TOP of the Board: ’26 Defensive Line
- ljm623
- Oct 20
- 5 min read
October 20, 2025
The smoke is clearing on Greentree today after the disappointing loss to Louisville. The Canes are back to work preparing for their game against Stanford on Saturday night at Hard Rock Stadium.
Mario Cristobal and his staff must also renew their recruiting efforts, assessing the damage and rebuilding momentum with key targets in both the 2026 and 2027 classes.
This article will focus on the 2026 top remaining defensive line targets.
Miami’s class currently stands at 23 verbal commitments, ranked at #12 in the nation and #1 in the ACC, with an average rating of 90.84.
For your reading pleasure, we will add OUR guess as to Miami’s chances to land each target.
Let’s go!
DEFENSIVE LINE:
Edge Anthony "Tank" Jones*
Hometown: Mobile, AL School: St. Paul's Episcopal
HT: 6'-3.5" | WT: 240 | Offers: 37 | Rating: 98 | Pos. Rank: 4 | Overall Rank: 20
Status: COMMITTED | Top Tier: Oregon commit
OV: 5/30/25 UOV: ---
Summary: 2024: 84 tackles, 18 TFL, and 16 sacks | 247Sports - "...elite get-off, can dip and bend and has great closing speed. Has the athleticism to chase down plays from behind and shows a crazy motor. Natural pass rusher at an early age and knows how to use his hands and can win with multiple counters... ceiling is extremely high and if he stays healthy and continues to develop at his current rate, there’s no reason why he won’t be playing on Sunday.
PROBABILITY:
It will be difficult for Miami to pull Anthony away from the Ducks at this point considering their current success on the field. Miami must play the long game and hope the Canes' on-field performance is positioned at the finish line.
At this time, a POOR chance to flip him.
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Edge DeAnthony Lafayette*
Hometown: Orlando, FL School: Lake Nona HT: 6'-1" | WT: 230 | Offers: 28 | Rating: 89 | Pos. Rank: 35 | Overall Rank: 396 Status: COMMITTED | Top Tier: LSU commit OV: 5/30/25 UOV: --- Summary: Potential impact rotational rusher that can win with speed and force. Broke out in 2024: 73 TKL, 23.5 TFL, 17.5 SCK, 3 PBU, 2 FF, 1 INT
PROBABILITY:
Miami has been playing the long game for some time now. With the Tigers struggling, the Canes may still have the door cracked open for a flip.
At this time, a GOOD chance to flip him.
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Edge Dre Quinn
Hometown: Buford, GA School: Buford
HT: 6'-4" | WT: 228 | Offers: 39 | Rating: 89 | Pos. Rank: 35 | Overall Rank: 396
Status: UNCOMMITTED | Top Tier: Texas, Ohio State, Tennessee
OV: --- UOV: ---
Summary: Projects as a defensive edge at the next level. Plays multiple positions (WR & defense). Teammate of DB Tyriq Green and DL Bryce Perry-Wright.
PROBABILITY:
A recent emerging target for Miami. The Canes need to get him on campus to have a chance.
At this time, a FAIR chance to land him.
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DE Bryce Perry-Wright*
Hometown: Buford, GA School: Buford HT: 6'-2" | WT: 250 | Offers: 42 | Rating: 97 | Pos. Rank: 2 | Overall Rank: 45 Status: COMMITTED | Top Tier: Texas A&M commit OV: 6/6/25 UOV: 4/5/25 Summary: Project at DT at next level | Will need to put on mass to be ready for college level. | In 2023, registered 51 tackles (9 TFL), 13 QBH and 7.5 sacks.
PROBABILITY:
The Canes have beeb “chopping wood” here for a long time. Has Miami made any significant progress, considering the Aggies’ success on the field this season.?
At this time, a FAIR chance to flip him.
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DE Nolan Wilson*
Hometown: Picayune, MS School: Picayune Memorial HT: 6'-4" | WT: 240 | Offers: 25 | Rating: 97 | Pos. Rank: 6 | Overall Rank: 58 Status: COMMITTED | Top Tier: Alabama OV: 6/20/25 UOV: 4/3/25 Summary: "Long and nimble defensive end that flashes a high level of untapped athleticism off the edge as a pass rusher… Projects as an above average to good starter at the Power Four level that will more than likely need one to two years to develop both from a physical and technical standpoint before making a significant impact on Saturdays." - (247Sports)
PROBABILITY:
Much like Bryce Perry-Wright, Miami is competing against the Tide’s success on the field and big brand.
At this time, a POOR chance to flip him.
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DT Logan Nagle*
Hometown: Wayne, NJ School: DePaul Catholic
HT: 6'-5" | WT: 270 | Offers: 14 | Rating: 88 | Pos. Rank: 58 | Overall Rank: 506
Status: COMMITTED | Top Tier: Pitt commit
OV: --- UOV: ---
Summary: Big DT with a mean streak. In 2025 (after 3 games), 20 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks
PROBABILITY:
A recent target on Miami’s board. Do the Canes have enough time to build a strong relationship? Check back after the Miami-Pitt game.
At this time, a FAIR chance to land him.
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DT Carter Gooden*
Hometown: Marion, MA School: Tabor Academy
HT: 6'-4" | WT: 260 | Offers: 16 | Rating: 92 | Pos. Rank: 26 | Overall Rank: 195
Status: COMMITTED | Top Tier: UCLA commit
OV: --- UOV: ---
Summary: Reportedly very interest in Miami despite commitment. | Multi-sport athlete ( football, hockey, lacrosse and basketball) | Canadian native | Raw but very high upside as interior DL. Room to grow with very good get-off, violent hands and excellent change of direction | In 2024 - 49 tackles (29 TFL), 7 sacks and 2 FF. | Plans to visit. |Potential diamond in the rough.
PROBABILITY:
Recently emerged on Miami’s board. Canes will try to keep Carter on the east coast, closer to home. Miami is giving him something to think about.
At this time, a FAIR chance to flip him.
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BOTTOM LINE:
Miami chances to reinforce their 2026 defensive line rests with on-field performance, both for the Canes and our opponents.
GO CANES!
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