Tackles leader: Taurean York, Texas A&M
York is a tackling machine that is looking to have his biggest season yet in 2025. Even as a freshman, York was a starter thanks to his impeccable instincts and prodigious preparation, meaning that he will be going into his third year of experience as a starting linebacker in the SEC.
There are some other obvious names here that will challenge York for this title, like Whit Weeks from LSU, but I really think York is set to break out this year. As I mentioned, he has a nose for the football and is always in on whatever play is being made on the defensive end, whether run or pass.
York is not the archetype of a twitched-up, fly-all-over-the-field linebacker, which explains why he was lower-rated out of high school, but that makes his presence in every play that much more impressive. Make no mistake— it's the result of hours of preparation and commitment in the weight room and film room that makes York the player he is.
Pro Football Focus and other outlets have projected high NFL draft stock for York, but that is likely contingent on having a big year in 2025. I think we see that out of him, and that he has a real shot at this title.