Smothering Defenses: A Calling Card for Texas; Other Teams Left in the CFP
The college football landscape in 2025 has become more competitive than ever, and the College Football Playoff (CFP) race has only intensified the spotlight on teams with stellar defenses. As the playoffs near their conclusion, Texas has emerged as a frontrunner, thanks to their elite defense—a calling card that has become synonymous with their success this season. However, the Longhorns are not the only team with a defense that has been a game-changer. Other teams still in the CFP, like Georgia, Michigan, and Ohio State, are also proving that smothering defenses are the key to postseason success.
This article will explore how Texas’ defense has been a defining characteristic of their 2025 season, examine the importance of defense in the CFP, and analyze the other teams that have positioned themselves as formidable contenders through their defensive prowess.
Texas: The Pinnacle of Smothering Defense
At the heart of Texas’ dominant season in 2025 is a defense that can completely shut down opposing offenses. Throughout the regular season, Texas made a statement with their suffocating defensive strategy. With defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski at the helm, the Longhorns’ defense has been a cohesive, well-coached unit that has been the backbone of their success.
The defense has been built on speed, physicality, and relentless pursuit. Led by standout players like linebacker Jaylen Ford, cornerback Terrence Brooks, and defensive tackle Byron Murphy II, Texas has created a defense that forces turnovers, disrupts the rhythm of opposing quarterbacks, and stifles rushing attacks. The defensive line has consistently applied pressure, and their secondary is one of the most opportunistic in the nation, routinely turning passes into interceptions.
One of the hallmarks of Texas’ defense is its ability to stop the run. Throughout the season, they limited opponents to under 100 rushing yards per game in several matchups. This physical front seven, which includes powerful defensive linemen and speedy linebackers, has been the cornerstone of Texas’ ability to dominate in the trenches. By controlling the line of scrimmage and neutralizing opponents’ rushing games, the Longhorns’ defense forces offenses to rely on the pass, which plays into the hands of their aggressive secondary.
But it isn’t just about stopping the run; Texas has excelled in coverage as well. The Longhorns’ defensive backs are among the nation’s best, as they can lock down wide receivers, providing their pass rush with enough time to wreak havoc in the pocket. The combination of solid coverage and relentless pass-rushing ability makes it nearly impossible for quarterbacks to find comfort, even against some of the nation’s top offenses.
In several of Texas’ signature victories this season, their defense has been the difference-maker. In their regular-season finale against archrival Texas A&M, the defense held the Aggies to just 10 points. The defensive line sacked Texas A&M’s quarterback four times, and the secondary intercepted two passes. This win propelled the Longhorns into the CFP with one of the most vaunted defenses in the country.
The Role of Defense in the CFP Race
The College Football Playoff is all about showcasing the best of the best in college football, and the teams that make it to this stage are typically well-rounded, with offensive and defensive units that are in peak form. But when you analyze the success of these teams, one thing becomes abundantly clear: defense is a crucial differentiator.
In the high-pressure environment of the CFP, where every play matters, offenses are often going to face stiffer competition. A smothering defense can be the difference between a team advancing to the national championship game or heading home early. In fact, many of the most successful teams in recent CFP history have relied on strong defensive play to secure their spots in the final four.
Defense matters in the CFP not just for the ability to shut down high-powered offenses but for its mental and emotional impact on a game. A defense that plays with tenacity and physicality can intimidate opposing players, forcing them into mistakes or limiting their opportunities to make big plays. With only a limited number of possessions in a game, defenses that are capable of forcing turnovers, creating negative plays, and holding strong in critical moments are invaluable.
This season, the four teams that stand out in the CFP all have one thing in common: suffocating defenses. For Texas, it is the calling card that has taken them this far. But they are not alone in building their CFP hopes on a rock-solid defensive foundation.
Georgia: Dominating with Depth and Skill
Georgia, under head coach Kirby Smart, has long been known for its hard-hitting defenses, and the 2025 edition is no different. In fact, many analysts believe that the Bulldogs possess one of the deepest and most talented defensive rosters in college football.
Georgia’s defense is built on versatility. From defensive linemen that can dominate the point of attack to linebackers capable of covering ground sideline-to-sideline, the Bulldogs’ defense is a nightmare for opposing offenses. The defense also thrives on its ability to control the line of scrimmage, as defensive tackle Jalen Carter has been a disruptive force all season long.
The secondary for Georgia is equally impressive, with cornerbacks who excel in man-to-man coverage and safeties who can patrol the middle of the field, preventing deep passes. Georgia’s defensive line and linebackers, like Jalon Walker and Smael Mondon, have proven adept at stopping both the run and the pass, making it difficult for teams to find any weaknesses in their defense.
Georgia’s defense has been especially effective against high-powered offenses, which makes them a dangerous opponent in the CFP. Against teams that like to air the ball out, the Bulldogs have been able to use their pressure and physicality to stifle quarterbacks’ rhythm.
Michigan: The “Blitz Brothers” Strike Again
Michigan has long had a tradition of hard-nosed defense, but the 2025 version of the Wolverines might just be their most formidable yet. Under defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, Michigan has developed one of the most aggressive, blitz-heavy defenses in college football. The Wolverines pride themselves on creating pressure, and they do so at an elite level.
Michigan’s defensive line is filled with NFL-caliber talent, led by standout pass-rushers like Aidan Hutchinson, who has terrorized opposing quarterbacks all season long. But what sets Michigan apart is its ability to mix up defensive looks, creating confusion for quarterbacks. With linebackers like Junior Colson blitzing from every angle, Michigan forces offenses to constantly adjust, leading to mistakes and turnovers.
Additionally, Michigan’s secondary has been exceptional, with cornerbacks who excel in both man and zone coverage. Their ability to lock down receivers in one-on-one situations allows Michigan to send extra players after the quarterback, creating chaos in the backfield. This combination of defensive line pressure, linebacker blitzes, and tight coverage has made Michigan one of the most feared defenses in the nation.
Ohio State: Stifling Offenses with Precision
The Ohio State Buckeyes have been a perennial powerhouse in college football, and a large part of their success can be attributed to their defense. Led by defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, Ohio State has embraced a more aggressive defensive philosophy, and the results have been evident.
The Buckeyes’ defense is fast, physical, and disciplined. Their defensive line is capable of disrupting the run game and creating havoc in the backfield, while their linebackers excel at coverage and stopping the run. Ohio State has one of the most opportunistic secondaries in the nation, regularly coming up with key turnovers and making life difficult for opposing quarterbacks.
Ohio State’s defense has been particularly effective in high-pressure games, where it has been able to neutralize potent offenses. Their ability to take away the deep ball and limit explosive plays has been a key factor in their success. In fact, several games this season saw Ohio State’s defense force turnovers in critical moments, ultimately swinging the momentum in their favor.
