AAC: Memphis Tigers

There are several deserving teams to consider. Tulane has a veteran unit, while Rice is a sneaky contender, particularly if we had included edge-rusher or hybrid safety as part of the linebackers.

Memphis, though, returns first-team All-AAC player Chandler Martin with a slew of transfers. Elijah Herring led Tennessee in tackles last year, Javante Mackey had 84 at Arkansas State, and the Tigers added lower-division standouts Matt Hudson and Jayden Flaker.

C-USA: Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders

Rarely can a defense lose three key linebackers and still feel so confident in a returning group. Such is life for Middle Tennessee, which has plenty of experience sticking around.

Parker Hughes notched 53 stops in 2023, while Devyn Curtis tallied 45, with Drew Francis at 43. Throw in Jalen Davis and his 22 tackles, and the Blue Raiders will be sturdy at the second level. Given the near-total rebuild on the defensive front, that may be critical, too.

MAC: Buffalo Bulls

Had I written this piece in April, there's a good chance Miami would have been the choice. After spring practice, though, Buffalo received a boost with star linebacker Shaun Dolac returning to the program.

Dolac, who missed most of the 2023 season, transferred to Utah State but decided to leave in May. He bolsters a group that leaned on Red Murdock last year. Murdock stepped in for the injured Dolac and posted 60 tackles with 9.5 for loss.

They will play significant snaps, but Dion Crawford is a good third option after he recorded 31 tackles as a freshman.