Canada 2026 Rankings: Defensive Line

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This defensive line group is the heart of this 2026 class in Canada with the top 2 overall players being defensive linemen and several other defensive linemen throughout the rankings. As the case with the 2024 class who just graduated the defensive line groups in Canada are strong year after year and a big reason why is the size and athleticism these defensive linemen show on tape. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Check out the updated 2026 Canada Rankings&nbsp;<a href="https://prepredzone.com/canada/rankings/2026-rankings-2/">HERE</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Just a note about these rankings if players list themselves on twitter or HUDL as a 2026 in Canada and 2027 for the USA I tend to put them in the 2026 rankings because these only include players playing in Canada. If a player only lists 1 grad year they are put into that year's rankings.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>If a player has already announced a transfer to a USA prep school he is not included in these rankings as they just include players who have played and are continuing to play in Canada – however there will be content on plenty of the quality Canadian players who currently play or plan to play in the States.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#1 Overall Defensive Lineman</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1299800"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6675c6ca07ca4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Smith who was one of the most productive defensive linemen last season with 20TFLs and 7 Sacks for Dalbé-Viau showcases the most violent hands and explosive movements amongst the defensive lineman in this class. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Smith plays the game with physicality both in the way he engages blockers and finishes tackles. Smith runs through contact and flashes the ability to shift inside to DT or play as a true defensive end. Smith flashes some quality pass rush moves but excels at winning with quickness and burst upfield against the run. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Rest of the Rankings</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/position-ranking-table {"name":"acf/position-ranking-table","data":{"class":"2026","_class":"field_65cfb7374abb9","position":"2406","_position":"field_65cfbfcb19ad6","national_rankings":"0","_national_rankings":"field_660c1d73c0e49","state":"3466","_state":"field_65cfb88a603fe"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6675c6ca0834e"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1299798' first='Jeffrey' last='Kabolambi'] - Kabolambi is a really solid prospect and him and Smith have very similar skill sets. His upfield burst stands out on film and he showcases the ability to consistently finish plays in the backfield. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1218540' first='Jonas' last='Mare'] - Mare who is the top true interior defensive lineman in the 2026 class out of Vanier shows really good power and punch at the point of attack. Mare also showcases some good quickness and the ability to change his pad level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1223931' first='Colton' last='Shaw'] - Shaw out of Leboldus plays that OLB/Edge type position and at 6'3 215 has a solid build coming off the edge. Shaw is long arms and uses physical hands at the point of attack. He flashes quality pass rush ability with pass rush moves on tape. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1235428' first='Tayshaun' last='Duncan'] - Duncan who plays for Laurier is a solid DE prospect who shows good to have a solid frame and with the addition of 10-20lbs can be built into a true defensive end. Duncan has solid tape where he winds with his motor and hand usage off the edge. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1235429' first='Braydon' last='Thompson'] - Thompson out of Corpus Christi has a good frame and shows on tape he can be effective as a run defender and pass rusher. Thompson shows solid hand usage and the ability to hold the edge from the DE position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1299878' first='Luc' last='IronEagle'] - IronEagle has really good power on the interior of the defensive line he plays with good leverage and showcases a good punch at the point of attack. IronEagle can continue to add weight and strength to his frame as 250lbs for a defensive tackle is on the lighter side but he has plenty of time to develop in the weight room. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->