2026 Under the Radar Defensive Prospects

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">In-depth evaluations of some of the top under the radar defensive prospects in the 2026 class.</h2>    McCormack is a versatile and active defender that stands out with his ability to impact the game in multiple ways. He plays with a fast motor, showing excellent closing speed and the range to cover ground in both coverage and run support. Lean frame at 5'11” 170 lbs. but brings a physical presence to the field, never shying away from contact and being an aggressive run filler. Quick in the hips and feet to mirror receivers effectively and stay attached throughout the route. His instincts and awareness in coverage are strong, often putting himself in the position to make plays on the ball. With natural ball skills, he tracks the football well in the air, breaks on routes with speed, and plays through the hands at the catch point. Good positional flexibility to line up in different spots and maintain his playmaking ability.      Strong foundational skillset for the 6'1” 235 lb. hybrid DE/LB. Carries a strong blend of athleticism, technique, and physicality with a high motor in pursuit. Plus natural movement skills and bend working off the edge showing smooth lateral agility and ability to redirect and close on the ball with speed and control. Active and violent at the POA, using hand placement and quick disengagement to shed blockers and make plays at or behind the LOS. Plays with good leverage and balance to shed and continues to fight through contact to collapse the pocket or set the edge. Impressive pass rusher, with the versatility to beat blockers with power or finesse move and athletic enough to operate in space. Strong build that could transition well to multiple positions on the defensive side.      At 6'0” 180 lbs. Price is a high impact defender who thrives all over the field. Whether lined up at safety, nickel, or even as an edge rusher he brings a physical and attacking playing style to every snap. He's a downhill run filler who reads quickly, triggers with confidence, and delivers strong contact as a tackler. Plays with controlled aggression always flying around with speed and a great nose for the football. Reliable open field tackler who can break down in space and consistently finish with physicality. His ability to take on and shed blockers speaks to both his toughness and technical ability. In coverage, he shows good instincts and range with the athleticism to match up in man and the awareness to excel in zone. His football IQ and motor allow him to be a true swiss army knife in the secondary capable of blitzing off the edge, covering slot receivers, or serving as a strong last line of defense. Holds several offers already but should see more recruiting attention as a senior.      At 6'0” 180 lbs. Boyd is a smooth, instinctive CB with the athletic traits and football IQ to be a true lockdown presence on the perimeter. He moves with fluidity and balance, showing the ability to transition clean in and out of breaks, match movement, and stay connected throughout the route tree. High level recovery speed and awareness. Even when initially beaten, he has the burst to close ground quickly and get back in phase making him a tough target to beat deep. His top end speed pairs well with his technique allowing him to play both off-man and press coverage effectively. A natural athlete and playmaker, he has plus ball judgement skills. He tracks the ball well in the, times out his breaks, and consistently makes plays at the catch point. Look for his recruitment to rise in the upcoming season.      Excellent size, length, and frame built for the DL at 6'4” 250 lbs. He's a disruptive interior prospect that is quick off the ball with an explosive first step. He consistently puts offensive linemen off balance and establishes early positional leverage. His get off combined with his sharp instincts allows him to penetrate gaps and blow up plays before they develop. A force at the POA he's difficult to move with his size and natural strength. He plays with heavy hands, using his length and leverage to stack and control blockers and then shed with force while maintaining gap integrity. Skillset translates to both run defense and pass-rushing situations. Like his short area quickness and variety of moves. He's able to work laterally and redirect quickly to chase the ball carrier. As a pass rusher, he's capable of winning with both speed and power flashing a quick swim move, a tight rip, or the bull rush to collapse the pocket. Pulled in an offer from San Diego but deserves to be more highly recruited.