Thompson's defenses have accounted for the top two scoring averages in the school's Div. I era. During his first year (2019), the Hornets allowed 22.5 points per game and gave up 132 fewer yards per game than the previous season. The unit recorded 44 sacks — the second most in program history — and were led by All-American defensive end George Obinna, defensive tackle Dariyn Choates and cornerback Daron Bland who each earned first team all-Big Sky honors. Sacramento State also led the Big Sky in defensive pass efficiency, red zone defense and first downs allowed.
The 2021 team set the school record by allowing 19.1 points per game and was even stingier in Big Sky play, limiting the opposition to 15.3 ppg. That season, defensive end Josiah Erickson was named first team all-Big Sky after leading the team with 18.5 tackles-for-loss and 10 sacks.
This past season, nickelback Marte Mapu and linebacker Armon Bailey were named first team all-league. Mapu also was named the Big Sky Defensive Player of the Year, becoming just the second player in school history to earn the honor. The defense also played a large role in Sacramento State's historic 12-1 season, recording stops on potential game-winning or tying drives in the final two minutes in four games.