One of the best defensive line prospects in the state of West Virginia for the 2026 class is Oak Hill’s James Ludwig James Ludwig 6'3" | 225 lbs | DL Oak Hill | 2026 State WV who places on our Perfect EDGE/DE Build for strength. Ludwig is a stout 6’3 230 defensive end who’s also athletic but shows physical strength and physicality on film. He has the potential to continue to grow into an interior defensive lineman at the next level given his frame and has reps at that alignment on his junior tape as well. Ludwig is a high-effort player and pursues the ball relentlessly. His power jumps out when watching his film and makes it difficult for offensive linemen to slow him down with a powerful bull rush and good use of his hands as well.

2026 Oak Hill DL James Ludwig James Ludwig 6'3" | 225 lbs | DL Oak Hill | 2026 State WV recently debuted inside of the Top 25 of his class as the #4 DL. We have high expectations of him over the next two years and believe he has the potential and talent to garner significant recruiting interest which has already begun before his junior season.

Here’s what we recently said about Ludwig in our 2026 rankings New Additions article:

“An exciting new addition to the 2026 rankings since our spring update is Oak Hill DL  James Ludwig James Ludwig 6'3" | 225 lbs | DL Oak Hill | 2026 State WV  . Ludwig got his sophomore film posted since our last update and his potential and upside are some of the best in this class. Standing at 6’3 220, Ludwig projects as a defensive end to the next level as he continues to fill out his big frame. He’s already caught the attention of WV State as the Yellow Jackets extended him his first offer back in June. Ludwig is a long and explosive athlete with a quick first step and good short-area quickness. He uses his hands well at this early stage of his career and is very strong at the point of attack. If Ludwig doesn’t beat his man on his first step, he has the strength to blow bigger offensive linemen off the ball and is very disruptive. He has good pursuit speed for his size and is an athlete who can win at the line of scrimmage while also creating havoc in the backfield with TFLs and sacks.”

An exciting new addition to the 2026 rankings since our spring update is Oak Hill DL James Ludwig James Ludwig 6'3" | 225 lbs | DL Oak Hill | 2026 State WV . Ludwig got his sophomore film posted since our last update and his potential and upside are some of the best in this class. Standing at 6’3 220, Ludwig projects as a defensive end to the next level as he continues to fill out his big frame. He’s already caught the attention of WV State as the Yellow Jackets extended him his first offer back in June. Ludwig is a long and explosive athlete with a quick first step and good short-area quickness. He uses his hands well at this early stage of his career and is very strong at the point of attack. If Ludwig doesn’t beat his man on his first step, he has the strength to blow bigger offensive linemen off the ball and is very disruptive. He has good pursuit speed for his size and is an athlete who can win at the line of scrimmage while also creating havoc in the backfield with TFLs and sacks.

If Ludwig continues to develop over the next two years, he’ll be a highly sought-after prospect by the time he’s a senior.