Wrecking Crew: A Look At 2026 Sack Leaders

Pass-rushers: the chaos creators, the pocket wreckers, the players quarterbacks dread lining up against. The Class of 2026 has a few of those game-wreckers you just can't ignore. These juniors lived in their opponent's backfield, terrorizing quarterbacks and blowing up plays before they even got started.   What makes this group so special isn't just the sack totals — though, trust me, those are eye-catching. It's the complete package: the speed, the instincts, the relentless motor. These guys don't take plays off, and when they're on, they're flat-out unstoppable.   This article is a celebration of those disruptive forces — the top junior pass-rushers heading into their senior year. Let's dive into what makes these sack artists so special, starting with their standout performances and what's next for them as they look to dominate one more high school season.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/01/Pass-Rush-Impact-Score-For-Returning-Sack-Leaders.png?w=1024" alt="Pass-Rush Impact Score For Returning Sack Leaders" class="wp-image-1602569" /></figure>    [player_tooltip player_id='992770' first='Hudson' last='Dunn'] is a complete defensive package. Standing 6-foot-1 and weighing 215 pounds, Dunn's speed and physicality immediately jump off the screen. He's a player who can beat you with power or finesse, depending on what the situation calls for. But what really sets him apart is his instincts. Dunn has an uncanny ability to read the flow of the offense and anticipate where the ball is going. While other defenders might chase the ball, Dunn is already there waiting for it. That level of football IQ, paired with his physical tools, is why he led Arizona's 6A Conference with 13.5 sacks in 2024. And let's not forget, he was a key piece in Liberty's second consecutive Open Division state championship run. It's no surprise that Dunn is one of the most sought-after recruits in the country. He's already racked up offers from schools like Arizona, Arizona State, Boston College, and Illinois. As he heads into his senior year, the expectations couldn't be higher — and if his track record is anything to go by, he'll exceed them.     [player_tooltip player_id='1177561' first='Hayden' last='Utley'] is the definition of a powerhouse. Standing 6-foot-1 and weighing 245 pounds, he's a player who commands double-teams just to keep him out of the backfield. But don't think for a second that sheer strength is his only weapon. Once Utley gets past the line of scrimmage, his quick feet and relentless motor take over, allowing him to chase down backs and quarterbacks with surprising speed for his size. In 2024, Utley racked up 13 sacks and 21 tackles for loss, leading Marana to an undefeated regular season, a feat they hadn't accomplished since 1968. His ability to overpower blockers and disrupt plays was key to Marana's defensive success. As he enters his senior season, Utley's presence will continue to cause headaches for opposing offenses. With his combination of size, strength, and speed, he's one of the top defensive players in Arizona.     Fabian Hernandez is a master of technique on the defensive line. Standing 6-foot-1 and weighing 210 pounds, he uses his hands with surgical precision to break free from blockers. Hernandez's long strides allow him to quickly gain depth into the backfield, closing the gap on linemen before they can make a decision. His ability to engulf quarterbacks and disrupt plays is a nightmare for any offense. In 2024, Hernandez opened up the season with a six-sack performance and followed it up with an outing where he pressured the quarterback ten times. He also earned First Team All-Region honors on both sides of the ball, showcasing his versatility as both an offensive and defensive lineman. As Hernandez heads into his senior year, he's poised to elevate his game even further. It will be a season coaches aren't going to want to miss.     Malachai Morales may not have the prototypical size at 5-foot-10 and 175 pounds, but he makes up for it with pure athleticism and an explosive playstyle. His speed allows him to effortlessly get past offensive linemen, leaving them grasping at air as he darts into the backfield. When Morales finds a clear lane, he doesn't hesitate to lay a crushing hit on the quarterback, often changing the momentum of the game with a single play. In 2024, Morales racked up 12 sacks, leading the 2A Agua Fria region, and consistently pressured opposing offenses with his relentless energy. Despite being undersized, he's a player offensive coordinators have to account for on every snap. His ability to disrupt plays and use his incredible athleticism makes him a cornerstone of Mountainside's defense heading into his senior year.     Jesse Pittman is a rising star on this list, and his motor and instincts make him a force to be reckoned with. Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 170 pounds, Pittman combines speed and awareness to dominate in both the run and pass game. His ability to keep his eyes in the backfield allows him to set a strong edge, sealing off running lanes and forcing plays back inside. When he finds the ball, he doesn't hesitate — he attacks with precision and intensity. In 2024, Pittman had a 2-and-a-half-sack, six-hurry, three-and-a-half-TFL performance against River Valley that really highlighted his consistent impact on each and every play. As he heads into his senior year, Pittman's relentless work ethic and football IQ make him as a player to watch, capable of elevating his team's defense to new heights.     Andrei Davis-Lopez is a defensive lineman who never stops moving. Standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 215 pounds, he excels at crashing down on the line of scrimmage, disrupting plays before they can even develop. What sets him apart is his willingness to chase the ball anywhere on the field — whether it's a quarterback scrambling or a running back bouncing a play outside, Davis-Lopez is there. His athleticism and effort make him a defensive presence you can't ignore. This season, Davis-Lopez had standout performances, including a nine-tackle, four-sack game against Sunnyside and a five-tackle, three-sack outing versus Desert View. He earned 5A Southern Region Defensive Player of the Year honors for his incredible impact on Cienega's defense. His upper body strength allows him to drive blockers into the backfield, causing chaos for opposing offenses. As he heads into his senior year, Davis-Lopez is poised to build on his impressive junior season and continue making plays in spots you'd never expect to see a defensive lineman.

Pass-rushers: the chaos creators, the pocket wreckers, the players quarterbacks dread lining up against. The Class of 2026 has a few of those game-wreckers you just can't ignore. These juniors lived in their opponent's backfield, terrorizing quarterbacks and blowing up plays before they even got started.