This is a kid that you get excited about. Nick spent every year of his career getting consistently bigger, better, and more productive. It culminated in a season that had him as one of the state’s leaders in sacks with 15.5. Nick checks in at 6’3″ 240 lbs. That frame is loaded up with an explosive burst off the line, powerful hands, and deep bag of pass rush moves. Nick is great at getting after the QB. He seems to always have a plan and the motor to counter off initial moves and chase down the QB. Nick’s flexibility and ability to bend around the edge make him such a tough target to block because he gives the OT such a small target to hit. I’m a huge fan of this steal and can’t sing his praises enough.

Nick might be one of the 10 most impactful athletes in WI this season. His 68 tackles, 26 TFLs, and 15.5 sacks were all huge jumps from 2024. Nick came back in 2025 thicker and stronger, yet more explosive. Nick will be a huge riser during our rankings update and coaches seem to agree as we have seen a few offers come in this season and after the season ended. Nick has such a deep bag of moves to create success. Speed around the edge, the ability to bend, an array of hand fighting moves and leverage/power to get underneath big OTs and get them off balance. Nick improved his game and it translated massively to the field. His best football is still ahead of him too. Come get this steal.

Stats: 9 Tackles, 6 TFLs, 4.5 Sacks, 1 FF

What an unforgettable night from the senior DE. Legitimately, Nick is one of the steals of this senior class at this point. He has put together an unbelievably productive season, and in the biggest moments he plays his best. The senior has a strong frame, boosted by a powerful first step, the ability to bend, and effective pass rush moves on the edge. Watching him Friday night vs elite talent and play like he belonged was special. Coaches and recruiters need to check this kid out. Every time I watch him in person he whoops his opponent. In padded camps and in live games. The kid is a prime time performer.

Stats: 10 Tackles, 5 TFLs, 4 Sacks

What a performance from the senior DE! Every single time Nick gets back onto my radar it is for a special effort that usually includes a rare amount of sacks. This week fits that as the senior made 4! Just this week, Nick got to the QB with a powerful bull rush, a quick rip down of the OTs hands while running the loop, shedding a blocker and chasing down the QB beyond the pocket, and his final one came off a play where he retraced his steps and got the QB trying to slip out of the pocket. The senior can win with speed or power, has a long frame that is filling out very well, and the production is there to support the talent on film. There is so much to like about the senior DE. Come get your guy!

Stats: 7 Tackles, 3 Sacks, 4.5 TFLs

One of the top edge athletes in the Class of 2026 had himself the type of Week 1 performance that should garner him vastly more attention than he has received to this point. The explosive DE set up residence in the offensive backfield and took over the game. Nick comes off the line like he is shot out of a cannon. His first step and acceleration made for nightmares for the opposing OL. Even with his 240 lbs frame, Nick has several clips showing off how much of an athlete he is. You see the range to chase down plays or the agility to be able to tackle RBs 1 on 1 in space. Nick closes quickly and violently. He is such a steal at the DE/edge positions. Give his tape a watch!

Gallagher impressed in pads. The Monona Grove senior fired off the line with urgency, applied forceful initial contact, and was balanced while maintaining power and control. Quick foot transitions helped him redirect and counter blocks when needed. He’s long and built like a workout warrior for the rigors of interior or edge duties. His physical traits and motor skills suggest legitimate next-level potential.

Teammate of Clay and another standout DL performer was ’26 Nick Gallagher Nick Gallagher 6'3" | 240 lbs | EDGE/DL Monona Grove | 2026 State WI of Monona Grove. These Monona Grove DL are no joke as Nick was able to run a 4.88 40, 4.68 shuttle, and jump 8’4″ in the broad. Nick looks the part of a collegiate DE/edge defender at 6’3″ 240 lbs and the more we got into the live battles the more he continued to look like one. The long DE was giving OTs trouble because of how quickly he came off the line and once he got to the point he wanted to start his loop to the QB we saw the ’26 demonstrate his ability to bend and get underneath the hands of the OT. That initial burst and ability to bend and make OLs miss gave him a major advantage throughout the day.