2026 RANKINGS UPDATE: Defensive Line Breakdown

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>FALL UPDATE:</strong> 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> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/position-ranking-table {"name":"acf/position-ranking-table","data":{"class":"2026","_class":"field_65cfb7374abb9","position":"2406","_position":"field_65cfbfcb19ad6","national_rankings":"0","_national_rankings":"field_660c1d73c0e49","state":"2456","_state":"field_65cfb88a603fe"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68bc3f444087f"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["261127"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68bc3f4441e45"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='261127' first='Malachi' last='McDonald'] is stout and disrupts the line of scrimmage. He can create leverage with good hand placement to overpower his opponents and shed blocks quickly. His foot quickness and timing with his hands are consistently adequate, causing disruption against both the run and pass. McDonald showcases good pad level as he can win bull rushes consistently, putting pressure into the pocket and delivering strong punches to disrupt the rhythm of blockers. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/MalachiMCDO07/status/1962242670035689979","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/MalachiMCDO07/status/1962242670035689979 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1317062"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68bc3f4441ea2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1317062' first='Brogan' last='Tate'] is a prospect to add to the recruiting board this fall. He's a high motor, edge-setter known for his physicality at the POA. Tate delivers a powerful punch to shed blockers and make plays at the LOS. He consistently chases down ball carriers from behind with solid play strength and foot quickness</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Note – 4.1 GPA</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/the_btate/status/1964167301881626799","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/the_btate/status/1964167301881626799 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1577005"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68bc3f4441eef"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1577005' first='Chuck' last='Vinson'] is a prospect to watch throughout the fall. He consistently creates pressure in the interior. Post-snap, he displays a solid upfield burst, pad level, and UOH to create leverage. This allows him to shed blockers quickly and make plays in the backfield. Vinson's quickness and awareness right off the snap enable him to shed from combos and down blocks effectively.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Note – 3.9 GPA</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/chuckiev75/status/1912579053254578343","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/chuckiev75/status/1912579053254578343 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1615365"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68bc3f4441f39"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1615365' first='Christian' last='Lewis'] lands at number 325 overall and 36 at the position. He is a true plug who can fill gaps and create opportunities for others across the defensive front. His length and power make him difficult to block in one-on-one situations. Lewis is a good run-stopper. Overall, he demonstrates solid play strength and competitive toughness. Add him to your recruiting board.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Note – 3.2 GPA</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/chris_lewis53/status/1963287158791241924","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/chris_lewis53/status/1963287158791241924 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1678990"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68bc3f4441f80"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1678990' first='Billy' last='Moore'] could breakout this fall. He's quick and athletic. Moore displays solid upfield burst off the snap and engages with good hand placement. He can quickly shed and make plays in the backfield or at the LOS off the placement.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Note – 3.4 GPA</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BillyRay59865/status/1929417638846849340","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/BillyRay59865/status/1929417638846849340 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">OTHER TOP 100 DEFENSIVE LINEMEN:</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>1. [player_tooltip player_id='413517' first='Anthony' last='Kennedy'] (Little Rock Central)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2. [player_tooltip player_id='1216596' first='Danny' last='Beale'] (Cross County)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>3. [player_tooltip player_id='1206538' first='Deminio' last='Patterson'] (Joe T. Robinson)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>4. [player_tooltip player_id='928532' first='Kellen' last='Wrona'] (Bentonville)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>6. [player_tooltip player_id='1616564' first='Lebron' last='Modacure'] (Hot Springs)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>7. [player_tooltip player_id='884532' first='Roderick' last='Williams'] (Cross County)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8. [player_tooltip player_id='1276136' first='Nygel' last='Farsee'] (Little Rock Parkview)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>9. [player_tooltip player_id='1305652' first='Cody' last='Johnson'] (Greenwood)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>10. [player_tooltip player_id='1035451' first='Emmanuel' last='Hudson'] (Pine Bluff)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->