The 2025 Texas high school football season is fast approaching, and several emerging defensive talents are showcasing their skills on film. These players may move from hopeful prospects to household names this fall. Today, we highlight the class of 2026 defensive linemen who have the skills and talent necessary for a breakout year.
Brysen Maxwell-Steele , DL , Marlin
HT/WT: 6-0 / 295
Offers: 5
Don’t sleep on Brysen Maxwell-Steele. He has a high ceiling and has proven himself on the football field. Coaches shouldn’t evaluate him solely based on his height, as there were some notable defensive linemen in this year’s draft who were around the same size as Brysen. He can flat-out play. As a three-year varsity starter, he has impressive career stats: 258 total tackles, 83 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, 6 forced fumbles, 5 fumble recoveries, 1 fumble recovery touchdown, and 5 pass breakups. In 2023, he was named the Texas District 8-2A-I Overall MVP as a sophomore. Explosive off the ball, he features a quick first step and can overpower blockers with his sheer strength and athleticism, which is impressive for someone his size.
Tyler Hagler , DL , Gilmer
HT/WT: 6-1 / 305
Offers: 5
A three-star prospect according to 247 Sports, he has offers from Houston, SFA, Texas Tech, UTSA, and UTEP. In 2024, he finished his junior season with 103 tackles, 10 TFL, 2 sacks, 1 INT, 1 FF, 1 FR, and 17 hurries. He is a large individual who moves well for someone over 300 lbs and displays an impressive spin move capability, causing havoc in opposing teams’ backfields. Hagler is undoubtedly a player we believe can boost his recruiting stock this season with more tape, having already had his breakout season last fall.
Uzziah Warmate , DL , Denton Ryan , 6-0 / 240
HT/WT: 5-9 / 160
Offers: 4
In 2024, Uzziah earned the Texas District 3-5A D-I Defensive MVP award as a junior. He recorded 90 tackles, 36 TFL, 9 sacks, 23 hurries, and 1 kick block. Additionally, he contributed in short-yardage situations with 10 carries for 152 yards and 3 touchdowns, including a long run of 53 yards. Uzziah is an extremely athletically gifted player with a high motor for getting to the football. He has already established a reputation as a dominant player, not only on Friday nights but also for college-level programs on Saturdays. He has received offers from UTSA, Houston, Georgia State, and Sacramento State.
DeMorey Beasley , DL , North Crowley
HT/WT: 6-2 / 230
Offers: 5
We believe Beasley is largely flying under the radar and will have a breakout season this fall. He checks off many boxes as a next-level defensive lineman recruit who dominates the trenches. He is explosive off the ball, can beat blockers with his strength or speed, and can play multiple techniques along the defensive line. Keep an eye on Beasley this fall for North Crowley.
Demarcus Blackmon, DL, Lamar , 6-2 / 315
HT/WT: 6-2 / 315
Offers: NA
Blackmon can plug up the interior of the defensive line and stop runs from progressing. He can get after the quarterback as well and make tackles for losses or QB hurries. There are a few aspects of his game that he can improve upon. However, with his size and ability, Blackmon could be primed for a breakout season on the horizon for Lamar this season.
With the upcoming season, the 2026 defensive linemen have a chance to demonstrate their skills against the best talent in Texas high school football. If they can make the most of their promising initial performances, they won’t just be standout players this year; they’ll become names that college recruiters and fans will remember for years to come. The film speaks for itself, and these recruits are ready to leave their mark.
