Best Available: Top 2026 Defensive Prospect Still on the Board

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The 2026 class is loaded with defensive talent, and several top-tier prospects are still weighing their options. From explosive edge rushers to lockdown defensive backs, here's a look at the best available defensive playmakers that have yet to make their college commitments.</h2>    Holding seven D1 offers, Colter is ranked #22 overall and the #4 LB in the PRZ state rankings. At 6'2” 205 lbs. he combines a solid frame and plus athleticism with an instinctive feel for the game. His movement skills and speed allows him to play sideline to sideline with ease, showing excellent range and closing speed in pursuit. He diagnoses plays quickly, takes efficient angles to the football, and delivers physical contact as a tackler. High level anticipation and processing ability to react to his reads and trigger to the ball. His football IQ and toughness make him a difference-maker at all three levels of the defense. He plays with excellent pad level and leverage, showing the ability to shed blocks and make tackles in the open field. This season he racked up 115 tackles, 12 TFL, and 10 sacks.   7 Offers: UT Martin, Oregon State, Oregon, Nevada, Duke, Arizona State, UNLV      At 6'1” 195 lbs. Vanden Bosch is one of the most dynamic and instinctive defenders in the state and currently the top uncommitted defensive prospect in the PRZ rankings. A throwback style LB that plays tough, physical, and downhill. He plays with outstanding range and urgency, showing natural instincts that allow him to anticipate plays before they develop. He closes downhill with speed and violence, consistently finishing through contact. Plays bigger than his frame using leverage, balance, and natural strength to shed blocks and make plays in traffic. His athleticism translates well in space, comfortable dropping into coverage or breaking down in one on one open field tackling situations. Displays excellent football IQ and leadership, often directing traffic and adjusting alignments pre-snap. Holds 12 D1 offers with nine of them being from P4 programs.   12 Offers: Arizona, ASU, Boston College, Colorado State, Iowa, Iowa State, Kansas State, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oregon, Washington State     Gilmore has prototypical size and frame for a D1 edge prospect at 6'5” 240 lbs. Given his size and ability he's flown the recruiting radar recently picking up his first offer from Missouri Southern State. He blends length, power, and athleticism to consistently impact both the run and pass game. His first step quickness is impressive for his size, he shows a fast get off and uses his reach to maintain separation from blockers. Shows the ability to convert speed to power, collapsing the pocket and forcing QB's off their spot. Against the run, he plays with strong hands and discipline leverage, setting a strong edge and maintain gap integrity. Good motor shown in pursuit effort working down the line and from the backside. With a great physical skillset and strong potential he could be a late steal for a D1 program.     Para plays with exceptional quickness, burst, and confidence in space. He's an explosive athlete with good short area acceleration and smooth change of direction skills. Plays fast and instinctive, constantly around the football showing the ability to close ground quickly and make plays from multiple alignments. His transitional speed out of the breaks is fluid, and he maintains balance and body control when reacting. Displays natural ball skills, timing out his jump to break on the ball and contest at the catch point. His range and versatility make him valuable in both man and zone concepts. Strong open field tackler that drives through contact with speed and forward momentum. A high-energy competitor who impacts the game in a variety of ways. Offered by New Mexico and Portland State thus far and has been a high impact defender all year for Desert Edge.      Wade is a physical and downhill force in the Red Mountain defense. He's constantly attacking, reading and triggering quickly to fill gaps and disrupt offensive flow. At 6'1” 220 lbs., he's got plus acceleration closing fast and flying to the football delivering hard contact on every play. Shows great lateral agility allowing him to scrape across the formation and be a consistent playmaker sideline to sideline. Displays solid block-shedding technique using his hands and quick movement to prevent blockers from getting into his body. He's a strong open field tackler who takes precise angles, stays balanced on contact, and is reliable breaking down in space. Holds three D1 offers to date and has racked up 107 total tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, and five sacks going into the playoffs.