By Apollo Lundin
The two most important offensive skill positions in football are the quarterback and running back, meaning that every team needs big bodies to stop them. In 2026, there are a lot of interior defensive linemen who are still looking for a home and could be ready to stop opposing offenses.
Jamarion Carlton
Temple, Texas (Temple)
No. 1 DL nation, No. 1 DL in Texas
At almost 6-foot-5 and 238 pounds, Carlton will surely be a great piece for any defensive line at the next level. Carlton is currently built like a rush DE, but he has the frame to become dangerous in the interior if he bulks up. Through 19 career games, Carlton has tallied 86 total tackles, eight sacks, 15 tackles for loss and one interception.
He was invited to the Navy All-American game in 2025.
Carlton is projected to land at Texas, but has visits scheduled to Arizona State, LSU, Baylor, SMU and Texas A&M.
Valdin Sone
Dyke, Va. (Blue Ridge School)
No. 2 DL nation, No. 1 DL in Va.
Sone has one of the most unique stories in this recruiting class. Sone was born in Sweden and competes for Sweden’s European Junior team, helping them win a championship in 2024. That same season, he helped Blue Ridge School to a Virginia Division II state championship and an undefeated season. Sone has only played in the U.S. for two years, impressing at the International Bowl in Germany before coming over.
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Sone was invited to the 2025 Navy All-American Bowl and is a state champion in track, throwing shot put.
Sone has official visits scheduled to Alabama, Florida and Oklahoma.
Aiden Harris
Matthews, N.C. (Weddington)
No. 3 DL nation, No. 1 DL in N.C.
Harris is a high-energy, high-motor kid who will be a serviceable player for whatever team lands him. Harris has a great first step and gets through the line at an impressive rate. When he gets through, Harris is great at tackling the waist or below, leading to getting the ball carrier to the ground quickly. Harris has totaled 62 tackles for loss over three years of varsity football to go along with 229 total tackles and 23.5 sacks.
Although a four-star recruit, Harris might be the most underrated defensive lineman in the class if he can adjust to college.
Harris is projected to land at Ohio State, but has official visits scheduled to Penn State, NC State, South Carolina and Auburn.
Vodney Cleveland
Birmingham, Ala. (Parker)
No. 4 DL nation, No. 1 DL in Ala.
Cleveland has an inverse style of play when compared to Harris. While Harris wins with his speed and finesse, Cleveland uses his power to beat linemen. Over two years of varsity football, Cleveland has tallied 5.5 sacks, 8.5 tackles for loss and 69 total. With more development, Cleveland could be an impact piece for a high-major program as a run stopper.
Cleveland only has one official visit scheduled in Florida. He has more offers from schools like Oregon, Colorado and Louisville.
Kendall Guervil
Fort Myers, Fla. (Fort Myers)
No. 8 DL nation, No. 1 DL in Fla.
Guervil is not the fastest or strongest prospect, but he has a nice blend of both that can make him productive at the next level. He is great at reading the ball carrier’s eyes and staying in pursuit. Guervil is tall and strong, making wrap-up tackles look powerful. With development, Guervil could be a very productive player on the defensive line.
Guervil has official visits scheduled to Florida State, Florida, Georgia and Texas.
