I'm not ready to believe the defense will be as good next season as it was this season.
We just saw the top 2 PSU DE's be declared the best 2 DE's in the B10, and they both will be gone. DDS was a great 3rd DE with CJF referring to him as a 3rd starter and he's likely to be as good next season as the 2 2023 starters were. But the replacements to the top 3 won't be as good. Vanover, Fisher and Lyons shoud be back to form a nice unit but it would take a real breakout from a young player to get near the DE unit talent we were privileged to watch this season.
It would be great if Ellies returned (covid year?) but if the rest of the DT's return (likely minus Beamon) the DT's could be just as good as this season with Ford back from injury and Artis and possibly Blanding breaking into the rotation. And hopefully Townley is ready to really contribute.
The LB's is the only position that I see possible improvement. Rojas replacing Jacobs might actually be an upgrade, and Jacobs is likely an NFL player. And the other 2022 young LB's Robinson and Keys could surprise as well.
The secondary won't likely have a chance to be as good as the 2023 unit. Replacing the top 3 corners (King, Dixon and Hardy) can rationally be expected to result in a drop off of some level, possibly a considerable drop off. Miller is the only returning corner with significant experience, with Tracy and Washington showing talent as true freshmen but will be inexperienced on the big stage. I'm hoping Mack is moved to the slot which if it workded out would be a big plus for the outside corner depth. Without significant injuries it seems that even if Ellis moves on the Safety position will still be excellent.