Top defensive linemen recruits in the updated 2025 On3 Industry Ranking

With the December signing period less than two months away, the defensive line position still has some major dominoes that need to fall.

Each of the three five-stars in the group remain uncommitted, though that will change on Friday, Oct. 18. But as of Thursday, four of the top six prospects at the position are still on the board. In total, there are 10 D-linemen that check in inside the top 100 of the On3 Industry Ranking in the 2025 cycle.

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

1. Elijah Griffin

School: Pooler (Ga.) Savannah Christian Prep

Scouting Summary: “Highly athletic, disruptive defensive lineman who looks like the top prospect along the defensive front entering his senior season. One of the top defensive line prospects in several cycles. Measured at 6-foot-4, 300 pounds with 34.5-inch arms and 10-inch hands prior to his senior season. Has continued adding mass and strength. Flies off the snap and darts into the backfield to create disruption with regularity. A very loose and fluid athlete, particularly at his size. Plays with outstanding leverage and body lean.

…Shows advanced hands at the point of attack and quickly neutralizes offensive linemen. Darts into the backfield to make plays behind the line of scrimmage at a high clip. Consistently wins in a phone booth with his combination of length, strength and first-step quickness. Has the speed in pursuit to track down running backs from the back side. Posted phenomenal production throughout his high school career, with 182 tackles, 61 tackles for loss and 35.5 sacks as a sophomore and junior.”

2. Justus Terry

School: Manchester (Ga.)

Scouting Summary: “Explosive defensive lineman with a big frame and outstanding first-step quickness. Measured in at over 6-foot-4 and around 280 pounds prior to his senior season. Has good length with arms that are around 33.5 to 34 inches. Weight is evenly proportioned throughout his frame. Dominant while playing the small school level, tallying 78 tackles, 21 tackles for loss and 13 sacks. Lines up all over the defensive front at the high school level. Has the skill set to develop into a dynamic interior pass rusher. Wins with first step and lateral quickness, has rare get off and leverage for a player of his stature. Quality bend and ability to change direction.

…Uses his length to initiate contact consistently and sheds blockers with ease. Able to anchor and two-gap if needed. Will need to continue adding mass and play strength in addition to honing his technical skills. A high upside prospect given his natural traits who could develop into a true interior disruptor.”

3. Jahkeem Stewart

School: Reserve (La.) Edna Karr

Scouting Summary: “Physically-gifted defensive lineman with a high-end combination of twitch and technical ability at an early stage. Has a naturally big frame, measuring in at 6-foot-6, 280 pounds prior to his sophomore season. Has plus length for the position with arms that measure over 34 inches along with 10.75-inch hands. Put his name on the national radar with a number of impressive camp performances as a high school underclassman. Missed his freshman season due to a transfer. Has looked dominant in the camp setting. Flashes advanced technique despite his lack of varsity experience. Uses quick hands to easily disengage.

…Has a nasty straight arm that he uses to walk offensive linemen back to the quarterback. More of a straight line athlete who is at his best moving forward. Will need to improve his lateral agility as he has some stiffness when moving side to side. Will also need to transfer his skills on to Friday nights as he gets varsity experience.”

4. Amare Adams — Clemson commit

School: Lake City (S.C.) South Florence

Analyst’s Take: “After hitting the radar early in his high school career, it’s been easy to turn on the tape and watch Adams’ development in the last couple years. He lines up inside and outside for Lake City and is a disruptive force anywhere along the defensive front.

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

5. Iose Epenesa — Iowa commit

School: Edwardsville (Ill.)

On3 Future Freak: “Iose Epenesa is a powerful, strong athlete who is a standout in the throwing events in track and field along with providing an enforcing presence on the hardwood.” He stands 5-foot-3, 265 pounds and touts 33.25-inch arms, 10.38-inch hand. He took second place in state finals last year with a 189-10.75 foot discus and also owns a 55-4.5 foot shot put.

More top defensive linemen recruits 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