PrepRedzoneMN 2026 Rankings Update: Pass Rushing Prowess

Rushing the passer is one of the most coveted skills in not only the game of football but all of professional sports. DEs, EDGEs, and occasionally DTs are usually the biggest, baddest, and most athletic guys on the gridiron, earning top dollar on the open market and justifying Top 10, First Round, and occasionally #1 picks year to year. There's a reason people say that fourth-quarter pass rushes win games, and not only do they win games, they also win Super Bowls, making the pass rusher one of the premier positions when it comes to the recruiting side of high school and college scouting. The Land of 10,000 Lakes has an exceptional group of DE and EDGE talent in the PrepRedzoneMN 2026 Rankings, with size, length, athleticism, production, and upside out the wazoo. Get to know the latest ranking update's most impressive pass rushers below!   --    The most productive pass rusher on this accomplished junior roster goes to Orono's [player_tooltip player_id='1602726' first='Simon' last='Vinton']. A 6'5, 210 lb. DE from the Class AAAA state semifinalist Spartans, Vinton was one of the highest debuting newcomers in the recent PRzMN 2026 rankings update, coming in as the #45 overall junior with a ton of room to continue climbing. I just broke down his game in depth in that recent feature, so I'll do my best to not repeat myself, but the big takeaways of Vinton are his size, production, multi-sport background, and in-person evaluation all lean towards that of a D1 prospect, and he posted an impressive 10 sacks in 2024, good for 6th in the entire state, as well as 57 total tackles and 10 TFL for good measure. Vinton was outstanding when I saw him live and in person multiple times in 2024. With a nonstop, highly-active motor, noticeable length (reports an 80" wingspan), and overwhelming size, Vinton was living in opponents' backfields all season long, flying off the ball, processing and closing quickly, and never taking his foot off the gas.   Here's what impressed PRzMN in our earlier breakdown of Vinton from a couple weeks back:   "Vinton displays a balanced skillset of speed, quickness, technique, and power as a DL/EDGE. He shows a good get-off, uses his hands effectively, and owns a good pass-rushing repertoire, and can pursue down the LOS and out to the edge with noticeable speed for his size, which also helps him run down and pressure QBs in pass-rush setting. Vinton reads, processes, and identifies the ball and ball quickly, all while staying square and light on his feet while working deep into the backfield, and demonstrates heavy hands and an effective first punch. He doesn't get tied up and allow OTs and TEs to get hands on, and overall is consistent in his technique and assignment sound. He's also strong enough to eat contact, chips, and lead blockers and can maintain his balance, shed, and create disruption and finish tackles in the backfield. Offensively, he's a tough, physical blocker with good hand placement and can help out in the passing game. Vinton's size, film, multi-sport background, production, competition level, contributions to a 4A semifinalist, and in-person evals have me bullish on his chances of continuing to rise up the ranking. Just need some verified data on the kid!"   <a href="https://twitter.com/SimonVinton/status/1864874246188466656">https://twitter.com/SimonVinton/status/1864874246188466656</a>     Not a lot can be said about DL1 and Minnesota Gopher's 2026 commit [player_tooltip player_id='592117' first='Howie' last='Johnson'] that hasn't already been said by PrepRedzoneMN. An outstanding defensive line prospect who combines natural size and talent with an excellent work ethic and an easy-to-root-for demeanor and personality, Johnson has long been hyped, evaluated, and seen by PRzMN throughout his three seasons of high school football. However, Johnson still deserves credit as one of the state's top pass rushers in this ranking update feature, as he posted 32 TFLs (#1 in MN) in 2024, as well as 87 tackles, 4 sacks, and a 1 FF for good measure, all against Big School, 6A competition. Johnson has also recorded a 59'0.25 shot put and 154'10" discus, and that raw power and explosiveness are more than evident in his 2024 junior tape, which has yet to be broken down by PRzMN.   Johnson's get-off and first step are frightening from a 6'3, 260 lber., and he rushes from a two-point or three-point stance in the Rangers' 3-4 defense. Possessing a powerful lower body, combined with his natural flexibility and pad level, helps him easily work through contact North-South off the snap at the LOS, and he owns noticeable and impressive play speed, as well as the ability to process and react to offensive plays as they develop in real-time. Will chase down ball carriers all over the field and from sideline to sideline when called upon. Johnson sets the edge, can make tackles through contact, and is strong enough to rip ball carriers to the ground with just one hand. His COD ability is apparent when reacting to and breaking down in pursuit of RBs and QBs behind the LOS, and he's a twitchy rusher who explodes into the backfield and is great at tackling in space and when given the opportunity in the backfield. Johnson is as strong as an ox and can hold his gap through attempted double-teams, keeping one OL at bay with each arm, and he creates noticeable separation when he locks out and extends his arms to make initial contact. He can shed blocks at will, easily eats and works through cut blocks off the snap, and displays big pop, both when attacking blockers and as a tackler. Gophers got a MONSTER!   <a href="https://twitter.com/Howie_Johnson92/status/1803076815486877916">https://twitter.com/Howie_Johnson92/status/1803076815486877916</a>     A well-known and popular name in Minnesota's 2026 class, EDGE1 [player_tooltip player_id='1102620' first='Micah' last='Fenney'] has long had the makings of a P4 offeree and saw things finally come to fruition late last month as the Kansas Jayhawks offered a full-ride to a Big12 heavyweight program, his offer, but not last, Division 1, Power 4 collegiate offer. Fenney was also on a decorated short list of juniors to get invited to the Minnesota Gophers upcoming #ROW26 Junior Day, and he's on an even shorter and more prestigious short list of names on #offerwatch at the event. Fenney was an overwhelming and constant defensive presence when I saw Central High School take on eventual Class AA state champion Jackson County Central in some state quarterfinal action this past November. With an obvious D1 frame/length/size combination, as well as verified, high-level athleticism from the summer camp circuit that would fit in with P4 peers, Fenney played like you'd hope with a player of that kind of prestige, operating as kind of a roving, free-flowing, standup rusher who could consistently create penetration, chase and run down ball carriers from sideline to sideline, and impact an opponent's passing game single-handedly. Fenney tallied 75 tackles, 18 TFLs, 5 sacks, 3 FF, a safety, a blocked kick, and three PBUs last fall, numbers that are sure to be broken in 2025, and his size & skillset could be molded from clay for rushing the passer.   Fenney is having fun out there - throwing spin moves, flying into the backfield, and dominating the competition like you'd hope for from a potential P4 prospect playing against small school competition. The 6'4 defender needs to be accounted for on every play. He can easily run down ball carriers from the backside of the LOS thanks to his long legs, smooth gait, quality technique, and raw top-end speed for his size. Looks like a massive and hulking presence when in pursuit of the football. Why he was left unblocked so often in 2024, I'll never understand, but he was a playmaker whether he had a free pass to the QB or RB or not. Fenney can easily overwhelm would-be blockers at initial contact thanks to his size, length, power, hand usage, and balance, and he shoots out of his stance like a sprinter and gets into the backfield in a blink. He displays a great get-off, smooth and effective chop/rip, noticeable bend at the top of the arc and can drop his hips and run the hoop well for a tall boy. Plus, he's great at tackling in space and envelops ball carriers when he wraps them up and makes contact as a tackler. Everything about him screams upside, exciting traits, and a high ceiling as a prospect. Let's keep an eye on the Gophers and Fenney these next couple weeks/months.     One of the biggest stock risers and recruiting winners from Minnesota's 2024 season, Northfield Raider [player_tooltip player_id='400478' first='Kayden' last='Oakland'] went from a 6'3, 185 lb. sophomore and mysterious multi-sport prospect with no film and only 14 tackles and a PBU to a legitimate Division 1 EDGE prospect all in the matter of one offseason. Although it's unverified, Oakland has shot up to around 6'4.5", 210 lbs., looking big and long on film with a lot of room to fill in and a fitting skillset for rushing the passer. Owning a high-level basketball background, an indicator of elite and must-have athleticism in Minnesota multi-sporters, Oakland has been averaging 22.1 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 3.8 APG, and 2.4 SPG on the hardcourt with the Raiders, impressive numbers to say the least, and the size that lends itself to scoring buckets in basketball makes him a premium recruiting target on the gridiron as well.   His recruitment picked up early in the 2024 season, as local Missouri Valley schools caught wind of his glow-up and gameday invites started going out. North Dakota, SDSU, Northern Illinois, Iowa State, and Minnesota got visits, and the likes of Kansas, UNI, UND, South Dakota, and NDSU visited Northfield, and the Gophers also sent out a prestigious Junior Day invite for their #ROW26 class. If the athleticism can size can be verified and match the high upside and intrigue that is obvious in his junior day, he's a no-doubt D1 prospect.   Oakland reports a 4.30 lasered shuttle, 34" vertical, and 445 lb. squat, numbers I would love to confirm sooner rather than late, and recorded decent production on both sides of the ball, posting 26 catches for 300 yards and 3 TDs along with 31 tackles, 11 TFLs, 5 sacks, 8 PBUs, 2 FF, 2 INT, and a defensive TD for good measure. The 6'5, 210 lber. is comfortable and effective both as a pass rusher and out in space and in the perimeter reading quick game and making plays from sideline to sideline, but primarily works as standup EDGE who can rush from as far as a WIDE9 alignment but mostly as a 5T. Oakland shows twitchy and powerful inside moves, either at the snap or at the top of the arch, and can hammer the QB when he gets home, especially unimpeded. He can unlock his hips, his strong hands help him shock and shed blockers at the LOS, and he owns noticeable and impressive closing speed and overall speed for his size. Can run down ball carriers from the backside of the play and get into RBs and QBs hips before they can react. The 6'5 EDGE shows awareness and instincts when he gets to the backfield, pulling the trigger on either run or pass and recognizing when he can't get there to stick his arm into passing lanes, trigger on the football, and tip passes for incompletions (8 PBUs) or big TFLs if the receiver can haul it in. He even tipped a pass to himself and scored on an electric individual effort and pick six. Plus, he posted some huge and crushing hits throughout his 2024 film and surely made an impression on opposing QBs from his edge spot, both in-game and during the week's preparation.   As a TE, Oakland flexes out into the slot and strikes a large, fast-moving target who can turn it upfield after the catch and burn pursuers with his speed, owning a big catch radius that helps him make catches in traffic and snag the rock out of the air like you'd hope for a basketball player of his caliber. Looks smooth and vertically explosive when he high points the football and makes plays on the ball in the air, and can recognize when to sit down in zone coverage and pull in catches through tight and contested coverage.     One of the biggest winners from the 2024 summer camp szn, Rocori High School simply can't stop producing high-end talent. Year after year, and especially lately, the Spartans seem to be sending a name or two into the D1 ranks, and their 2026 class is well represented by both [player_tooltip player_id='591732' first='Andrew' last='Trout'] and 6'5, 220 lb. DE/TE [player_tooltip player_id='1471267' first='Brody' last='Woods']. Possessing an eye-catching frame that is coveted by D1 coordinators and scouts, Woods was quickly identified and followed by the Minnesota Gophers' staff at one of their prospect camps last summer, immediately putting him on the radar of local Division 1s. UND, NDSU, SDSU, and Northern Illinois got gameday visits from the two-way contributor this past fall, and NDSU got him on campus for a junior day last month. South Dakota and Wyoming also came in to see Woods in person in January.   The length, as well as his ability to use it, have to have prospective college coaches excited. As a TE, those long arms are used to pluck the ball out of the air in traffic while showing coordination and strong hands that can catch the rock away from his body, and he's a strong kid who can move mass in the run game as a blocker. I think Woods really shines on the defensive side of the ball, where he uses his long arms to make tackles through contact around the LOS, as well as halting ball carriers in their tracks before ripping them to the ground. He also uses his length to keep defenders at bay before shedding and tackling RBs. Has a good rep of him long-arming and keeping two separate OL off his chest while locking out his arms like the competition were his two nosy brothers, and his quick get-off and first step led to some pressure on opposing QBs throughout the year. The potential and upside are through the roof, but the film leaves a little bit to be desired in terms of splash plays and pass-rush production, but big, athletic bodies like Woods' don't grow on trees, and coming out of a program as consistent as Rocori means he's going to be tough and technically sound, so it's hard not to think a D1 school is going to take a flyer out on the high-upside DE. Could be a big offseason for yet another Rocori Spartan.   <a href="https://twitter.com/BrodyWoods21/status/1884373049954427005">https://twitter.com/BrodyWoods21/status/1884373049954427005</a>     If you're a college program needing talented front-seven defenders, which every college program is, Lakeville North High School is a must-stop no matter the recruiting cycle, as their 2025 class proves yet again. The Panthers, with their chaotic, physical, high-pressure, in-your-face-defense, have had scholarship-worthy DL and LBs since I was playing high school ball in Minnesota, and their 2026 class is well represented by current Top 75 DT/DE [player_tooltip player_id='924226' first='Roman' last='Johnson'], a big, strong, physical, 6A utility DL and OL who NSIC and MVFC schools have been all over since the season ended and Johnson's junior tape began to circulate   Johnson, as a 3Tech who also played true NG head-up on the OC, and owns two-way versatility who can also play RG and even RT if needed, posted 18 tackles and 7 TFLs despite a ton of attention given to him on the interior, and I'd expect him to start producing in the pass rushing department as an iDL during his senior year as well. The 6'3, 250 lber. displays a quick, powerful first step and good pad level, not to mention lateral agility and twitch, which help him win a lot of reps at the snap. He can get into the backfield before plays can develop and pullers can hit their marks and get fully out of their stance, and does a good job of reading, reacting, and blowing up run plays. Johnson shows tons of pop at the initial contact point, both off the snap and in the backfield, some hand usage in the pass rushing department and can string together moves and counters with success, and a good base and balance that can withstand and absorb contact while making tackles at or behind the LOS. The strong tackler also demonstrates good pursuit speed and a motor, and is fast enough and willing enough to clean up loose ball carriers. I like his juice as a DT and he's bound for some scholarship money at the next level, we'll just have to see how high he can rise!     East Ridge's 6'2, 240 lber. [player_tooltip player_id='1255891' first='Ben' last='Knaup'] was a big-time stock riser in the latest PRzMN 2026 Rankings Update, climbing 17 spots since the last update despite the addition of nearly 200 new names and prospects to the Big Board and watchlist. Knaup was a player I heard a lot of good things about from opposing coaches during the year, and the juice that was described to me by the competition is more than visible on tape from the 2024 season. Knaup posted 51 tackles, 7 TFLs, and one sack against some of the best OL and competition that MN's 6A class has to offer, and although I'd like to see those numbers increase a little, especially in the sack department, the splash play athleticism and mobility are more than present.   Knaup, a 6'2, 240 lber. who was an All-District pick this past fall, is a monster in the weight room, posting a 335 lb. bench, 530 lb. squat, and 500 lb. deadlift, numbers that make sense when you see the tape. The East Ridge Raptors standout's get-off, lateral twitch and quickness, bend, and pad level are legit, consistent, and able to produce splash plays and big losses for his defense. He's positionally versatile and can find work as a 3T or 5T, also can play LT and even fullback, and his flexible lower body and twitchy lateral agility really shine in an explosive TFL on Knaup's first play of his junior tape. The 240 lber. has exciting bend at the top of the arc and can do damage as a pass rusher and embarrass 6A OTs in their pass set. His powerful get-off makes him look like he was snapped out of a slingshot and has him fly by lagging OL with impressive and eye-catching play speed, and he has a good rep of him getting upfield before identifying and retracing his steps to blow up a screen against Forest Lake before it could develop. Knaup's strong hands and good base can shock and shed would-be blockers in traffic at the LOS, as well as keep lineman at bay when he locks out and extends his arms, and he displays a great dip and rip that's quick off the snap, can drop his hips low to the turf, and cut off blockers for easy wins 1v1. He's also a strong run blocker who can move mass as an offensive lineman and shows a good base and solid balance in pass pro, as well as good hand usage and the awareness and nastiness to finish opponents when he gets them off-balance or out of position. Overall, Knaup is a strong, tough, physical kid who loves mixing it up and creating - and winning - collisions in the trenches of MN Big School football and is able to constantly excel in the trenches and high-contact situations. One of my favorite prospects and junior tape in the 2026 class!     One of the best multi-sport athletes in the 2026 class, a designation that is always prioritized by college coaches, recruiters, and programs, Holdingford's [player_tooltip player_id='1255144' first='Jaxon' last='Bartkowicz'] has seen his recruiting stock surge during the budding offseason, joining a select group of talented in-state peers to earn both an in-school visit from the home state Golden Gophers as well as a junior day invite to Dinkytown for Minnesota's Junior Day. Bartkowicz had a strong showing on the summer camp circuit going into his junior year, posting some solid verified measurables in the testing department, particularly in terms of size, quickness, and explosiveness. Additionally, the 320 product showed off his functional athleticism after getting moved to quarterback for his junior season, and I'd be hard-pressed if I didn't mention the wrestling background. Bartkowicz is currently ranked #1 in Class A's 189 lb. bracket and surpassed both the 150 career wins and 75 pin mark this season after nearly placing in last year's state tournament at 215 lbs.   Despite Bartkowicz throwing for 1,400 yards on a 68% completion clip, rushing for 500, and scoring 20 total TDs, the junior standout's future is best served on the defensive side of the ball, where his length, physicality, wrestling background - which positively impacts his understanding of leverage, hand usage, hips, overall toughness, and body positioning - show up in eye-catching fashion when getting after the QB. As a standup rusher who generally aligns on the edge of the LOS outside of the tackle, the long, wiry, and strong Bartkowicz possesses a powerful bull rush that makes blockers look like they're on skates and a great get-off that shoots him off the ball with explosiveness, good pad level, and the speed to run down RBs from the backside and create a ton of disruption and chaos in the backfield. He's slippery and balanced when working through traffic, contact, and multiple blocking attempts in search of the rock and shows impressive bend at the top of the arc. I love how he rips and works through contact from pass-setting tackles, can unlock and flip his hips, and stays tight off an OTs playside hip. Bartkowicz also uses his hands very well. If you lean or get over your toes, Bartkowicz is going to pull and shuck you forward, off balance and sometimes stumbling forward and onto your face, and he explodes and brings his hips through contact, creating some big hits and collisions on helpless QBs throughout the year. Easily one of the most naturally gifted pass rushers in Minnesota's 2026 class. Don't be surprised if he shoots up the rankings this offseason!     My oh my, what an offseason find by yours truly. Belle Plaine unfortunately doesn't update their MNFootballHub stats, so I wasn't able to track or identify the Tigers' high-ceiling 6'4, 210 lb. pass rusher [player_tooltip player_id='1612758' first='Ayden' last='Volek'] thanks to his impressive 9 sacks in 2024, but the good ol' offseason grind and in-person eye test once again paid dividends for PRzMN, who got a great look at Volek at the LOScrimmage Holiday Clinic hosted at TrainingHAUS. The junior was certainly an eye-catcher up close and personal, coming in at a legit 6'4 with exceptionally long arms and a lean, wiry frame that could add 40-50 pounds without problem. I also saw him clock multiple 4.5 shuttles at the same event, with some room to shave off more tenths of a second, and the junior can easily dunk a basketball one-handed thanks to his 32" vert and explosive 9'4 broad jump. Not only that, pass rushing is in Volek's blood, with a dad who played college football at Gustavus and measured in at 6'3, 225 according to his 2002 roster profile. I'd like to think that means that the younger Volek isn't done growing, but even if he stays at his now-6'4, he's already established himself as an athletic and dangerous presence on the edge of the LOS.   I love Volek's flexibility and bend, both at the top of the arc as a pass rusher and in his knees and hips, and he displays great pad level and bend off the snap, flying off the ball with his chest low and parallel to the ground. It looks like one of the fastest get-offs in the state, and he also demonstrates great speed and long arms help him run down and corral QBs scrambling and trying to extend plays, as well as close with pace, not allowing them to react or readjust out of the way. Volek owns strong, powerful hands and knows how to use them, doing a good job of getting his paws on the interior of a blocker's chest plate and ripping them forward and off-balance. The hand-in-the-dirt 5T can get skinny and easily slip through gaps and double teams, especially when planting off his right foot and working inside, and is a physical tackler, showing a good rep of him suplexing a helpless Waseca ball carrier in WWE-style fashion. Plus, Volek attacks blockers with physicality and does a good job of setting his feet and dropping hips to hold a gap. Uses proper leverage and keeps his outside shoulder free. He also has two-way ability and can reel in and finish contested catches through big hits down the seam and in the MOF. Soft hands and has some speed, YAC ability, and a nose for the endzone, and he returned a kickoff 30 yards to highlight some more explosiveness. Really high-traits pass rusher and soon-to-be major stock riser who has the chance to crack the Top 50 of the 2026 Big Board if he continues to produce in the sack and TFL department, grow and develop his body, add weight, and keep pumping out quality film.     An exciting XL athlete coming out of Coon Rapids, [player_tooltip player_id='592124' first='Kammren' last='Cummings-Coleman'] is the not-so-little-brother of current Iowa State freshman DB Khijohnn Cummings-Coleman. Although he doesn't play a skill position like his big bro, the younger KCC is still quite the impressive athlete himself. At last year's PrepRedzoneDAK Showcase, Cummings-Coleman came in at 6' and 246 lb. and ran a 4.97 40, a 4.74 and 4.69 40, and a 7'8 broad jump. Talk about a big man moving! Cummings-Coleman also ran an 11.60 100M last spring during the outdoor track season. KCC recorded 60 tackles, 2 sacks, and a FF in five games of 2024 action during which Coon Rapids, unfortunately, went 0-9, and proved himself to be a dynamic and versatile utility EDGE with a three-down skillset who can handle rushing, run defense, and coverage responsibilities. Primarily operates as a standup EDGE who aligns as wide as the slot, and KCC opens his tape by highlighting his speed in a beautiful chase-down tackle on a loose ball carrier right before the goal line. Looks more like a linebacker - and a fast one at that - in his speedy, fluid gait. He owns great chase-down and pursuit speed and can hawk down QBs from the backside of the LOS when chasing out to the far sideline. He can defeat blocks both at the LOS and on the perimeter, as well as tackle in space, can set and defend the edge with proper leverage, and does a great job of tracking and mirroring ball carriers while in pursuit. In a pleasant surprise, I was also impressed with his loose hips who can see, break on, and tackle slotbacks and wideouts on slants, outs, and other quick routes. A strong tackler as well, I think KCC has some positional versatility when projecting to the next level, where big, athletic bodies are always in demand. Big-time sleeper out of Coon Rapids once again.     Amongst a host of exciting talent on Benilde-St. Margaret's 2024 roster, 2026 DL [player_tooltip player_id='1602680' first='Milo' last='Dungan'] showed off some promising pass rush ability as a 6'2, 245 lber. Dungan posted 41 tackles, 14 TFLs, 1.5 sacks, and a FF as a junior, earning a conversation with the University of Northern Iowa when they stopped by St. Louis Park to meet with some Red Knights on the recruiting trail. Dungan also visited Northern State in October for a gameday visit.   The junior DL displays a strong base that can hold a gap through contact before making a stuffing 1v1 tackler to halt a ball carrier in his tracks, and he's positionally versatile and lined up at multiple spots along the defensive line in 2024, including as a NG, creating disruption and production as well. Dungan shows he can run the hoop when rushing the passer, uses his strong hands to shed blockers when he rips, counters, and gets his hands on, has a good motor and effort whistle to whistle, and displays some closing speed to boot. We're excited to see how Dungan attacks the offseason.     Representing the linebackers in this PrepRedzoneMN Pass Rushing Prowess feature, St. Louis Park High School's stud 5'10, 200 lb. RB/LB [player_tooltip player_id='551390' first='Mason' last='Helfmann'] had an exceptional junior season statistically, posting 134 tackles, 19 TFLs, 6.5 sacks, 2 INTs, and 2 FF, as well as 66 rushes for 400 yards and 3 TDs, 16 receptions for 115 yards, and another TD. That defensive production is especially exciting, and Helfmann has some good things going on both sides of the ball, a promising trait when talking next level projection. The 200 lb. two-way contributor shows sudden footwork and COD ability helps Helfmann cut on a dime and create some exciting runs and gains from his RB spot, especially in the open field, as well as good contact balance and fight as a RB who pumps his legs through weaker tackle attempts at his lower body. Also has great hands out of the backfield, as well as from his LB spot, where his first defensive clip is a snazzy one-handed INT that he plucks out of the air after undercutting a WR running a dig across the MOF. Helfmann is a great open field tackler who tracks the ball carriers hip and explodes through contact, with a nice gator roll mixed in for good measure, and shoots gaps with pace and is a consistent and impressive 1v1 tackler. He generally beats blocks with quickness, but does a great job of finding gaps in the LOS when working to the backfield and can take advantage of them thanks to his quickness and instincts. Someone is going to get a very experienced, dynamic, and productive prep football player with some pass rushing capability to boot.    --

Rushing the passer is one of the most coveted skills in not only the game of football but all of professional sports. DEs, EDGEs, and occasionally DTs are usually the biggest, baddest, and most athletic guys on the gridiron, earning top dollar on the open market and justifying Top 10, First Round, and occasionally #1 picks year to year. There's a reason people say that fourth-quarter pass rushes win games, and not only do they win games, they also win Super Bowls, making the pass rusher one of the premier positions when it comes to the recruiting side of high school and college scouting. The Land of 10,000 Lakes has an exceptional group of DE and EDGE talent in the PrepRedzoneMN 2026 Rankings, with size, length, athleticism, production, and upside out the wazoo. Get to know the latest ranking update's most impressive pass rushers below!