Stats: 7 Tackles, 4 TFLs

One of my favorite DEs/Edges in the Class of 2026 has been Jake Buckles Jake Buckles 6'4" | 210 lbs | LB/EDGE Sauk Prairie | 2026 State WI of Sauk Prairie. Throughout his career we have seen Jake lined up all over the defense and won in all those spots, but edge is where his future home is. The senior has a ton of highlights showing off his excellent burst, range, and speed to get into the backfield in a hurry and destroy QBs before they can set their feet to get rid of the ball. All his experience has also helped him develop a strong base of instincts and awareness to plays developing around him that he can go and impact. The senior is a hidden gem in his graduating Class. Check out his season long highlights.

Stats: 7 Tackles, 2 TFLs, 1 FR

Even while being asked to primarily play OL in Week 1 Jake was able to put together some impressive defensive highlights. The long, lean edge defender caught my eyes with his outstanding burst off the line of scrimmage, range in the backfield, and closing speed that ended with violent collisions. It was great to see him be able to stay home, set the edge, force the ball inside, and make the tackle as a run defender. Jake looks better than ever, showing three down potential with a very safe floor of being an explosive pass rusher off the edge.

Jake is another intriguing defensive prospect from the Madison area. He played all over the front seven as a junior. From nose tackle to DE and every LB position throughout the season. While doing that, Jake piled up 57 tackles, 13 TFLs, 2 sacks, and 3 FFs. At 6’4″ 205 lbs the junior has the frame to build on and develop into a full time player at LB or in the trenches. Jake dominates with his quickness and hand use. Over and over you see him make OL whiff on their punches with his lateral agility, and also use pass rush moves to quickly get to the heels of the OL. The ’26 has the size, length, and athleticism that will find him a home in the front seven at the next level.

One of the biggest early and midseason breakout performances has been from Sauk Prairie’s Jake Buckles Jake Buckles 6'4" | 210 lbs | LB/EDGE Sauk Prairie | 2026 State WI . The ’26 plays all over the front seven of the defense from DT/NT to DE to OLB to MLB. The 6’4″ 205 lbs athlete is versatile and most importantly is willing to use that versatility to help his team the best that he can. The most impressive part of the tape is how well he plays at all those positions. Along the line he has a major mismatch with his first step quickness and lateral agility to defeat blocks. Trying to stay in front of him 1 on 1 is a nightmare for IOL. The junior athlete has the range to be able to drop back to LB and roam sideline to sideline while reading the QB or mirroring the ball carrier. Jake plays to his strengths. He seems to understand them and uses the ones that give him the advantage at the position he is playing that game, or drive, or play. This is a kid to know over the next year.

Stats: 12 Tackles, 2 TFLs, 1 FF

Jake has already been made an appearance in our weekly standout performers once this season. He has to be back again after his dominant play in Week 3. It is always impressive watching the Sauk Prairie lineman because at just 205 lbs the 6’4″ junior is dominating at nose tackle. Not something you see very often, but it is because Jake is so good and consistent with his hands/length and his quickness off the ball and laterally make him so hard to get in front of for IOL. This week we also get to see clips of Jake at an off ball LB position too. At the second level Jake is able to show off his athleticism more with the range he can bring to the position and that lateral agility still shines as he picks through the front seven, avoiding blocks, and getting to the football. Buckles is a versatile DL/LB to know in the Class of 2026, and he is getting better and better.

Stats: 7 Tackles, 2 TFLs

It won’t be the 205 lbs senior’s home at the next level, but Jake dominated at NT for Sauk Prairie in Week 1. Over and over he was able to win with his quick first step and ability to bend and dip underneath or around IOL to quickly slip through gaps. Once in the backfield the 6’4″ athlete has excellent range to chase down plays. Jake was able to flash the power too. We see him bull rush a guard into the backfield, disengage and chase down the ball. Buckles’ blend of quickness and power was a big problem for Baraboo because they couldn’t get a man on Jake or get him moving where they wanted him. We have been hoping to see Jake take that next step and it looks like it maybe has happened this offseason. Keep an eye on the developing, long junior DL.