ESPN released their top-10 defensive players heading into the 2026-27 college football season. Miami Hurricanes defensive tackle Ahmad Moten was named among the list.

The crew ranked Moten as the No. 5 defensive player in the country, also placing him as the No. 2 player at his position -- just behind Oregon's A'Mauri Washington.

Moten is expecting to play a big role in the Hurricanes' defensive line. He will provide big-time disruption on both the pass and run game with his big frame inside.

Moten stands at 6-foot-3 and weighs 325 pounds, this past season he finished with 31 tackles and 4.5 sacks. Over three seasons at Miami, Moten has put up 51 total tackles and 5.5 sacks, plus an interception in 2023.

Check out what ESPN had to say about Moten:

Depending on who you ask or which early mock draft you consult, Moten is either the No. 1 or No. 2 defensive tackle in next year's draft class. Such is the promise the 6-foot-3, 300-pound bruiser flashed last fall from the heart of the nation's most dominant defensive line. A former three-year reserve, Moten broke into the Hurricanes' starting lineup and played the fourth-most snaps (462) of any Miami defensive lineman as a redshirt junior. While Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor dominated on the edge, Moten attacked up the middle, posting a career-best 4.5 sacks with 19 interior pressures that tied for sixth most among ACC defenders in 2025. He stepped up when it mattered, too. Moten tied a career high with five tackles (three solo) in the national title game against Indiana in January. No longer flanked by first-round NFL draft picks Bain and Mesidor on the edges, Moten returns as one of the sport's elite interior forces and one of the faces of what should be another fierce Miami defensive line.

 

He had a lot of doubt and disrespect coming into last season for whatever reason. He was dominant from the first snap and went through most of the playoffs on a very bad ankle. And was still dominant.

 

He had a lot of doubt and disrespect coming into last season for whatever reason. He was dominant from the first snap and went through most of the playoffs on a very bad ankle. And was still dominant.

The hit he put on the GTech RB 2 seasons ago was the introduction to the rest of CFB that Moten was coming.

 

we've reached the point where he needs to unplug and lock in ... too much positive chatter ...

 

we've reached the point where he needs to unplug and lock in ... too much positive chatter ...

I’ll let him know

 

He's the best DT in America.

 

I’ll let him know

 

The hit he put on the GTech RB 2 seasons ago was the introduction to the rest of CFB that Moten was coming.

Which wasn’t ******* targeting.

 

He’ll be a first round pick next year imo

 

The hit he put on the GTech RB 2 seasons ago was the introduction to the rest of CFB that Moten was coming.

How about his first series vs Pitt? He blew past the OL and crushed the highly touted Pitt QB. A dramatic opening shot in that game. Sent a strong message that in addition to 3 and 4, 99 is gonna be a problem!

 

Moten can hear all the accolades he wants. Both he and his agents know pre-season lists dont guarantee you $5. But they sure know what the 32 first round picks signed for guaranteed contracts.

Moten knows whats at stake with a dominant year building off the end of season success.