Many college football programs, including those in the NFL, emphasize the importance of developing a robust offensive and defensive line. Presently, we are concentrating on identifying which college football program is leading the recruiting efforts for the top edge recruits from the Texas high school football class of 2026. Therefore, which institution is emerging victorious in the competition for Texas’s abundant football talent? Let us examine the situation.

credit: smumustangs.com

Southern Methodist University (SMU)

The SMU Mustangs have shown impressive performance in recruiting defensive players from Texas, their home state. After successful 2024 season, in which they finished with an 11-3 record, certainly boosted their recruiting efforts and made them one of the most talked-about teams in college football. Several of their commitments have entered our top 25 rankings for the class of 2026. Which specific players have the Mustangs secured verbal commitments from?

Smithson Valley’s, 6-foot-3, 220lbs, Hudson Woods. A three-star prospect who is ranked on the national level, and our 7th-ranked edge in the 2026 class. Woods is a lengthy defensive end with a large frame and long arms. Explosive at the snap of the ball and can beat blockers with speed, agility, and explosiveness off the edge. He could go on to play rushing off the edge as a linebacker or defensive end. A versatile recruit that the Mustangs will add a strong defender to their roster with Woods.

All Glory to God #PonyUp?? @SMUFB @sam_dunnam @rhettlashlee pic.twitter.com/KxlhbfBcH6

— ? ?????? ????? ? (@Hudson_Woods12) June 9, 2025

The Mustangs have successfully secured another recruit from the incoming senior class, Amontre Harris, a 6-foot-3, 213-pound athlete from Summer Creek. Following an official visit to SMU, Harris announced his commitment to the Mustangs, who faced competition from another local program, the TCU Horned Frogs. Despite predictions from many experts that Harris would choose TCU for his academic and athletic pursuits, he ultimately decided in favor of the Mustangs. Harris is recognized for his exceptional ability as an edge rusher, characterized by his strong work ethic and relentless pursuit of the football.

Tired of the wait this home fs!!! ? @sam_dunnam @CoachThibbs @coachsymons @rhettlashlee @CoachKRHarrison @CoachJustice @dodie4nic pic.twitter.com/uO7Vb8eqJo

— Amontre Harris (@AmontreHarris) April 26, 2025

The Mustangs have excelled in this year’s defensive trenches, and these two prospects are sure to contribute to their future success. Many of these recruits are looking to make their decisions before the start of their senior seasons. As a result, the competition for elite talent in the defensive trenches remains dynamic and may favor another institution in the upcoming months.

Film Review

Hudson Woods, Edge, Smithson Valley, 6-3 / 220

Amontre Harris, Edge, Summer Creek, 6-3 / 213

(featured photo: Amontre Harris, X.com, @AmontreHarris)