Unsigned and Overlooked: 2026 Defenders

<p>The 2026 class has plenty of talent on both sides of the ball, but a handful of defenders remain unsigned despite putting together strong resumes. These prospects bring versatility, toughness, and playmaking ability that colleges crave. From turnover machines in the secondary to trench disruptors who can wreck blocking schemes, these athletes are proving they deserve more eyes on them. Here's a closer look at unsigned 2026 defenders who are raising their stock.</p>    <p class="text-gray-700">Oliver is a tackling machine who finds a way to always be around the ball. His anticipation and instincts stand out — he diagnoses plays quickly and uses his quickness to slip past lead blockers. Physical when he needs to be, Oliver can serve as an enforcer in the middle, delivering clean but punishing hits. Productive, relentless, and smart, he's the type of defender who makes life easier for everyone around him.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/CaydenOliver17/status/1970637048751980657 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Hall has the look of a polished pass rusher in the making. His solid first step immediately puts linemen on their heels, and his short-area explosiveness allows him to generate pressure and finish plays in the backfield. Hall already has an advanced toolbox for his age — chops, long-arm rushes, and inside counters are part of his arsenal. More than just a pass rusher, he sets the edge well in the run game and plays the option with discipline and active feet.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/EHall8686/status/1972491185500692512 </div></figure>    <p class="text-gray-700">Thomas is a versatile defender with above-average size, strength, and quickness. He can line up as a rotational rusher or anchor in the run game, flashing power on bull rushes and good hand play when disengaging from blockers. What separates him is his finishing ability — when he gets a clean shot, he delivers with authority. A prospect with this frame, versatility, and motor could be one of the biggest steals in the 2026 cycle if offered.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/zaeontopsoon/status/1972467144928694692 </div></figure>    <p class="text-gray-700">Pace brings a physical edge to the secondary. A strong run-support corner who thrives in the box, he's a fundamentally sound tackler in the open field and plays with a high motor. He doesn't shy away from gang tackling, and his effort shows up on special teams where he's a consistent playmaker. Assignment-sound and fearless, Pace is the type of glue guy who contributes in multiple phases and helps teams win games.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/kadynpace/status/1970997031415271819 </div></figure>    <p class="text-gray-700">Wright has flashed as one of the most versatile defenders in the unsigned 2026 group. With tremendous closing speed, he can run down plays from the opposite sideline or chase down a back from behind. A true nickel/safety hybrid, he patrols the middle of the field with aggression and instinct- while being very comfortable in a robber role. Despite having the frame of a defensive back, he's logged plenty of snaps at outside linebacker, showing toughness, a high motor, and the heart to play bigger than his size.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/wright_wro567/status/1973199700460446143 </div></figure>

The 2026 class has plenty of talent on both sides of the ball, but a handful of defenders remain unsigned despite putting together strong resumes. These prospects bring versatility, toughness, and playmaking ability that colleges crave. From turnover machines in the secondary to trench disruptors who can wreck blocking schemes, these athletes are proving they deserve more eyes on them. Here's a closer look at unsigned 2026 defenders who are raising their stock.