Stats: 5 Tackles, .5 Sacks, .5 TFLs

College recruiters are lucky that there is a 265 lbs, multi-year varsity starter at DT still available in the Class of 2026. That is what we have here with Muskego’s Nathan Makinen Nathan Makinen 6'3" | 265 lbs | DL Muskego | 2026 State WI . Turn on the highlights and watch the quick hands win him reps. Watch his quickness off the line, and also get a glimpse at his awareness as a screen develops after he breaks through the line and turns and chases it down for little to no gain. I highly recommend going through the senior’s weekly highlights on his page. Size, production, hand use, quickness are all strengths and on their way to being ready for the next level.

I am so jacked up to see Nathan on the field this fall for Muskego, especially after watching him in River Falls. Right off the bat I was surprised to see how much he has filled that frame out. As you can see during our last update he was 265 lbs. At the camp he checked in at 6’3″ 280 lbs and still ran a solid 4.72 shuttle time. It is the 1v1 reps that we came to watch and that is where Nathan left his mark. The big fella hasn’t lost a step with the added size. He was explosive and instantly powerful out of his stance. We saw him get hands inside and utilize really effective pass rush moves like rips and swims. His hands are so quick and his upper body strength was able to get OL off balance rep after rep. It was a really impressive showing for a DL that I was already a big fan of, but am even more impressed by now.

Stats: 6 Tackles

Every time I watch the junior NT out of Muskego I leave impressed. Nathan is able to make an impact on the interior like a 300 lbs NT, but does it at 255 lbs. Nathan’s quick first step, sudden hands, and lateral agility give IOL nightmares to stay square in front of. Once he gets that bit of leverage to the backfield there is no slowing down the junior. The junior also has outstanding hand use and pass rush moves with counter moves when necessary. He plays relentlessly and has a lot of production to back up the tape. More big things ahead of him.

Stats: 5 Tackles, 2 TFLs, 1 FR

Nathan has had himself as a top DL recruit for the Class of 2026 for awhile now, and he proved why last night. The primary NT in the Muskego 3 man front showed off his blend of quickness of the snap and lateral movements and impressive strength to hold the line of scrimmage at just 255 lbs. The junior consistently uses heavy hands that stay active, trying to disengage from blocks while also finding the football. Nathan also has the ability to turn his pads and get skinny between double teams. The standout junior made the first big play of the season with that fumble recovery to set up Muskego’s first score of the game. Nathan has a lot of talent and potential to further tap into. He is firmly locked in as a top junior to know.