern Eagles in Week 4.
#4: Tennessee Volunteers
The No. 6 Tennessee Volunteers have been great defensively to open the season. They have held their opponents to 4.3 ppg and 160.7 ypg. Those marks rank third and second in all of college football, respectively. The Volunteers will have a tall task as they visit the No. 15 Oklahoma Sooners on Saturday.
#5: Missouri Tigers
The No. 7 Missouri Tigers allowed just 7.0 ppg and 184.0 ypg this season, ranking tied for ninth and fourth, respectively. The Tigers will host the Vanderbilt Commodores in Week 4.
