2026 Stock-Risers: Breaking Down a Loaded Defensive Line Class

After spending a week on the 2025 class, it's time to move to the rising juniors. While I normally start with quarterbacks, I feel that we have to start with the defensive line for the 2026 class, because in all my years scouting for Prep Redzone, I haven't seen a position group as solid from top to bottom in one class as this particular defensive line class. This one might be a lot, because we moved several linemen up the rankings, so take a look.   Here are the 2026 defensive line stock-risers.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2026 Defensive Line Stock-Risers</h2>    As you might expect from his height, Griffin-Haynes has excellent length off the edge. Maybe somewhat surprising, however, is his advanced footwork. He's patient against both the pass and the run, rarely getting too far up the field and setting the edge well. To this point, his pass rushing production hasn't reached its full potential, so there's more to be had there. As it stands, he's a standout run defender with high-level pass rush upside.     A two-sport superstar from Myers Park, Dunham is probably a better baseball pitcher than edge rusher at this moment. However, his upside at edge is as high as you'll find. He's an effortless mover with great strength, speed and balance. His length gives him an almost unfair advantage over offensive tackles and his bend is smooth. With some more time to refine his technique, he's a plug-and-play pass-rusher on a Power Four team.     Harris usually lines up as a 3-4 defensive end or 4-3 defensive tackle, neither of which are likely to be his primary college position. He's so strong though that he can make it work. Despite being outweighed significantly by most of the opposing offensive linemen he faces (especially on the interior) he more than simply holds up in the running game, frequently blowing plays up at the point of attack. Though he doesn't often play on the outside, he racks up most of his pressures and sacks from the edge and flashes great hands at that position.     Lewis is listed as an edge rusher on most recruiting sites, but I think he has the frame and skillset to be a pass-rushing defensive tackle at the next level, despite being undersized right now. He's strong at the point of attack and has a great first step, a combination that allows him to put consistent interior pressure on opposing quarterbacks. You'll see him line up anywhere from nose tackle to edge to off-ball linebacker because his skillset is so diverse.     Ewetade is raw and he'll need to continue to put on weight. However, his length and bend around the edge are awesome, giving him huge pass-rushing upside. When I saw him in practice this offseason I was amazed at his length and quickness, with a first step that is rare for guys that tall. He's able to move him body in sync and he's a fluid mover at his height.     Stancil put on a bit of weight this offseason, but still seemed noticeably quicker when I saw him in practice this preseason. Stancil himself would tell you he was probably a bit raw last year, winning primarily with pure athleticism. Clayton has the dilemma (and blessing) of having to figure out whether to play him inside or outside. I personally like him on the interior, but he's plenty quick enough to play as a 3-4 defensive end. His quick twitch is impressive and we should see his numbers improve this season, even with five sacks and 39 tackles as a sophomore.     Let's get the obvious out of the way: Eleazar isn't going to play edge in college at 190 pounds. That being said, there's a reason he has so much college interest despite his body not being quite ready for the college level. He's young and has time to grow and he's put on weight this offseason, without losing his ridiculous burst. He also plays receiver, but we love his upside at edge. With his length and quickness, he's able to make plays other edge rushers simply can't make.     Lange is simply a really solid player with a high football I.Q. He's not going to wow you with absurd athleticism, but he hits all the thresholds colleges look for in edge rushers. He has a good first step and knows how to use it to put offensive linemen on their heels. His weight room numbers are good, but more importantly, that translates to play strength that is obvious if you watch his tape.     A lot of defensive linemen want to win with speed-to-strength, but Gillespie is at his best when he's playing strength-to-speed. He likes to engage blockers and then explode inside or outside to make plays on the quarterback or ball carrier. I'm not sure whether to project him inside or outside, but the athleticism and intelligence will translate here.

After spending a week on the 2025 class, it's time to move to the rising juniors. While I normally start with quarterbacks, I feel that we have to start with the defensive line for the 2026 class, because in all my years scouting for Prep Redzone, I haven't seen a position group as solid from top to bottom in one class as this particular defensive line class. This one might be a lot, because we moved several linemen up the rankings, so take a look.