2026 Watchlist to Ranked: Defense

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">In-depth analysis of the 2026 defensive prospects who moved from the watchlist to the rankings in the recent update.</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Fifita had a breakout junior season going for 100 total tackles, four sacks, three forced fumbles, and an interception while being named Trinity League Co-Defensive MVP. He's a fast and instinctual linebacker with plus play recognition skills to quickly identify blocking schemes and run fits with natural anticipation. Plays downhill and with great closing burst to the ball carrier bringing controlled violence through his tackles despite giving up size to bigger backs. Elite processing speed of his reads/keys to trigger to the ball. Plus change of direction skills allow him to navigate traffic smoothing showing the ability to scrape and flow while maintaining proper leverage. As a blitzer he shoots the gap with burst creating havoc as the play develops to make a ton of tackles at or behind the LOS. Committed to Arizona in early February over an offer from Sacramento State.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/FifitaDash/status/1868632390756901229 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Impressive cover corner who has seen his recruitment on the rise as of late with offers coming from NAU, Idaho, Sacramento State, and San Diego State. Strong physical skillset with a long frame at 6'1” 180 lbs. Possesses both long and short speed. He shows quick feet and lateral agility covering at the short and intermediate levels to match movement and close separation while also being able to stay in phase downfield with good long strides and sustained second gear. Shows he can be effective in a variety of coverages, can play man in both press and off but can also drop in zone and still be a ball hawk. Plus ball skills, he's able to track the ball in the air with good ball judgement skills and timing. Recorded five picks and three pick sixes during the 2024 season. Expect his recruitment and ranking to continue to rise going forward.</p>      <p class="text-gray-700">A sharp cover corner with ideal size, length, and speed at 6'2” 170 lbs. He's got great range to cover all areas of the field effectively. Uses his length to his advantage by being aggressive with his hands and playing the ball at the catch point. A plus athlete that can run and shows good fluidity in his movement and hips. Shoes he can smoothly transitions out of his back pedal to turn and run while also being able to change directions and accelerate to close space coming out of his break. Plays with good pad level and leverage. He also shows good technique and footwork throughout the play to limit separation and maintain positioning. High caliber prospect that holds six D1 offers from New Mexico State, NAU, Colorado State, UConn, San Jose State, and UNLV. Expect more P4 programs to offer.</p>      <p class="text-gray-700">Faraimo is good athlete in the secondary that is equally effective in run support as he is in coverage. Shows great range from the safety spot to close ground and recover. Good length and strength in his frame at 6'1” 200 lbs. with good natural athleticism and body control. Like his key and play diagnosis skills to read and react to run/pass. He's got good instincts and anticipation to get an early break on the ball and close space. Strong open field tackler that can break down and bring strong contact. Good ability to play as a deep safety or come down in the box or the slot to cover or fill as a run stopper. Plays hard with good toughness, aggression, and physicality. Major D1 prospect with good upside and potential holding offers from Washington State, San Diego State, and Northern Arizona.</p>      <p class="text-gray-700">Great skillset and size for the versatile DL prospect in one of the top programs in the country. At 6'4” 275 lbs. he's effective play both the interior and edge positions with great command of a variety of moves and an explosive first step out of his stance. Strong and powerful frame with a well-built lower half and good strength in his upper body. This allows him to take on blockers and then shed contact to free himself up and hold his gap. Active with his hands with good placement to maintain separation of blockers without allowing them to get into his body. Relentless in pursuit, he's able to fight through contact and chase with speed from the backside and downfield. Good ability to collapse the pocket and rush the passer. I would expect and project him to continue to add weight/mass and play the interior at the major D1 level. Currently holds offers from San Jose State and Arizona.</p>