Miami’s Ahmad Moten Sr. and Justin Scott Crack PFF’s Top-10 Graded Returning ACC Defensive Tackles
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Miami is bringing back one of the most intriguing defensive tackle duos in the ACC.
Both Ahmad Moten Sr. and Justin Scott landed inside PFF’s top 10 highest-graded returning ACC defensive tackles, giving the Hurricanes two proven interior pieces heading into the 2026 season.
Moten came in at No. 3 with a 77.6 grade, while Scott followed at No. 7 with a 74.1 grade.
These rankings come after both players showed major growth throughout Miami’s 2025 championship run season.
Ahmad Moten Sr. — No. 3
Moten took a major step forward in 2025 and became one of the most disruptive interior defenders on Miami’s roster.
The Fort Lauderdale native finished the season with 31 total tackles, nine tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks in 14 games. His 4.5 sacks were the most among Miami’s defensive tackles, while his nine tackles for loss also led the defensive tackles last season.
His production really picked up late in the season. Moten recorded 3.5 of his 4.5 sacks in November, including a two-sack performance against Virginia Tech and another 1.5 sacks against Pittsburgh, he was everywhere and came up clutch at the end of the season.
At 6-foot-3 and 300 pounds, Moten brings the size and strength to hold his ground against the run while also providing legitimate pass-rush ability from the interior. Now entering another season in Coral Gables, Moten has a chance to go from a breakout player to one of the leaders of Miami’s defensive front.
Justin Scott — No. 7
Scott’s 2025 season was a huge step for a former five-star prospect who continues to be developed at Miami.
The Chicago native finished 2025 with 26 total tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, one sack, one forced fumble and one pass breakup while appearing in 15 games.
Scott became especially disruptive as the season progressed. He recorded 2.5 tackles for loss against Virginia Tech and finished with five tackles against Pittsburgh, showing the ability to create problems both as a run defender and interior pass rusher, just like Moten he was a problem last season to block.
At 6-foot-4 and 304-pounds just having a big body like that in the middle is useful and disruptive for Miami’s defense. He can play through gaps and just be a complete problem which I expect this season to be his best yet.
Both Ahmad Moten Sr. and Justin Scott landed inside PFF’s top 10 highest-graded returning ACC defensive tackles, giving the Hurricanes two proven interior pieces heading into the 2026 season.
Moten came in at No. 3 with a 77.6 grade, while Scott followed at No. 7 with a 74.1 grade.
These rankings come after both players showed major growth throughout Miami’s 2025 championship run season.
Ahmad Moten Sr. — No. 3
Moten took a major step forward in 2025 and became one of the most disruptive interior defenders on Miami’s roster.
The Fort Lauderdale native finished the season with 31 total tackles, nine tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks in 14 games. His 4.5 sacks were the most among Miami’s defensive tackles, while his nine tackles for loss also led the defensive tackles last season.
His production really picked up late in the season. Moten recorded 3.5 of his 4.5 sacks in November, including a two-sack performance against Virginia Tech and another 1.5 sacks against Pittsburgh, he was everywhere and came up clutch at the end of the season.
At 6-foot-3 and 300 pounds, Moten brings the size and strength to hold his ground against the run while also providing legitimate pass-rush ability from the interior. Now entering another season in Coral Gables, Moten has a chance to go from a breakout player to one of the leaders of Miami’s defensive front.
Justin Scott — No. 7
Scott’s 2025 season was a huge step for a former five-star prospect who continues to be developed at Miami.
The Chicago native finished 2025 with 26 total tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, one sack, one forced fumble and one pass breakup while appearing in 15 games.
Scott became especially disruptive as the season progressed. He recorded 2.5 tackles for loss against Virginia Tech and finished with five tackles against Pittsburgh, showing the ability to create problems both as a run defender and interior pass rusher, just like Moten he was a problem last season to block.
At 6-foot-4 and 304-pounds just having a big body like that in the middle is useful and disruptive for Miami’s defense. He can play through gaps and just be a complete problem which I expect this season to be his best yet.
