The top defensive linemen recruits in the updated 2025 On3 industry rankings

With the December signing period less than two months away, there are still some big pieces to fall on the defensive line.

Each of the three five-star candidates in the group remains non-committal, although that will change on Friday, October 18. But as of Thursday, four of the top six candidates for that position are still on the board. Overall, there are 10 D-linemen ranked in the top 100 On3 industry ranking in the 2025 cycle.

Below are the top 25 defensive linemen in the class, according to On3 Industry Rankings, a weighted average that takes into account all four major recruiting media companies.

School: Pooler (Ga.) Savannah Christian Prep

Scouting summary: “Very athletic, disruptive defensive lineman who looks like the top candidate on the defensive front entering his senior season. One of the top defensive line prospects in multiple cycles. Measured at 6-foot-3, 300 pounds with 34.5-inch arms and 10-inch hands before his senior season. Continued to add bulk and strength. Flies away from the snap and darts into the backfield to regularly cause disruption. A very easygoing and fluid athlete, especially at his size. Plays with excellent leverage and slim body.

…Demonstrates advanced hands at the point of attack and quickly neutralizes offensive linemen. Darts into the backfield to make high-speed plays behind the line of scrimmage. His combination of length, strength and first step quickness is how he wins time and time again in a phone booth. Has the tracking speed to track down running backs from behind. Achieved phenomenal performance throughout his high school career with 182 tackles, 61 tackles for loss and 35.5 sacks as a sophomore and junior.”

School: Manchester (Ga.)

Scouting summary: “Explosive defensive player with a large build and outstanding quickness in the first step. Before his senior season, he stood over 6-foot-3 and weighed about 280 pounds. Has a good length with arms measuring around 33.5 to 34 inches. The weight is evenly distributed over the entire body. Dominant in the small school area with 78 tackles, 21 tackles for loss and 13 sacks. Lines up all over the defensive front at the high school level. Has the skills to develop into a dynamic interior pass rusher. Wins with speed and lateral speed, has rare take-off and leverage for a player of his stature. Good flex and the ability to change direction.

…Uses his length to consistently initiate contact and shed blocks with ease. Can be anchored and provided with two gaps if required. He needs to continue to build mass and playing strength in addition to improving his technical skills. Given his natural characteristics, a great prospect for success that could become a true internal disruptor.”

School: Reserve (La.) Edna Karr

Scouting summary: “Physically gifted defensive lineman with a high-end combination of twitch and technical skills at an early stage. Has a naturally large frame, measuring 6-foot-1 and 280 pounds before his sophomore season. Has excess length for the position with arms over 34 inches and hands 10.75 inches long. He made a name for himself across the country with a series of impressive camp performances as a high school senior. Missed his first season due to a transfer. Looked dominant in the camp setting. Demonstrates advanced technique despite lack of college experience. Use quick hands to release easily.

…Has a mean straight arm that he uses to guide offensive linemen back to the quarterback. More of a straightforward athlete who does his best moving forward. Needs to improve his lateral mobility as he is a bit stiff when moving sideways. Will need to transfer his skills to Friday nights as he gains experience at the varsity level.”

School: Lake City (SC) South Florence

Analyst’s opinion: “Having caught the eye early in his high school career, it was easy to turn on the tape and watch Adams’ development over the last few years. He plays both inside and outside for Lake City and is a disruptive force anywhere on defense.

…The reality is that he is simply too big and physical for most high school offensive players, which allows him to wreak havoc in the backfield. However, Adams has traits that translate well to the college level. He is a long lineman who is already physically impressive but has plenty of room to add weight and play inside at the Power 5 level.” —Wes Mitchell of GamecockCentral

School: Edwardsville (Sick.)

On3 Future Freak: “Iose Epenesa is a powerful, strong athlete who excels in the throwing events in track and field while providing a commanding presence on the hardwood.” He is 5 feet 11 inches tall, weighs 265 pounds, and has an arm length of 33.25 inches and a hand length of 10.38 inches. He placed second in the state finals last year with a discus throw of 189-10.75 feet and also has a shot put of 55-4.5 feet.

More top defensive linemen are recruiting in the 2025 class

6. Isaiah Campbell
7. DJ Sanders —Texas A&M
8. Nate Marshall – Auburn
9. Malik Autry – Auburn
10. Myron Charles –Texas

11. Kevin Wynn – Florida State
12. Antonio Coleman – Auburn
13. Christian Garrett —Georgia Tech
14. Jalen Wiggins –Florida
15. Josiah Sharma –Texas

16. Jourdin Crawford – Auburn
17. Javeon Campbell –Kentucky
18. Trent Wilson –Oklahoma
19. Ethan Utley – Tennessee
20. Andrew Maddox –Ole Miss

21. Malcolm Simpson –Nebraska
22. Zion Williams – LSU
23. Jaylen Williams –Michigan
24. Matt Johnson –Oregon
25. Trajen Odom – Ohio State