College football rankings: 10 best defensive linemen going into 2026 (10. EDGE Anthony Smith, Minnesota Gophers)

[BleedGopher]

Per Wilcox:

10. EDGE Anthony Smith, Minnesota Gophers​

2025 stats: 38 tackles, 12.5 sacks, 3 passes defended​

Anthony Smith could be the biggest dark horse on this list. Most every player on this list was already considered one of the best entering last year and should build on that. Smith, he’s about to have his fifth season in Minnesota and he couldn’t be coming off a hotter 2025. His 12.5 sacks proves he’s among college football’s best and could see his draft stock rise with another big season. Minnesota isn’t a great program, but they are in the Big Ten, which means he’ll get the exposure.

College football rankings: 10 best defensive linemen going into 2026

This is your introduction to the most disruptive trench players entering the 2026 season.

fansided.com

Go Gophers!!

 

[Gophers7NatTitlesBadgers0]

Minnesota isn’t a great program,

Dink!

 

[BleedGopher]

Dink!

This.

Go Gophers!!

 

[matt]

I always find it absurd when the media says a team/player is underrated or a dark horse, especially in the preseason. YOU are literally the one doing the rating/predicting. If you think they are underrated or will outperform, then move them up!

 

[NotAFanOfBecky]

About half way where he should be. He’s going to be a beast this year. This D line could be vicious!

 

[UpAndUnder43]

I find writers who mention the school to be lazy and ignorant. Plenty of amazing players come from non-helmet schools and a lot of top picks are from random schools.

 

[Unregistered User]

In this list he is listed at least 15 spots too low