Labeled the ‘best defensive mind in all of football’ by Auburn coach Gus Malzahn last week at SEC Media Days, Tigers defensive coordinator Will Muschamp is considered a notch above the rest by his peers on his side of the ball.

Who else deserve top billing as some of the best defensive minds in college football?

ESPN SEC analyst Chris Low has ranked his top 20, splitting them evenly by head coaches and assistants.

In addition to Muschamp, Low pinpointed Nick Saban, Texas A&M’s John Chavis, Alabama’s Kirby Smart, Robb Smith from Arkansas and LSU’s Kevin Steele. Former Mizzou DC Dave Steckel, entering his first season as Missouri State’s head coach, also made the list.

No current head coach or defensive coordinator from the Eastern Division was featured.

Auburn was picked to win the SEC by league media last week in Hoover, due in large part to the offseason acquisition of Muschamp to reshape an under-performing defense.

He’ll make $5.1 million over the next three seasons.