PRZIA Top Pass-Rushers to Watch in 2026

Delving back into our top upcoming prospects across Iowa, we take a look at the pass-rushers that have propelled themselves as dangerous presences in the pocket, not by gaudy stats, but by their ability to constantly create pressure and throw a QB, as well as an entire offense off-rhythm almost single-handedly. We take a look at 8 pass-rushing prospects across Iowa to keep an eye on in 2026!    A key component for one of the most effective pass-rushers across the 5A conference, [player_tooltip player_id='1617646' first='Izzah' last='Grandon'] helped steer the Tigers back in the right direction after a somewhat disappointing campaign in 2024. Grandon recorded 64.5 tackles (46 solo), 21.5 TFLs, 9.5 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles in 2025. While certainly undersized as a DE, he certainly doesn't look like it on tape, showcasing an impressive amount of length and burst off the snap, being able to beat Tackles consistently to the outside shoulder to get around them and into the pocket. An impressive Edge-rusher with a relentless motor that plays well beyond his size, Grandon will undeniably need to bulk up a bit if he wants to make a true case to shine at the next level, but it's impossible to ignore his impressive play as he will be a returning leader for the Tigers' defense in 2026.     A flexible DL prospect who excels both as an EDGE and in the interior, [player_tooltip player_id='1361315' first='Ben' last='Booth'] is an exceptional force on the trenches whose already proving to be a priority D2 prospect with D1 upside. Booth recorded 27 tackles, 10 TFLs, and 5 sacks in 2025. Booth flashes a variety of pass-rush moves while flashing raw power, being able to drive defenders back with a simple bull-rush, which he showed particularly in the interior, being able to gain traction against much bigger interior-linemen. A bit more bulk to his frame could make his versatile play-style much more suitable at the collegiate level. He may be more suited at the DE position at the moment, but even there, he's undeniably a suitable prospect who should excel at that position at the collegiate level.     Even out of a Class-A unit, [player_tooltip player_id='2090105' first='Zeke' last='Kalainoff']'s impressive frame and high upside have already made him one of the most hyped defenders among the oncoming junior class in Iowa. Kalainoff built upon an impressive freshman campaign, recording 31 tackles (17 solo), 9.5 TFLs, 4 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles in 2025. Kalainoff is certainly an unpolished product in the makings, but with exceptional length and hands, he was able to gain leverage on blockers easily while being able to nab the ball-carriers as they are passing by to stop them from advancing through an open hole. Kalainoff showcased solid fundamental, pass-rush moves, and a consistent motor already through 2 seasons. With some extra bulk, who knows how much more dangerous Kalainoff could be going forward.     Solon has been able to generate an impressive amount of high-quality prospects over the last few seasons, and [player_tooltip player_id='1204514' first='Lucas' last='Feuerbach'] is no exception as a very viable DL prospect entering his senior season. Feuerbach recorded 53 tackles, 12 TFLs, 4 sacks, and 2 fumble recoveries in 2025. Despite his status as an interior-defensive lineman, his relentless and tenacious attitude on the line has helped him dominate the A and B gaps, being able to collapse the pocket from within and force the QB to scramble outside while also having the speed to chase down the QB running outside the perimeter. A versatile lineman, Feuerbach recently committed to South Dakota, already proving his status as a worthy prospect, and will look to Solon back to the state championship game after coming short of the title in 2025.     While certainly overlooked at times due to the bountiful amount of electric playmakers on the Spartans, [player_tooltip player_id='2090942' first='James' last='Thomsen'] was a steady hand for their defense and should continue to remain so as one of the leading figures of their defense returning in 2026. Thomsen recorded 39 tackles (23 solo), 12.5 TFLs, 5.5 sacks, 1 FF, 3 fumble recoveries, and 1 defensive TD last season. Thomsen was quite exciting to watch last season, proving so explosive and fast off the snap, being able to consistently break into the backfield in little time and swing the QB down, proving aggressive and very effective. Thomsen will certainly be at the forefront of their defense in 2026, and his presence certainly won't be ignored by his opponents any time soon.     Another undersized Edge-rusher prospect who showcases great upside as a blitzer, [player_tooltip player_id='1706491' first='Eli' last='Eckerman'] broke onto the scene within the 5A conference last season to thrive as a prominent force for the Wolves' defense. Eckerman recorded 37.5 tackles (25 solo), 9 TFLs, 4.5 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles in 2025. A disruptive pass-rusher who cannot be left unblocked, Eckerman was consistently able to find his way into the pocket last season, and his quickness gives QBs little time to react, but he's proven potent as a natural DE winning 1-on-1 against OTs as well, with quick agility and a strong swim move to be able to get around blockers as well as change direction to adjust to where the ball-carrier is going. Eckerman may be better suited as an OLB, but his explosiveness and leadership that helped guide a massive turnaround for the Wolves should be intriguing for scouts at the next level.     [player_tooltip player_id='1863557' first='Cooper' last='Prochaska'] played impressively well in his sophomore season, flashing as one of the Trojans' most effective leaders of their defense despite playing on a limited workload. Prochaska recorded 10 tackles, 7 TFLs, 5 sacks, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery last season. Flashing impressive athleticism for his age, Prochaska holds some gaudy testing numbers, including a 36.1" vertical jump, a 255 lb max bench, and a 365 lb max squat. On the field, Prochaska is able to attack downhill very effectively, showing a flexible bend on the Edge, while also possessing the length to gain leverage against blockers on the outside as well as to bat down passes at the LOS. I'm excited to see what Prochaska will be capable of on a full season's worth of reps on the starting lineup in 2026.     An overlooked prospect coming out of a lesser-regarded unit in the 1A conference, Landon Alexander is one of the most productive returning pass-rushers in Iowa for the 2026 season. Alexander recorded 78.5 tackles (53 solo), 23 TFLs, 6 sacks, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery last season. Alexander is a bit of an unconventional LB prospect; one who isn't afraid of creeping the line and blitzing on nearly every down, and he's very effective in this role, being able to constantly break through the line and create pressure in the backfield. This aggressive style made Ogden one of the top pass-rushing defenses in the 1A conference last season, and Alexander will look to lead the group again as one of the few pieces from that potent unit coming back in 2026.

Delving back into our top upcoming prospects across Iowa, we take a look at the pass-rushers that have propelled themselves as dangerous presences in the pocket, not by gaudy stats, but by their ability to constantly create pressure and throw a QB, as well as an entire offense off-rhythm almost single-handedly. We take a look at 8 pass-rushing prospects across Iowa to keep an eye on in 2026!