State Finals: 2026 Defensive Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What prospects made an impact at the State Finals?&nbsp; We examine them by class including here in <strong>State Finals: 2025 Defensive Standouts</strong>!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DL <a>[player_tooltip player_id='401608' first='Ian' last='Campbell'] </a>(Joliet Catholic - 2026)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Campbell was one of the highest rated players on the field and he played like it in the 5A championship game.&nbsp; The defensive end is a big time edge rusher that had a pair of sacks in the first half.&nbsp; He transfers power to speed very well.&nbsp; A ton of tools to work with and we expect his recruitment to explode in the next few months.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DL [player_tooltip player_id='401599' first='Carnell' last='McIntosh'] (East St. Louis - 2026)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McIntosh has next on the Flyers defensive line as he is a well built defensive end that can win with speed and power.&nbsp; Most impressive move was a sack where he blew past both the left tackle and running back to bring down the QB.&nbsp; Relentless pass rusher!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DL [player_tooltip player_id='270192' first='Braeden' last='Jones'] (Mt. Carmel - 2026 – USC)<br></strong><br>Jones is one of the best 2026 prospects in the state and already committed to USC.&nbsp; The defensive end was bringing relentless pressure from the backside all game long in the 7A championship game.&nbsp; Elite frame and length with twitching athletic ability.&nbsp; Batted down a pass rushing the QB along with recording a sack destroying the left tackle.&nbsp; He has all the tools to be one of the better edge rushers nationally in his class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DL [player_tooltip player_id='1538329' first='Joey' last='Quinn'] (Mt. Carmel - 2026)<br></strong><br>Quinn capped off a massive junior season getting a pair of solo tackles along with assisting on another.&nbsp; Strong and athletic defensive end that plays with a super high-motor.&nbsp; He is trending toward a top 15 ranking in our next update!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>LB <a>[player_tooltip player_id='401618' first='Kingston' last='Dunagan'] </a>(Joliet Catholic - 2026)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dunagan is an intriguing edge/linebacker with his thick frame along with plus athleticism.&nbsp; Won in one on one pass rush situations on several occasions.&nbsp; Lot of upside to be developed here.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>LB [player_tooltip player_id='401621' first='Leon' last='Howard'] (East St. Louis - 2026)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Howard is a fluid linebacker that can play on the edge as well.&nbsp; Big sack on a 3^rd down play.&nbsp; Flew in to make a TFL on a fumbled snap.&nbsp; Consistently got pressure off the edge all game long.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>LB [player_tooltip player_id='1524594' first='Stephen' last='Winkler'] (Mt. Carmel - 2026)<br></strong><br>Winkler is a linebacker that racked up 5 tackles on the defensive side.&nbsp; On offense he played wide receiver where he caught a 17 yard touchdown.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DB [player_tooltip player_id='1585178' first='Lorne' last='Green'] (Althoff - 2026)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Green has made noise over the last couple weeks.&nbsp; The 6'2” 165 pound defensive back is a rangy DB that has a nose for the ball.&nbsp; He came up with a big interception early in the 1A state title game when Lena Winslow was driving as he snatched a pick in the endzone.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>DB/WR/QB Nolan Buehnerkemper (Monticello - 2026)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This 6'0” athlete was the most productive player for Monticello all game long.&nbsp; Early in the game he showed he could make good things happen when he got the ball in space.&nbsp; In the second half he took over at QB where he delivered a few nice passes showing he has a chance to develop over the next year.&nbsp; Defensively he made plays in the secondary including a pass breakup in a one on one situation deep over the middle closing ground for the PBU.&nbsp; Also racked up double digit tackles in this contest.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->