Indiana Hoosiers defensive stars and All-Americans Mikail Kamara and D'Angelo Ponds were recently ranked No. 8 and 7 overall on the "Top 10 Big Ten Defensive Players for 2025" according to Christopher Sheppard of the Nittany Lions Wire at USA Today
Indiana's other All-American defender Aiden Fisher was snubbed from the ranked as he was not listed.
8. Mikail Kamara, Indiana
"Forgoing the NFL Draft for another year with Curt Cignetti, the breakout defensive player of last year is back and ready for more. Kamara's 28 combined sacks and hits were third best in the nation, proving his physicality and ability to bend the edge. NFL scouts will be chomping at the bit next year for his services and whoever does come away with him could be getting a huge steal. Look for Kamara to lead a defense that returns several members from last season, including another player on this list." - Christopher Sheppard
Kamara was named an AP Third-Team All-American and First-Team All-Big Ten in his first season with Indiana after transferring from James Madison. he had 47 tackles, 15 tackles for loss and 10 sacks this season.
7. D'Angelo Ponds, Indiana
"What Mikail Kamara does for the Indiana front seven, so does D'angelo Ponds on the back end. His exceptional speed after being a star track athlete in high school shows up on tape and his fluid ball skidss have led to big moments, including against Washington where he returned an interception for 67 yards and a touchdown on the first play of the game. In his junior season, Ponds will not only continue to improve his overall game, but prove to NFL scouts why he is truly an elite corner in the Big Ten." - Christopher Sheppard
Cornerback D’Angelo Ponds had 55 tackles with 4.5 tackles for loss. The rising junior also grabbed three interceptions and broke up nine passes in 12 starts.
The full top ten defensive player rankings include:
10. Xavier Nwankpa, Iowa, DB
9. Kamari Ramsey, USC, DB
8. Mikail Kamara, Indiana, EDGE
7. D'Angelo Ponds, Indiana, DB
6. Gabe Jacas, Illinois, LB
5. Matayo Uiagelelei, Oregon
4. Zane Durant, Penn State, LB
3. Dillon Thieneman, Oregon, DB
2. Caleb Downs, Ohio State, DB
1. Dani Dennis-Sutton, Penn State, LB