2026 Risers Gaining Steam on the Recruiting Trail

The 2026 class rankings were updated earlier this week, and today we're highlighting a handful of recruits who have started to make their names known in the recruitment world.    Jackson exploded with a massive season, finishing second in the state with 16 sacks. He was able to create pressure all year long and lived in the backfield. With his 16 sacks, he had 21 TFLs and 54 total tackles and earned an All-State nod for his efforts. He's a high-motor player with a good frame and core strength. He's got fantastic top-end speed as well and moves like an LB. He's gaining interest and traction for all the right reasons.     Ogden broke out in a big way this year and showed what he's fully capable of. He doubled his production across the board, going from 52 tackles as a sophomore to 104 this past season. He also bumped his TFLs from 10 to 18, added 3 interceptions, and forced 3 fumbles. He's a complete linebacker who plays with range, reads things quickly, and doesn't miss many opportunities when the ball is near. The jump he made this year was impressive and he's trending in the right direction heading into his senior season.     Friday has stacked two solid seasons together, but this past year, he took it up a notch with how often he was in the backfield. After putting up 4 sacks and 7 TFLs as a sophomore, he jumped to 12 sacks and 15 TFLs as a junior and looked far more comfortable creating pressure off the edge. He's got a good feel for timing his get-off, uses his hands well, and doesn't quit on plays. If that continues the development, he could be one of the more productive edge guys in the class.     Crane has developed steadily and took a big step forward this past season. His production jumped in a big way with 78 tackles, 18 TFLs, 8 sacks, and 24 hurries. He played with confidence and looked more decisive in how he attacked. He's got a quick first step, plays with leverage, and doesn't shy away from contact. That kind of growth year over year shows he's figuring it out, and if the trend holds, he's going to be tough to deal with as a senior.     Smith had a big year this year with a breakout season that's hard to ignore. He put up 148 tackles, and 102 of them were solo. He was one of the most active defenders on the field week in and week out. He added 6 TFLs, 2 sacks, and recovered 3 fumbles, showing he's got a nose for the ball and the ability to clean things up. He's built well and doesn't shy from contact. If he keeps that motor going into next year, he'll be a tough one to keep off the radar.

The 2026 class rankings were updated earlier this week, and today we're highlighting a handful of recruits who have started to make their names known in the recruitment world.