Way-Too-Early 2026 Off-Season Stock Risers (Defense)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Want 30% off of your subscription? Use promo code&nbsp;<strong>PaulG30&nbsp;</strong>at checkout!</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["401590"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Rupp missed a bit of time this season with a hand injury, but showed that he is still one of the more dominant '26 defenders cross Idaho. He can play either inside or outside on the edge, sets his hands quickly and creates immediate lockout while able to quickly shed blocks and hold his gaps. Rupp is a very technically sound player that plays with great leverage, violent hands and understands when to transition from power to speed in pass rush situations. He is a high motor kid that can also bend off the edge and create interior pressure while a strong tackler in the box. He already has a strong build, lengthy frame as a Sophomore and will only continue to fill out and pack on weight which is going to make him a very intriguing prospect at the next level.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65578affe7314"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["401587"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Hudson can play on either side of the ball, but here we plugged him into the defensive side as he has position versatility at either defensive end or linebacker and good athleticism for his size and age. He is a still developing and young player, but is one of the better two-way second year players across the region that we have seen, especially amongst the small school circle. He definitely could also could develop into an interior or edge defensive lineman with plus length, and should be one of the 2026's to keep a close eye on over the next two seasons.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65578affe7374"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["401577"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Mutua is a very active young pass rusher that shows good hands at the POA, us stout against the run and is athletic enough to play on the edge or kick inside and two-gap and control the LOS with his hands. He shows good pursuit, is a strong tackler in the box and flows well to the ball while a high motor kid outside the tackles. Against the pass, he shows a quick first step, active hands to counter back inside and has some bend off the edge against bigger tackles. Mutua is a no brainer to enter into our rankings in the next update, and one of the more experienced 2026 defensive lineman across Idaho.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65578affe73bc"} /-->