2027’s Up Next: Defensive Linemen to Watch in 2026

<p>With national signing day approaching next month, all eyes will focus on the class of 2027. In this evaluation, we will examine the top talents as well as those under-the-radar prospects who can make a significant leap in 2026.</p>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='624809' first='DJ' last='Williams'] is another prospect to add to the recruiting board. He will be playing on Saturdays. Williams is stout at the POA due to good lower body strength, pad level, and balance to clog running lanes within the A/B gaps. He can slide across an opponent's face with ease. He's a strong run stopper with the ability to create pressure.</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/DJWilliams2027/status/2011230866199257096?s=20 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2082375' first='Gary' last='Wilson'] is a breakout candidate for 2026. He's a stout defensive tackle and can overpower many guards at the POA. Wilson clogs up running lanes within the interior. He could potentially be a two-gap plug. Keep an eye on 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/FTGBALL/status/2000253368586121457?s=20 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1727115' first='Charlie' last='Hudnall'] is versatile and can play between the 0-5 tech. He's a physical and stout nose guard with solid athletic ability for his size. His stoutness is due to good pad level, solid lower body strength, and an anchor. Add him to your recruiting board. </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/Charl_Hudnall54/status/2004375678922170414?s=20 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1666813' first='Dalton' last='Sherrod'] is an under-the-radar prospect who could break out in 2026. He displays solid hand placement off the snap, creates leverage, reads, sheds, and makes plays in the backfield. His motor enables him to pursue ball carriers effectively. Sherrod plays both defensive end and defensive tackle.</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/SherrodDalton/status/1974869951065575933?s=20 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1619288' first='Jaydon' last='Williamson'] is impressively athletic for his size. He is a stout 0-3 tech who consistently applies pressure with a strong bull-rush. Williamson utilizes good hand placement and length, allowing him to create leverage and drive the offensive linemen back. He plays with a high motor.</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/Jaydarealone23 </div></figure>

With national signing day approaching next month, all eyes will focus on the class of 2027. In this evaluation, we will examine the top talents as well as those under-the-radar prospects who can make a significant leap in 2026.