NCAA Career Tackling Leaders

In the early and mid-2000s, the Northwestern defense was anchored by steady linebacker Tim McGarigle. In his four years with the Wildcats, McGarigle racked up 545 career tackles—more than any other defender in college football history.

The rest of college football’s all-time leading tacklers are listed here.

Tim McGarigle, Northwestern (2002-05): 545
Rod Davis, Southern Miss (2000-03): 526
Justin Beriault, Ball State (2001-04): 508
Ryan Fowler, Duke: (2000-03): 495
Grant Wiley, West Virginia (2000-03): 492
Matt Pusateri, Miami (Ohio) (2001-04): 485
Dexter Reid, North Carolina (2000-03): 466
Derrick Johnson, Texas (2001-04): 458
Abdul Hodge, Iowa (2002-05): 453
John Leake, Clemson (2000-03): 443
E.J. Henderson, Maryland (2000-02): 434
Adam Seward, UNlV (2001-04): 433
Barrett Ruud, Nebraska (2001-04): 432
Terrell Jones, Miami (Ohio) (2000-03): 424
Chad Greenway, Iowa (2002-05): 416