Most college football programs, including those in the NFL, prioritize building a strong offensive and defensive line. Today, we are focusing specifically on which college football program is winning the recruiting battle for the top class of 2026 defensive linemen recruits in Texas high school football. So, which college is winning the recruiting battle for Texas’s football-rich talent? Let’s take a look.

Texas Christian University (TCU)

The TCU Horned Frogs have been winning in the defensive trenches here in Texas, right in their backyard. With many of their commitments cracking our top 25 rankings of the class of 2026 defensive linemen. So, who specifically have the Horned Frogs been able to land verbal commitments from?

Martin High School’s 6-foot-4, 235 lbs, four-star prospect, Jesse Ford. Our sixth-ranked defensive linemen in the 2026 class in Ford, had 21 total Division I offers and is a versatile defensive lineman who has elite athleticism and can contribute many different ways along the defensive line. Next up is Duncan McGhee, from Texas High. A 6-foot-4, 250 defensive lineman who can plug up the interior of the trenches and stop runs from progressing well before they mature. Lastly, but not least, is Maddox Flynt, from Austin’s Westlake High School, another run stopper who can rack up tackles for losses and uses his sheer strength to beat blockers.

Looking ahead, the tides could change as many of the top defensive linemen have not committed yet. With many recruits looking to solidify their commitments to the next level before the start of their senior seasons. The recruiting battle in the defensive trenches could still change and be in favor of another university in the months to come.

(featured photo credit: Jesse Ford, X.com, @Jesseford07)