2026 Rankings Risers: Defense

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Deep dive into the 2026 defensive prospects rising up the recently updated PRZ state rankings.</h2>    Moved up 63 spots to #61 overall and #6 DL prospect in the updated 2026 rankings. Ideal size, length, and frame for a major D1 defensive lineman at 6'4” 280 lbs. Possesses a good combination of speed and power mixing them up well to beat blockers and force them off balance. Flashes good twitch and natural movements skills in pursuit to redirect and chase the ball. High effort player that shows he can fight through double teams and play until the whistle. Shows good position versatility by being able to play both interior or on the edge. Saw a spike in recruiting this summer bringing his total offer count to 13.   13 Offers: Arizona State, Cal, Colorado State, SMU, Kansas State, Louisville, Oregon State, Sacramento State, SDSU, San Jose State, Texas State, Tulane, Washington State      Jones made a significant leap in the rankings moving to inside the top 25 overall and the #3 DL prospect. He's an elite level recruit with exceptional size, length, and athleticism at 6'4” 240 lbs. with an 80 inch wingspan. Gains quick penetration using his initial speed and explosiveness on the snap allowing him to disrupt plays as they are developing. Fast and aggressive hands to maintain separation and keep blockers away from his body. Excels as an edge rusher that can quickly collapse the pocket with speed, bend, and lateral agility. 15 offers from many top programs in the nation including Michigan, Ohio State, Georgia, and Tennessee.   15 Offers: Arizona State, Michigan, Tennessee, UCLA, Washington, Auburn, Cal, Ohio State, Georgia, North Texas, Ole Miss, Oregon State, SMU, Texas A&M, UNLV      Johnson checks a lot of boxes as a major D1 prospect with his combination of length, speed, and athleticism. At 6'2” 170 lbs. he's got the long speed to stay in phase vertically and the short area quickness/change of direction to mirror receiver's lateral movement underneath. Fluid hip turn and backpedal with great drive out of his transition. Love his acceleration out of his break to close space and recover with the ball in the air. High level ball skills and awareness to locate and make plays on the football at the high point. Explosive playmaker on both sides of the ball with a wide skillset that could translate well to multiple positions at the college level. Holds five offers to date but expect his recruitment to see a bump as the cycle progresses. Strong genes being the son of former 49er and Washington DB, Derrick Johnson Sr.   5 Offers: Minnesota, Oregon State, BYU, Utah, Colorado State      Wilder moved up 40 spots in the overall rankings to #51. He's an outstanding athlete that has continued to grow and add weight now at 6'4” 250 lbs. Dominates the LOS with his size and strength but his mobility and quickness flashes on tape. He's able to spin off blocks and redirect to chase in the short area. Can also dip underneath blockers and get skinny to shoot a gap when rushing the passer. Violent with his hands, he's got a powerful initial strike with good extension to separate from blockers. Led all sophomores in the state last season with 14 sacks adding 75 total tackles, 29 hurries, and 15 TFL. Seven offers to date with five of them being P4 programs.   7 Offers: Cal, Nebraska, Arizona, USC, Colorado State, UNLV   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/WilderKhary/status/1728891340220703133 </div></figure>     Recruiting stock has been on the rise all offseason with high level offers coming in from Alabama, Georgia, Notre Dame, and USC bringing his total count to nine. Light on his feet for his massive frame at 6'5” 320 lbs. Demonstrates his athleticism with his movement skills, bend, and lateral quickness. Plays tough and physical with excellent POA strength to shed blockers and disengage. Understands how to use his size and strength to anchor down and neutralize a blocker to hold his gap. He's a mismatch for any HS level offensive lineman and a guy that opposing offenses have to plan for or he will disrupt both the running game and pass protection. Expect him to keep rising up the rankings and pulling in more elite offers going forward.   9 Offers: SMU, Alabama, UCLA, USC, SDSU, Georgia, Notre Dame, Florida, Auburn      Ryan is an active defender with a high football IQ in the secondary. At 6'0” 160 lbs. he shows excellent route recognition and natural coverage instincts. Smooth in his back pedal, he plays with good consistent pad level allowing him to quickly change directions and accelerate out of his break. High level reactionary quickness and trigger to drive on underneath routes and limit yards after the catch. Will continue to add weight but not afraid of contact as he attacks the ball carrier while bringing strong contact at the POA. Jump over 30 spots to #54 overall and the #7 2026 DB prospect in the state. Played his sophomore season at Orange Lutheran but transferred back to Serra where he played his freshman year.   5 Offers: Arizona, Georgia Tech, Nevada, USC, Washington