Which 2026 Defensive Linemen Could Make Our Next Rankings Update?

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our 2026 rankings in Texas have officially dropped! Per usual, the state of Texas is loaded with talent and the 2026 class is no exception. Today, I'm looking at which 2026 defensive linemen just missed our most recent rankings update, but could make our next one. These are talented Division One prospects with very bright futures ahead of them. Look for them to continue to progress and develop throughout the course of their junior seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As always, If you have someone you think I need to see, please DM them to me on Twitter at @hsfbscout!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Brysen Steele, 6'1" 310, Marlin</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Steele is strong at the point of attack, he can quickly detach from blocks to fold inside in the run game and has a great first step. He's got serious pop as a striker, he plays with consistently low pads to help slip through opposing down blocks and has the grip to corral ball carriers with one hand. He can put opposing linemen on skates with his bull rush and has the effort to chase plays down from the backside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1653041' first='Carson' last='Dempsey'], 6'3" 225, Aledo</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A five-technique with the strength and power to set the edge, he's got a high motor and can wreak havoc in the run game. He gets his hands up late to deflect passes at the line of scrimmage, he can get low to dip and rip through blocks and has a pretty slippery spin move that he'll use from time to time. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Cade McCay, 6'3" 235, Garland</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cade has quick/tight hands at the point of attack, he has the balance to defeat cut blocks &amp; penetrate and plays through the echo of the whistle. He's highly effective against the run, he can navigate through congested quarters to find ball carriers and his sheer speed makes him a tough person to block back on in gap scheme runs. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1653064' first='Maddox' last='Flynt'], 6'2" 265, Westlake</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He's got a powerful lower-half that allows him to push the pocket &amp; cause disruption, he's quite flexible for a big man and uses leverage to his advantage. He can get skinny in the run game, shows solid twitch, and is constantly around the football. He's just as effective against the run as he is against the pass. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1652964' first='Xavier' last='Waters'], 6'1" 295, North Shore</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Waters is a tough man to move in the run game, he's aggressive and will fight you through the whistle. His anchor allows for him to give up no ground in the run game, he can make tackles out of awkward body positions and is an interior prospect who can generate a plethora of quarterback hurries in the passing game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->