2026 Rankings Newcomers: Defense

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Deep dive into the new defensive prospects in the 2026 PRZ rankings.</h2>    Njoku enters the rankings at No. 82 overall and as the sixth-ranked linebacker after putting together a highly productive and impactful senior season, finishing with 102 tackles and 16 tackles for loss. At 6'3”, 225 pounds, he brings an ideal blend of size, strength, and athleticism to the linebacker position. His game speed stands out on film, as he consistently navigates through traffic with balance and body control while working efficiently to the ball carrier. He plays with strong eye discipline and awareness, rarely taking false steps, and shows a quick, decisive trigger downhill once he diagnoses the play. Njoku is physical and dependable as a tackler, showing the ability to square up and finish in the box while also being comfortable and controlled in space against quicker athletes. His strength and technique allow him to consistently limit yards after contact. He plays with urgency and effort, often serving as the tone-setter for the defense. Originally committed to New Mexico before flipping and signing with UNLV.      Moffat is an outstanding interior defensive lineman who brings an ideal combination of size, strength, and power at 6'4”, 260 pounds. He shows natural strength in his hands and lower body, allowing him to consistently control the line of scrimmage and create immediate penetration and knockback at the point of attack. He plays with good pad level and leverage, using his physicality to disrupt blocking schemes and compress the pocket from the inside. Moffat's ability to anchor, shed blocks, and finish plays makes him a dependable presence in the trenches and a clear Division I interior defensive line talent. Originally committed to Princeton in June but flipped and signed to UCLA on early signing day.      Riley is a 6'4”, 250 lb. defensive end that is plus athlete with outstanding initial quickness off the ball to consistently create disruption in the backfield. He can beat blockers with a combination of speed and power moves, using excellent hand technique and timing to keep linemen off his frame. His plus lateral agility allows him to work around blockers and maintain pressure on the quarterback, while his physicality, leverage, and pad level make him effective against the run. A disciplined and relentless player, he finishes plays with force and effort. Athleticism and positional flexibility flash in his ability to dominate on both sides of the line. He has committed to a PWO spot at Vanderbilt over offers from Stanford, Cal, Princeton, and Dartmouth, projecting as a high-upside edge defender at the next level.      6'4”, 240 lb. defensive lineman that is a versatile prospect who can be effective both on the interior and along the edge. He combines strength and technique to stack blockers and anchor down, consistently maintaining gap integrity against the run. Explosive off the ball, he shows quickness in attack and a strong first step that allows him to penetrate and disrupt plays in the backfield. He demonstrates good command of a variety of block-beating moves, using hand placement and leverage effectively to disengage and make plays. His extension and ability to separate from blockers allow him to finish tackles with control and efficiency. He signed with San Diego State over five other Division I offers, projecting as a high-upside, versatile defensive lineman at the next level.      Nash is high caliber athletic and instinctive defender who projects well at the Division I level. He combines fluid movement, range, and speed to cover sideline to sideline, making him a reliable presence in both man and zone coverage. He reads the quarterback and offensive schemes quickly, showing strong football IQ and the ability to anticipate plays before they develop. Physical in run support, he plays with proper leverage and technique, finishing tackles consistently while maintaining control in space. He possesses excellent ball skills, tracking the football in the air and creating turnovers with timing and precision. Signed to San Diego State over three other D1 offers.