PRZNE 2026 Rankings Update | Defensive Playmakers To Watch

Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code: OscarGalindo30 in the coupon code area.   With the last update coming before the season, the Class of 2026 rankings received a highly deserved overhaul, which saw our list grow to over 500 ranked+watchlist prospects. One of the best parts of doubling our prospect pool is seeing all the new names that emerged on our radar throughout the 2024 season.   Below are five defensive playmakers who could make waves on the recruiting trail this spring.   Check out the updated Class of 2026 rankings <a href="https://prepredzone.com/nebraska/rankings/2026-rankings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HERE</a>.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   [player_tooltip player_id='487565' first='Coy' last='Vrbka'] <a href="https://x.com/VrbkaCoy">(@VrbkaCoy)</a>, DL - Shelby-Rising City - 6'1" 200 lbs   Another year, another Vrbka terrorizing opposing offenses! Shelby-Rising City's [player_tooltip player_id='487565' first='Coy' last='Vrbka'] is listed as a defensive lineman but has the athleticism and lateral quickness to get some looks at OLB. Although Coy may not be the biggest DL, he does play with a great understanding of leverage, which stems from his deep wrestling background. He keeps a sturdy, balanced base while displaying great explosiveness from his hips, which helps him flip blockers off of his. Vrbka also does a great job setting the edge against the run, showing that he can stonewall tackles to cut off outside lanes and force the RB to look elsewhere. Coy ended his junior season with 72 tackles, 11.5 TFLs, 5.5 sacks, four fumble recoveries, and two fumbles returned for touchdowns. His 12 QB hurries and 11.5 TFLs show how good he is at penetrating the line of scrimmage and wreaking havoc in the backfield. Don't sleep on his upside on the offensive line as well!    [player_tooltip player_id='1157382' first='Vincent' last='Sall'] <a href="https://x.com/VincentSall_" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@VincentSall_)</a>, DB - Creighton Prep - 6'3" 190 lbs   Creighton Prep's [player_tooltip player_id='1157382' first='Vincent' last='Sall'] is an interesting defensive back who played his sophomore season at safety and moved to cornerback as a junior. Sall excelled in this new position, recording 54 tackles, 2.5 TFLs, .5 sacks, an interception, and a forced fumble. Vincent stands out immediately with his listed size of 6'3" and 190 lbs. He possesses a lengthy frame with a solid wingspan that fits the mold of the modern cornerback. On top of his size, Sall also has athleticism for the position, with 4.5 40-yard speed and a 34" vertical jump, which helps him stay in step with receivers and defend the ball at the high point. I will say the physicality Sall brought as a safety did not go away with his transition to CB, showing that he can break off from perimeter blocks to help defend the run. He does a good job flipping his hips and is smooth when changing direction in coverage, with good recovery speed to close on receivers. Good hands at the catch point to break up passes. Impressive player with massive upside!    [player_tooltip player_id='1571968' first='Cole' last='Lempp'] <a href="https://x.com/colelempp">(@colelempp)</a>, LB/S - Papillion-La Vista - 6'2" 185 lbs   Here's another player who's flashing nice versatility on defense. Papillion-La Vista South's [player_tooltip player_id='1571968' first='Cole' last='Lempp'] is a bit of a "tweener" positionally, possessing the coverage ability of a safety and the physicality of a linebacker. During his junior campaign, Cole recorded 50 tackles, two TFLs, and a pick-six in a strong showing. Lempp plays in a hybrid OLB/Nickel role where his quick instincts can trigger him to crash downhill or flip his hips to drop into coverage. He plays with great range and speed that can take him from sideline to sideline and make tackles even from the backside of the play. He quickly recognizes what offenses are trying to do and can pick up/pass off crossing receivers.    [player_tooltip player_id='488221' first='Brady' last='Schieffer'] <a href="https://x.com/bschieffer12" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@bschieffer12)</a>, EDGE - Waverly - 6'5" 205 lbs   Continuing the trend here of lengthy, versatile players. Waverly's Brady Scheiffer caught my attention with his explosiveness coming off the edge and his measurables, which project very well to the collegiate level. Scheiffer is a very lengthy and rangy player at 6'5" with room to continue growing into his frame. What stood out about Brady was his quick first step, which allowed him to fire off the ball and gain ground quickly. At the line of scrimmage, he shows that he can win with inside moves and bend very well when rounding the edge. Great pursuit for the ball with the closing speed to shut plays down quickly. Good power and torque from his hips and lower body, which he uses to flip blockers off of him when engaged. There weren't a ton of opportunities for Brady in the passing game, but with a new QB under center next season, expect their 6'5" receiver to be a go-to target. Sleeper prospect to get on campus this spring!    [player_tooltip player_id='1114853' first='Collin' last='Stolpe'] <a href="https://x.com/CollinStolpe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@CollinStolpe)</a>, LB - Aurora - 6'0" 205 lbs   Here's a real thumper at the inside linebacker position. Aurora's [player_tooltip player_id='1114853' first='Collin' last='Stolpe'] immediately pops on tape with his aggressive, fast playing style and intense motor. Through nine games as a junior, Stolpe racked up 71 tackles, six TFLs, and two sacks. Stolpe has a very quick trigger that propels him downhill toward the ball carrier with the closing speed to get to his spot before any big gains are made. He plays with a mean streak at the line of scrimmage, showing he can convert his speed to power at the point of attack, allowing him to penetrate into the backfield to continue his pursuit. Great tackler who implements sound technique and is a lock to bring down the ball carrier. Small school prospect with big time potential!    <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   Make sure to follow @PRZ_OscarG for more news on Nebraska and Iowa HS recruiting.

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