QB Hunters: Most Productive Sack Artists Back for '25

One of the quickest ways to impact a game is get after the QB. Get the pressured, out of rhythm, and on the ground whenever you can. QBs in 2025 are going to have to have their heads on a swivel and eyes in the back of their head with the talent and production returning in 2025. These kids know how to get to the QB, and they do it well. These pass rushers are names to know, today, tomorrow, and until the day they commit. We have to dive into these game changing front seven defenders.    We start things off with a talented OL and DL recruit in Columbus' [player_tooltip player_id='1361629' first='Wyatt' last='Graffin']. The 265 lbs DL spent 2024 wrecking havoc on offenses. His power collapsed pockets or swiped OL aside. The big fella repeatedly flashed his closing burst to corral the QB and drag them down. Wyatt returns in 2025 with the most sacks of any athlete with 14. That outstanding number was also good enough to be 2nd in the state overall. It only took Wyatt 11 games to pile up those numbers too. The big man is a week to week impactful DL recruit. Not to mention he also was a starting OL for a 2,200+ yard rusher while helping Columbus get to Level 2 of the playoffs. I can't wait to see his encore to that performance after a summer of turning heads and earning offers.     Tied for 3rd overall during the 2024 season is Tyren Simmon with his 13 sack effort. Tyren also piled up 11 TFLs, and 80 tackles overall. The sophomore athlete understands how to get into the backfield and disrupt plays. The athletic edge defender dominated with his first step quickness. Over and over throughout his highlights he is getting into the backfield untouched because of that first step and explosive acceleration. With two years of football still ahead of him we could be in store for an impressive level of production from Tyren.     Another highly productive pass rusher out of Milwaukee is junior Shevez Johnson. The 240 lbs athlete piled up 12.5 sacks in just 7 games. That rate would have him in first place in 2024 if he would have played a full 9 game regular season. His 18 TFLs gave him a total of 30.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage. The junior clearly has found a way to get into the backfield consistently and how to finish plays. Let's see if he can carry that rate of production into his senior season.     One of the best overall players returning to the field in 2025 is also one of the most productive at his job. Ryan finished tied for 8th with 11 sacks in 2024, and that is the 4th most among returning athletes. The FBS recruit has made huge strides in 2024. It is clear that the junior has grown into his elite frame as his first step was far more explosive this past season. Plus his use of leverage was so effective. On tape you will see him be able to get hands on and shed the block or bull rush while the opposing OL can't even reach Ryan's frame. The kid has special tools that are translating to the field. Big things are ahead for this kid.     I have watch McCoy's junior tape a couple times, and every time it's a treat. The junior athlete jumps off the tape with his explosive first step at the snap. So many times he is flying through gaps untouched and chasing down the ball with excellent range. The 220 lbs athlete also does so well turning that burst into power and carrying power throughout every move he makes. The kid is a wrecking ball in the trenches. It all accumulated into an 11 sack season. Definitely get eyes on this kid because he can play on a defense at the next level.     The edge rusher out of Johnson Creek is well worth the watch. He collected 11 sacks in 2024 and flashed plenty of talent to tap into and develop at the next level. The junior made plays with high motor and range in the backfield. He also flashed some power to shed blocks aside while staying on his path to the QB. I love how Evan simply doesn't stop until he gets to the ball or the whistle blows. It will be interesting to see how he looks this summer/fall.     Brendan put together one of the best defensive seasons in 2024. We already talked about him in the previous article where we looked at the top tacklers. Now the dominant LB is back with his production as a pass rusher. His 10 sacks in 2024 were tied for 14th overall, and they have him at 7th among athletes returning to the field in 2025. When Brendan went QB hunting it was his timing, elite burst, and speed that got him home in a hurry. Foley is such a versatile athlete that is on his way to developing himself into a D1 level three-down LB.     Also tied for 14th with 10 sacks is the Oak Creek junior, Gavin Grall. The junior also collected 11 TFLs, and forced 3 fumbles. The 2026 is a disruptive athlete DE and a menace for OL to stay in front of. Gavin is able to leap out of his stance and put OL in bad positions/leverage as they try to slow him down while he muscles his way into the backfield. Where Gavin lacks some size he makes up for it with his athletic tools along with a high motor and drive. Don't sleep on the 2026 DL.     We end with our second sophomore to pile up big numbers on the pass rushing side of things. The 2027 DL also tied for 14th with 10 sacks. Bryce was able to post 10 sacks and 11 TFLs in just 11 games. The edge defender is a nimble athlete who can change direction on his path to the QB or retrace his steps to chase down the ball. He has a solid base of athletic tools to continue to win with while his frame grows over the next two years.

One of the quickest ways to impact a game is get after the QB. Get the pressured, out of rhythm, and on the ground whenever you can. QBs in 2025 are going to have to have their heads on a swivel and eyes in the back of their head with the talent and production returning in 2025. These kids know how to get to the QB, and they do it well. These pass rushers are names to know, today, tomorrow, and until the day they commit. We have to dive into these game changing front seven defenders.