FCS Football: Top-15 Defenses In The Past 15 Seasons (2009-23)

Using the measure of Total Defensive Rating (TDR), we take a look at the best defenses over the past 15 seasons at the FCS level

To shine a light on the direction and excellence in the modern era of FCS football, I wanted to look at the top individual offenses and defenses during the past 15 seasons (2009-23).

The question remains. How do we determine which defenses were the best over the past 15 seasons?

We could not create a subjective list of the best FCS defenses over the past 15 seasons. Every individual will have their own criteria and style preferences. Our goal was to create a measure to make this list as objective as possible, not solely personal opinion.

Simple statistics, such as points or yards per game, are not enough due to the differences in tempo as the college game continues to evolve. We utilized yards per play allowed (YPP), which allows comparisons to be made about the effectiveness of a defense regardless of the style of offense that opponents run. We also added strength of schedule (SOS) to our model due to the large variations in competition. Some defenses allow opposing offenses to move the ball down the field but prevent opponents from scoring in the red zone, so we also included red zone touchdown percentage in the model.

To summarize: For this exercise, I used YPP, SOS, and Redzone TD PCT to create a Total Defensive Rating (TDR). The best defenses will have the lowest TDR scores. I applied these three factors to all the top FCS defenses of the last 15 seasons (2009 -23), and then we ranked the top 15 units.

For clarification, being on this list does not mean these were the best overall teams in the last 15 seasons. As you will see from the list, to make deep playoff runs, a team needs great offense, defense, coaching, and many other factors to be a true national title contender each season.

* Yards Per Play and Redzone TD Percentage data were compiled from the NCAA
* Strength of Schedule (SOS) data is sourced from the Massey Ratings
* The model did include teams that have since transitioned to the FBS
* Yards Per Play (YPP) was used to determine tiebreakers in the list below

Honorable Mentions

During the study, 100 teams from 2009-2023 made the first cutoff. The following programs had more than two seasons in the Top 100 from the last 15 seasons.

North Dakota State: 7 teams
James Madison: 5 teams
South Dakota State: 5 teams
South Carolina State: 5 teams
Northern Iowa: 4 teams
Jackson State: 4 teams
Montana: 4 Teams
Jacksonville State: 3 teams
Villanova: 3 Teams
Delaware: 3 Teams
Penn: 3 Teams

The top Ivy League defensive season was 2021 Harvard with an overall ranking of No. 17. 2010 South Carolina State was the highest-ranked HBCU defensive season at No. 28 overall. 

The defensive seasons that just missed the cut were (Rankings 16-20):

No. 16: 2019 South Dakota State
No. 17: 2021 Harvard
No. 18: 2022 Weber State
No. 19: 2021 Weber State
No. 20: 2018 Illinois State

No. 15: 2023 Southern Illinois (TDR: 3.25)

Dec 2, 2023; Moscow, ID, USA; Southern Illinois Salukis cornerback Mark Davis (17) reacts after being called for pass interference during a game against the Idaho Vandals in the second half at Kibble Dome. Idaho won 20-17 in OT / © James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

The 2023 Southern Illinois defense relied on a speedy, aggressive style led by athletes at linebacker and safety to overwhelm opposing offenses. The Salukis held opposing offenses to 4.45 yards per play and only 2.8 yards per carry. Two of the most impressive performances of the season were holding South Dakota State’s offense to only 17 points and another high-powered Idaho offensive attack to 20 points. 

The Salukis finished the season with 95 tackles for loss, led by All-American safety PJ Jules. Jules made a massive impact from his hybrid safety position. Jules recorded 111 total tackles with 11 pass breakups. Some other notable contributors were linebackers Branson Combs (86 Tackles), Dune Smith (64 Tackles, 9 TFLs), defensive lineman Tim Varga (46 Tackles, 5 Sacks), and cornerback DJ Johnson (3 INTs, 10 PBUs). Offensive struggles against elite teams prevented this team from reaching its full potential. Southern Illinois ended the season with an overtime playoff loss to Idaho in the second round, finishing the year at 8-5.

No. 14: 2019 North Dakota State (TDR: 3.24)

Jan 11, 2020; Frisco, Texas, USA; James Madison Dukes running back Percy Agyei-Obese (31) is tackled by North Dakota State Bison linebacker Aaron Mercadel (55) in the first quarter at Toyota Stadium / © Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

This is one of only two teams that earned a Top 15 spot in both the offensive and defensive rankings. There is no surprise that the 2019 North Dakota State team finished the season 16-0. The Bison held opponents to 4.53 yards per play and only 12.3 points per game. North Dakota State allowed a touchdown on only 38% of red zone trips, the second-best of all the teams in our analysis.

North Dakota State finished the season with 44 sacks, led by defensive lineman Derrek Tuszka (13.5 Sacks, 19 TFLs). The Bison were also led by linebackers Jackson Hankey and Jabril Cox, who added 219 total tackles and 18.5 tackles for loss. Despite the dominance from the front seven, the Bison secondary may have been the bright spot this season. The secondary recorded 17 interceptions and held opposing quarterbacks to a 56% completion percentage. North Dakota State finished the season by beating James Madison, 28-20, in the FCS National Championship game, in which the Bison defense recorded three sacks and eight tackles for loss.

No. 13: 2013 North Dakota State (TDR: 3.23)

Jan 4, 2014; Frisco, TX, USA; Towson Tigers running back Darius Victor (27) is tackled by North Dakota State Bison linebacker Travis Beck (52) and his teammates in the first quarter at Toyota Stadium / © Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Another undefeated North Dakota State team makes the list as the 2013 Bison defense held opponents to 4.2 yards per play and 11.3 points per game. This team suffocated almost every offense it faced, including defending Big 12 champion Kansas State. After a 24-23 win over Northern Iowa, North Dakota State only allowed over 14 points twice over the remaining 10 games. This includes the 35-7 national championship win over Towson. The closest game the Bison had in that span was an 18-point win against Youngstown State ahead of the playoffs. The Bison suffocated opponents as North Dakota State only allowed 2.9 yards per carry and seven rushing touchdowns over 15 games.

This defense finished the season with 44 sacks and 17 interceptions. Defensive end Kyle Emanuel led the Bison with 7.5 sacks and 10 TFLs, but this defense had plenty of significant contributors. Seven different Bison defenders finished the season with 3 or more sacks. Safety Christian Dudzik led the secondary with six interceptions, while cornerback CJ Smith also recorded three interceptions with 15 pass breakups. The only factor that limited this defense from making the Top 10 was that opponents scored on 44% of red zone trips.

No. 12: 2019 Northern Iowa (TDR: 3.21)

Northern Iowa's Chris Kolarevic (48) runs after SDSU's Keaton Heide (13) during a Missouri Valley Football Conference game on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019, at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium in Brookings, S.D.  :: © Abigail Dollins / Argus Leader, Sioux Falls Argus Leader via Imagn Content Services, LLC

The 2019 Northern Iowa defense allowed 4.42 yards per play and only 2.8 yards per carry. This defense was key to leading the Panthers in an overtime battle against No. 21 Iowa State and an impressive 13-10 upset win over South Dakota State in the second round of the FCS playoffs. The win over the Jackrabbits avenged a regular season loss to South Dakota State on Nov. 16. The only team to dominate this defense was North Dakota State, which was led by quarterback Trey Lance in a 46-14 win.

The Panthers were led by linebacker Bryce Flater with 143 total tackles and eight tackles for loss. Safety Christian Jegen was one of the best players on this defense with 108 total tackles, four interceptions, and 10 pass breakups. Defensive Lineman Elerson Smith recorded 14 sacks and 21.5 tackles for loss. Despite a loss, Northern Iowa's defense held James Madison to only 17 points in the quarterfinals. The offense struggled in key games, which plagued the Panthers throughout the season as Northern Iowa finished 10-5.

No. 11: 2022 South Dakota State (TDR: 3.20)

South Dakota State players swarm Delaware's Brett Buckman to tackle him in an FCS playoff game on December 3, 2022, at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium in Brookings :: © Erin Woodiel / Argus Leader / USA TODAY NETWORK

The run of Missouri Valley teams continues with the 2022 South Dakota State defense. The Jackrabbits won the first FCS National Championship in school history. South Dakota State allowed 4.63 yards per play and an impressive red zone touchdown percentage of 46%. The Jackrabbits also played the toughest Massey strength of schedule of any team that made the preliminary list.

Defensive linemen Caleb Sanders and Reece Winkelman were the stars of this defense, combining for 14.5 sacks and 25 tackles for loss. The Jackrabbits also featured All-American linebacker Adam Bock. South Dakota State stifled an explosive Montana State offense in the semifinals, holding the Bobcats to only 18 points. The Jackrabbits finished the season with an impressive win over North Dakota State in the FCS National Championship. 

No. 10: 2020-21 South Dakota State (TDR: 3.19)

South Dakota State's Caleb Sanders reaches toward Delaware quarterback Nolan Henderson in the FCS semifinals on Saturday, May 8, 2021, at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium in Brookings :: © Erin Bormett / Argus Leader via Imagn Content Services, LLC

Another South Dakota State defense makes the list as the 2020-21 defense held opponents to 4.4 yards per play and 3.2 yards per carry. Only three teams scored 20 or more points against this defense, which was a key factor in South Dakota State making a run to the national championship. South Dakota State only played two opponents outside the MVFC and held both to only three points.

Linebacker Adam Bock led the Jackrabbits with 74 total tackles, while safety Josh Manchigiah led the team with four interceptions. The Jackrabbits defense led this team to the FCS National Championship game but fell short in a 23-21 loss to Sam Houston State. The shining moment for this defense was holding North Dakota State to only 4.6 yards per play and 2.6 yards per carry in a 27-17 win over the Bison.

No. 9: 2021 Villanova (TDR: 3.18)

Delaware quarterback Anthony Paoletti gets an extra twist after a tackle from Villanova's Jalen Goodman in the fourth quarter of the Blue Hens' 21-13 loss at Delaware Stadium, Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021 :: © William Bretzger / Delaware News Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK

The streak of MVFC defenses ends as 2021 Villanova puts the CAA on the list. The Wildcats held opponents to 4.28 yards per play and only 5.5 yards per passing attempt. Villanova won the CAA championship and held five conference opponents to 14 points or less. The Wildcats were dominant in a 28-27 upset win over No. 3 James Madison, holding the Dukes to only 3.9 yards per play.

Linebacker Forrest Rhyne led the Wildcats defense with 152 total tackles, 8.5 TFLs, and 4.5 sacks. Defensive back Christian Benford recorded seven interceptions and 18 pass breakups, earning consensus first-team FCS All-American honors. The Wildcats defeated Holy Cross in the second round of the FCS Playoffs but ended the season at 10-3 after a loss against South Dakota State in the quarterfinals.

No. 8: 2017 North Dakota State (TDR: 3.13)

Jan 6, 2018; Frisco, TX, USA; North Dakota State Bison linebacker Jabril Cox (42) returns a fumble in the second quarter against the James Madison Dukes at Toyota Stadium.  / © Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

The third North Dakota State defense makes the list as the 2017 Bison defense held opponents to 4.1 yards per play. The Bison only allowed 11.6 points per game, holding opponents to under 14 points in all four playoff games. North Dakota State also held eight opponents to under 100 yards rushing, finishing the season with 2.9 yards per carry allowed.

Linebacker Jabril Cox led the Bison defense with 75 total tackles and 13 TFLs, while All-American linebacker Nick DeLuca contributed 74 total tackles and 6.5 sacks. Safety Tre Dempsey led the Bison secondary with six interceptions and 11 pass breakups. The Bison held James Madison to only 3.9 yards per play and forced three turnovers in a 17-13 win in the FCS National Championship game.

No. 7: 2017 Jacksonville State (TDR: 3.12)

Oct. 14, 2017; Jacksonville State defensive end Darius Jackson (40) celebrates with linebacker Quan Stoudemire (35) against Eastern Kentucky / Jacksonville State Athletics

The 2017 Jacksonville State defense suffocated offenses, allowing only 3.84 yards per play which ranks No. 2 among all teams over the past 15 seasons. The Gamecocks held opponents to 2.3 yards per carry and only allowed seven rushing touchdowns over 12 games. Jacksonville State's strength of schedule is the lowest of all the teams in the Top 15, which prevented the Gamecocks from making the top five in this list. 

Safety Jonathan Hagler led the Gamecock defense with 83 total tackles and 11.5 TFLs, while defensive end Darius Jackson added 20.5 tackles for loss and seven sacks. The Gamecocks offense struggled against quality opponents, which led to a shocking upset loss against Kennesaw State in the second round of the FCS Playoffs. Jacksonville State still finished the season 10-1 against the FCS, winning nine of those games by 10 points or more.

No. 6: 2021 James Madison (TDR: 3.10)

James Madison's MJ Hampton (right) is the center of celebration after intercepting a pass in the first quarter at Delaware Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021 :: © William Bretzger / USA TODAY NETWORK

The 2021 James Madison defense held opponents to only 4.35 YPP and 15 points per game. The Dukes had one of the toughest strength of schedule ratings, finishing the season with six ranked wins. James Madison dominated an explosive Southeastern Louisiana offense, led by Walter Payton winner Cole Kelley, in the second round of the FCS Playoffs. The Dukes followed that performance by holding Montana to only six points in the quarterfinals.

All-American defensive end Bryce Carter had an impressive season with 21 TFLs and nine sacks. James Madison linebacker Diamonte Tucker-Dorsey led the Dukes with 116 total tackles, nine tackles for loss, and four interceptions. This team fell short in a 20-14 loss to North Dakota State in the semifinals of the FCS Playoffs. Despite the loss, the Dukes held the Bison to only four yards per carry and less than 350 total yards. 

No. 5: 2018 Colgate (TDR: 3.04)

Sept. 1, 2018; Colgate linebacker John Steffen returns a fumble against Holy Cross / Rich Barnes (Colgate Athletics)

One of the most surprising additions to this list, the 2018 Colgate defense held opponents to 3.9 yards per play and only 9.3 points per game. The Raiders finished the season with five shutout wins and held eight opponents under 10 points. Skeptics will point to the Patriot League schedule as the weakness of Colgate's resume, but the Raiders finished the regular season undefeated against FCS opponents. The Raiders defeated two CAA teams, holding both to three points or less, and defeated James Madison in the second round of the FCS Playoffs.

Linebacker TJ Holl recorded 121 total tackles and 17 tackles for loss, earning FCS All-American honors. Defensive back Tyler Castillo led the Raiders with six interceptions and seven pass breakups. The secondary only allowed five passing touchdowns while forcing 15 interceptions over 12 games. Colgate lost to North Dakota State in the quarterfinals of the FCS Playoffs, which was the only FCS loss for the Raiders.

No. 4: 2023 South Dakota State (TDR: 3.05)

South Dakota State football players try to tackle a Montana State player at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium in Brookings, South Dakota on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023 :: © Samantha Laurey / Argus Leader / USA TODAY NETWORK

Another appearance for the Jackrabbits as the 2023 South Dakota State team is one of only two teams that earned Top 15 rankings for both offensive and defensive ratings. The Jackrabbits allowed 4.44 yards per play, but this defense was special in the red zone. South Dakota State only allowed opponents to score on 29% of red zone opportunities, which is the lowest percentage in the past 15 seasons by almost 10%. 

This defense had plenty of notable contributors at all three levels, including five players who earned FCS All-American honors. Linebacker Jason Freeman led the team with 105 total tackles, while safety Tucker Large finished the season with four interceptions and nine pass breakups. This defense only allowed 15 points over four playoff games as the Jackrabbits finished the season at 15-0 and won the second FCS national title in school history.

No. 3: 2009 William and Mary (TDR: 2.98)

Redshirt freshman cornerback B.W. Webb intercepted three passes, including a 50-yard pick-six late in the fourth quarter, as the 14th-ranked William and Mary football team earned a 26-14 victory at Virginia in the season opener on Saturday evening / Bob Keroack (William & Mary Athletics)

Another CAA defense makes an appearance as the 2009 William & Mary defense held opponents to only 3.8 yards per play, which is the lowest average among all teams on the list. The Tribe opened the season with a huge FBS upset over Virginia, holding the Cavaliers to only 14 points. William & Mary held opponents to 12 points per game and only allowed 17 points over three FCS Playoff games.

Defensive lineman Adrian Tracy had an excellent season with 22 tackles for loss and 12 sacks, while linebacker Jake Trantin led the Tribe with 90 total tackles and 10 tackles for loss. The Tribe made a run to the semifinals of the FCS Playoffs but fell short against No. 2 Villanova in a 14-13 loss. The defense held the Wildcats to only 267 yards of total offense in the loss. 

No. 2: 2021 North Dakota State (TDR: 2.96)

Jan 8, 2022; Frisco, TX, USA; The North Dakota State Bison celebrate an interception by safety Dawson Weber (2) against the Montana State Bobcats during the first half of the FCS Championship at Toyota Stadium / © Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Another North Dakota State national championship team makes an appearance on the list. The Bison held opponents to only 4.43 yards per play and 264.7 yards per game. An extremely difficult strength of schedule helped vault this Bison defense into the No. 2 spot on this list. The Bison held four consecutive playoff opponents to 14 points or less on the way to another FCS national title.

North Dakota State finished the season with 49 sacks and only allowed 11.1 points per game. Defensive lineman Brayden Thomas led the Bison with 14.5 tackles for loss and nine sacks. Safety Dawson Weber had an outstanding season with four interceptions and eight pass breakups. The Bison had an impressive performance against ETSU in the quarterfinals of the FCS Playoffs, holding the Buccaneers to only 2.8 yards per play. North Dakota State ended the season with another dominant win over Montana State in the FCS National Championship game.

No. 1: 2017 James Madison (TDR: 2.83)

Jan 6, 2018; Frisco, TX, USA; James Madison Dukes defensive lineman Darrious Carter (47) celebrates a sack against North Dakota State Bison quarterback Easton Stick (12) in the first quarter at Toyota Stadium / © Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

The 2017 James Madison defense is the highest-rated FCS defense of the past 15 seasons. Despite not winning the FCS National Championship, the Dukes held opponents to only 3.85 yards per play. James Madison only allowed 11.1 points per game and held 14 of 15 opponents to under 14 points or less. The Dukes finished the season with 51 sacks and forced 44 turnovers, including 31 interceptions over 15 games. 

Linebacker Kyre Hawkins led the Dukes with 111 total tackles, 14 tackles for loss, and seven sacks. Safety Jordan Brown was a key piece in the secondary with nine interceptions, while cornerback Jimmy Moreland contributed eight interceptions and 14 pass breakups. Four different players finished the game with 12.5 tackles for loss or more, led by Andrew Ankrah with 15.5 TFLs. 

In the FCS Championship game, the Dukes held North Dakota State to 2.8 yards per carry and only 3.8 yards per play. Two crucial offensive turnovers potentially cost the Dukes a national title, but this defense will be remembered as one of the best in FCS history. 

FCS Football: Top-15 Offenses In The Past 15 Seasons (2009-23)