2026 Rankings Debuts: New Defensive Prospects on The Rise

Today we will be taking a look at some new faces to the rankings that will be making their debut. These are the players that will be looking to make an impact for their team this upcoming season that you need to know. If you are new and looking to subscribe use the code: Davis30 for a 30% discount off of your first subscription. If you are returning and want 30% off of the monthly subscription use code: DavisPRZ30 for a discount.    Achtziger is a safety to keep a close eye on as he enters the 2026 rankings. He excels at coming downhill and inserting himself into the run game, often finding the ball near the line of scrimmage. He shows good vision and anticipation, navigating through traffic to make tackles in the open field. His ability to read the play and avoid blocks gives him upside as a reliable run defender. As he continues to develop, scouts will be looking for him to become more assertive and deliver physical hits in the hole. If he takes that next step and becomes a tone setter, Achtziger could be a stock riser by the end of the season.     Longfellow is looking to make his varsity impact this upcoming season and is a name worth monitoring as he enters the 2026 rankings. A standout on special teams, he flashes great speed and range while tracking down the football. His ability to cover ground quickly and make plays in open space stands out on film. As he makes the jump, Longfellow's vision and instincts make him quick to the football to make plays. With a high motor and willingness to contribute wherever needed, he's the type of under-the-radar player who could turn heads during fall camp and work his way into a consistent varsity role.     Muñoz Medellin brings a balanced skill set to the linebacker position, making his presence felt in both the run and pass game. His speed and instincts allow him to drop into coverage, often getting into passing lanes and disrupting routes over the middle. Against the run, he's aggressive and decisive, taking good angles and slipping blocks to wrap up ball carriers. He doesn't shy away from contact and has the potential to become a reliable three down linebacker with continued development. As he steps into the spotlight in the 2026 rankings, Medellin will be one to watch closely as a disruptive force with versatility.     Armijo Guerue made a strong early case for himself with two sacks last season and now enters the 2026 rankings with rising momentum. His ability to create pressure off the edge or from the interior stands out, he plays with energy and a relentless motor. He's not just a pass rusher, Armijo Guerue can drop into zone coverage and close quickly on underneath throws. His physicality shows when wrapping up receivers over the middle or crashing down into the backfield. With his combination of pass rush production and versatility in space, he's shaping up to be one of the more complete new faces in this linebacker class.     McClain has earned his way into the 2026 rankings thanks to a strong football IQ and quick trigger instincts. He diagnoses plays quickly and doesn't waste time reacting, he is able to knife through the line to make a tackle for loss or dropping back in coverage to eliminate passing lanes. He plays with poise and balance, rarely caught out of position. When called on to rush the passer, McClain can create instant pressure and finish at the point of contact. With his blend of coverage skills, downhill ability, and field awareness, McClain is a defender who could rise fast if he continues to build on his early promise.

Today we will be taking a look at some new faces to the rankings that will be making their debut. These are the players that will be looking to make an impact for their team this upcoming season that you need to know. If you are new and looking to subscribe use the code: Davis30 for a 30% discount off of your first subscription. If you are returning and want 30% off of the monthly subscription use code: DavisPRZ30 for a discount.