2026 SPRING RANKINGS UPDATE: Defensive Line Breakdown

<p>2026s, you're on the clock, and all eyes are on you. We have officially released a new set of rankings for the class of 2026 in Arkansas. In this article, we will showcase the 2026 defensive linemen with analysis. Over the next month, I will break down these rankings by position in each class, including other segments. For the defensive linemen, I will provide you with evaluations of some of the top prospects and the players flying under the radar:</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1305652' first='Cody' last='Johnson'] is an athletic and explosive defensive lineman who excels at wearing down offensive tackles. He displays solid upfield burst off the LOS with solid pad level and UOH to create leverage and shed blockers. Johnson showcases a relentless motor, consistently putting pressure into the pocket or chasing down ball carriers. His burst off the snap allows him to utilize his good length to extend, rip, or swim to shed blockers. Add him to your recruiting board.</p>   <p class="text-gray-700">Note – 3.0 GPA</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/COJO2026/status/1878592589869502669 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1035451' first='Emmanuel' last='Hudson'] possesses the mentality needed both on and off the field, making him a player to watch throughout 2025. As for his skillset, he displays good full-body strength, power, and an upfield burst off the LOS. He also has good UOH as he can quickly transition to his rip move and generate pressure in the backfield. Hudson showcases good pad level and lower body power, enabling him to execute an effective bull rush. </p>   <p class="text-gray-700">Note – All-State</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/emmanuel_C2026/status/1856075379598876998 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1561638' first='Joe' last='Washington'] is rising. He displays a good burst off the snap and effectively uses his hands to read and shed blocks quickly. He consistently makes plays at the LOS and in the backfield. His solid pad level and good lower body strength enable him to generate pressure in the interior and off the EDGE. Washington has an impressive bull rush and swim move to attack the OL. Overall, he plays with a solid motor and play strength to effectively impact each play. </p>   <p class="text-gray-700">Note – 3.2 GPA</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Joewashington67/status/1878249522976940274 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1317062' first='Brogan' last='Tate'] is an impressive young man in person. Tate knows how to set the edge with his solid physicality at the point of attack. He can also occasionally stunt or play in the interior. He demonstrates a solid burst off the snap, using his hands effectively and delivering a powerful punch to shed blockers and make plays at the LOS or in the backfield. Additionally, he plays with a high motor, consistently chasing down ball carriers from behind with solid play strength.</p>   <p class="text-gray-700">Note – 4.0 GPA</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/the_btate/status/1865944393556886013 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1545773' first='Darion' last='R Henderson'] has an exciting summer and fall ahead to establish himself. He has the potential to be an effective 2-gap plug and run stopper in the interior. Henderson shows a solid burst off the snap, along with solid hand placement and active feet, allowing him to drive offensive linemen back to generate pressure or make plays in the backfield. </p>   <p class="text-gray-700">Note – 3.8 GPA</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/DarionHenders19 </div></figure>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">OTHER TOP 100 DEFENSIVE LINEMEN:</h2>   <p>1. [player_tooltip player_id='413517' first='Anthony' last='Kennedy'] (Little Rock Central)</p>   <p>2. [player_tooltip player_id='1216596' first='Danny' last='Beale'] (Cross County)</p>   <p>3. [player_tooltip player_id='928532' first='Kellen' last='Wrona'] (Bentonville)</p>   <p>4. [player_tooltip player_id='261127' first='Malachi' last='McDonald'] (Bryant)</p>   <p>7. [player_tooltip player_id='884532' first='Roderick' last='Williams'] (Cross County)</p>   <p>8. [player_tooltip player_id='1616564' first='Lebron' last='Modacure'] (Hot Springs)</p>

2026s, you're on the clock, and all eyes are on you. We have officially released a new set of rankings for the class of 2026 in Arkansas. In this article, we will showcase the 2026 defensive linemen with analysis. Over the next month, I will break down these rankings by position in each class, including other segments. For the defensive linemen, I will provide you with evaluations of some of the top prospects and the players flying under the radar: