As a redshirt freshman in 2012, he played in all 13 games as a backup. He recorded 6 tackles (2.5 for a loss, including 1 sack) and 2 passes defensed. His first year as starter, as a sophomore in 2013, he posted 37 tackles (14 for a loss, including 7.5 sacks), 1 interception, 4 fumble recoveries, and 2 forced fumbles. He was named a second team All-American by numerous publications and was a finalist for the Ted Hendricks Award. Although he was eligible for the 2014 NFL Draft, he decided to return for his junior season. During his junior year in 2014, he posted 39 tackles (12.5 for a loss, including 8 sacks), 1 fumble recovery, and a forced fumble. He was expected to leave college and enter the 2015 NFL Draft, but he returned to school for his senior year and, during the 2015 season, he collected 49 tackles (15 for a loss, including 10.5 sacks), 3 passes defensed, and a forced fumble. He finished his four-year college career with 27 sacks, 131 tackles (44 tackles for a loss), four forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries, and one interception.