Sackmasters: MN Top Pass-Rush Specialists for 2026

There were quite a lot of players across Minnesota last season that were able to prove their worth as premier pass-rushers that wrecked opposing offenses whether by bringing the QB down behind the line or disrupting timing leading to forced turnovers. MN boasts a legit group of studs in the box that will once again wreck havoc in the backfield this upcoming season. We reveal 7 of the top pass-rushing specialists in MN to watch out for in 2026!    [player_tooltip player_id='2145768' first='Bennett' last='Kujawa'] was one of the most exciting defenders in the 4A conference last season, and was in many ways a game wrecker for the Bulldogs' defense. Kujawa recorded 105 tackles, 9 TFLs, 9 sacks, and 2 fumble recoveries in 2025. A standout at MLB, Kujawa was sent for a blitz often at his role, using his speed and quick burst off the snap to spring past interior-lineman and create chaos in the backfield, overcoming his smaller size by being slippery and agile, making him a difficult matchup for blockers to go against. Kujawa has room to build his stature, but he generates big-play potential for the defense, and earning the distinction as one of the top pass-rushers in the state as an inside-LB is quite an impressive feat he's achieved already.     Of the Rebels' 15 total sacks from 2025, [player_tooltip player_id='1665773' first='Will' last='Ogunti'] accounted for roughly half of that total, finishing last season with 48 tackles (38 solo), 10 TFLs, 8 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and a blocked kick. Ogunti shows flexibility as a DE/OLB hybrid who can win on the edge with both speed and leverage, showing good footwork and hand placement while maintaining excellent range outside of the box to limit both the outside run and QB rollouts. Ogunti is as tough as they come, playing with a relentless motor, leaving no room for second-guessing when he's chasing you as he will not stop until he makes the play. Ogunti's presence has helped give a spark for the Rebels as they look to maintain their positive momentum heading into the 2026 season.     For his size, [player_tooltip player_id='1653234' first='Max' last='Schmitz'] seems small for a defensive-lineman, but his versatility and impressive technique as a pass-rusher should certainly open the door for opportunities as a versatile weapon for Caledonia's defense. Schmitz recorded 57 tackles and 8 sacks as a sophomore as one of the most notable breakout stars from the Warriors. Schmitz does an exceptional job attacking the interior gaps and shows impressive power tackling low and driving his hips upward for a clean and effective takedown. Schmitz's role may best suit him on the Edge, but he's positioned himself well to become another prime prospect coming out of Caledonia who has boasted some impressive names over the last few years.     A standout athlete at both RB and MLB, Mason Johnson has been a stud for the Thunderhawks as he helped lead the way for a state semifinal appearance last season. Johnson ran for 752 yards (8 YPC) and 12 rushing TDs offensively while recording 62 tackles, 17 TFLs, 7 sacks, 5 forced fumbles, and an interception returned for a TD. Johnson's testing numbers give a good indication of his overall athleticism, including a 32" vertical, a 275 lb clean, and a 355 lb max squat. One of the most dangerous defenders on the field, Johnson has jarring power in his hits, showing an impressive level of explosiveness and a knack for forcing the ball out of the ball-carrier's hands. Admittedly, Johnson did get away with a couple of late shots that certainly could be reduced, but he's the real deal for Grand Rapids, and a surprisingly overlooked prospect for someone who's generated so much noise as the heart of that Thunderhawks' unit.     Brooklyn Center is loaded with talent on the offense, and one figure that will be returning in 2026 to bolster a defense that was inconsistent at times last season is [player_tooltip player_id='2081508' first='Anthony' last='Benson']. Benson recorded 40 tackles, 20 TFLs, 7 sacks, and a forced fumble last season. A stout Defensive Tackle who plays with a consistently explosive motor, Benson does an excellent job creating leverage in the interior, penetrating the line consistently and winning with strength, staying low on his stance and showing good handwork at the point of contact. Benson is a clear physical mismatch in the 3A conference, and his presence will be critical for the Centaurs as they look to take the next step into becoming contenders with all that talent to behold.     One of the clear standouts for the Hawks last season, [player_tooltip player_id='2128341' first='Dadjuah' last='Karmo'] has been a consistent force at the DE position. Karmo finished with 61 tackles, 11 TFLs, 7 sacks, and 2 fumble recoveries last season. Karmo shows excellent bend and range maneuvering around the trenches, showing solid strength and holding his own against bigger blockers while also showing great extension and arm bend to leverage blockers and set the edge both against the pass and the run. Karmo should remain a key presence for Robbinsdale Cooper as a steady leader for the Hawks in 2026.     I had mentioned [player_tooltip player_id='1691430' first='Kormick' last='Smith'] as a top TE prospect in the upcoming 2027 class, and he's made just as much noise on the opposite side of the ball for New Prague. Smith finished with 27 tackles, 7 TFLs, 7 sacks, and a forced fumble in 2025. Smith's impressive athleticism and speed suits well as an Edge rusher, using his length and quickness off the ball to get leverage around his blockers, chasing down the QB to put a stop to the play quickly, while showing solid sideline-to-sideline range, containing the outside run, and chasing down ball-carriers going toward the opposite side of the field. Smith is a premier two-way threat who should continue to generate huge results as one of the brightest stars for the Trojans.

There were quite a lot of players across Minnesota last season that were able to prove their worth as premier pass-rushers that wrecked opposing offenses whether by bringing the QB down behind the line or disrupting timing leading to forced turnovers. MN boasts a legit group of studs in the box that will once again wreck havoc in the backfield this upcoming season. We reveal 7 of the top pass-rushing specialists in MN to watch out for in 2026!