Under the Radar 2026 Prospects: Defense

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">In-depth analysis of some of the top 2026 defensive prospects who could pop onto the recruiting scene entering their junior seasons.</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Tons of potential and upside for the rising junior that led Basha in tackles last season totaling 114. At 6'0” 205 lbs. he can be a three down linebacker that is an aggressive run stopper and can drop back to make plays in coverage. Good athleticism and lateral agility to chase sideline to sideline. He's smooth in the hips to change directions and closes space quickly with his short area speed. Possesses a high football IQ to anticipate and diagnose plays as they are developing to get an early break. Good leverage and pad level throughout the play to shed blocks and attack the ball carrier. Plus pass rush ability off the edge. Was a top performer at the PRZ combine in April and recruiting is expected to pop with a strong junior campaign.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Elicronin24/status/1733904166047952960 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Versatile skillset with excellent size, length, and athleticism at 6'3” 220 lbs. Impact player on both sides of the ball at Westwood playing RB and the hybrid DE/OLB. Flashes great initial quickness and explosiveness out of his stance to gain penetration and positional leverage on the snap. He's an attacking defender that plays with good energy and is relentless in pursuit of the ball carrier. In addition to his ability to beat blockers with his speed, he also shows good natural strength in both his hands and lower body to fight through contact. He's one of the top 2026 defensive prospects without an offer but has the size and ability of a D1 recruit.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/SineiTengei/status/1734807161375764774 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Burnstein is a dominating edge defender at 6'4” 250 lbs. Possesses high level movement skills and speed for a guy his size running a 4.71 laser 40 yard dash. He shows good bend and lateral quickness off the edge to make plays working down the LOS. He's smart and aware of his assignment, does a good job keeping his shoulders square to the line allowing him to maintain his outside leverage or collapse down as a force player. Quick to recognize run/pass and locate the ball while chasing hard in pursuit. Flashes a good mix of speed and power moves to beat blockers on his way to the ball carrier. Look for him to take big jump in recruiting going into his junior season with his combination of length, athleticism, and speed.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Ty_Burnstein/status/1803873516984635407 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Spivey continues to grow and build on his strong foundational skillset now at 5'9” 160 lbs. Excellent cover corner with the speed and agility to match up with top tier receivers and maintain coverage at all three depths. Excels in both press and off coverage, using his natural instincts and anticipation to run the route the route with receivers to stay in phase. His transitions are smooth, allowing him to accelerate quickly out of his breaks and close the gap when the ball is in the air. Plays the ball well at the catch point with good timing and ball skills to break up passes effectively. Very efficient and savvy with his footwork and technique throughout the play. Strong open field tackler that breaks down and wraps up in space. Good genes, broth Tre was a top recruit and currently a WR at Kansas State.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/KingstonSpivey/status/1723067792897823224 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Long 6'3” 205 lb. frame with good growth potential to add weight as he develops. He's got plus athleticism and positional flexibility to effectively line up as an OLB or DE. Speed and change of direction give him good range to cover ground and chase the ball from the backside or downfield. Does a good job absorbing contact and then using his hands to disengage from blockers and free himself up to make a tackle. Like his ability as a pass rusher off the edge. He's quick off the ball and shows good bend to work around blockers to collapse the pocket from the outside. Finished his sophomore season with 112 total tackles and was among the state's leaders in TFL with 26. He's a two time First Team All-Region selection and has performed well in the offseason camp circuit.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/hyatt_lang1/status/1729924246611333376 </div></figure>