The book on the 2025 recruiting class is officially closed as of Wednesday. With National Signing Day coming up in February, On3 has just updated its player rankings for the last time. This list is packed with some of America’s top edge rushers.
Texas has snagged two of On3’s top five edge players: Lance Jackson takes the top spot, and Smith Orogbo lands at number five.
Here are the top 10 edge rushers in this class:
1. Lance Jackson
- School: Texarkana (Texas) Pleasant Grove
- On300 Ranking: No. 5 NATL.
Scouting Summary: This guy is what you’d call a "first off the bus" type. At 6-foot-5.25 and 270 pounds, he’s got the size, athleticism, and drive that make him a standout EDGE prospect. His arm length is impressive too, measuring 34 inches, and he uses them well on the field. He’s been a powerhouse in high school, racking up over 20 tackles for loss and double-digit sacks as a senior. Quick off the line, he can bend around blockers like nobody’s business. His future? Possibly an early NFL Draft pick.
2. Smith Orogbo
- School: Warner Robins (Ga.)
- On300 Ranking: No. 8 NATL.
Scouting Summary: Orogbo is another big name, literally. Standing at 6-foot-3.25 and weighing 263 pounds, he’s trimmed down recently but still packs a punch. With 35-inch arms, he knows how to use his length to his advantage. He’s not just big; he’s fast and disruptive, finishing his junior year with 17 sacks. He’s got elite closing speed and loves to make those jaw-dropping plays. While he needs to refine his pass-rushing skills, his physical traits point to an NFL future.
Tylon Lee — Florida State
- School: Milton (Fla.) Pace
- On300 Ranking: No. 24 NATL.
Scout’s Take: Tylon Lee put up some eye-popping numbers in his senior year, with 40 tackles-for-loss and 28 hurries. At 6-foot-5.5 and 265 pounds, he combines his size with incredible speed and explosiveness. His motor never stops, making him a run defender who can set the edge. With a high floor and unlimited potential, he earned a fifth star from On3.
4. Hayden Lowe
- School: Los Angeles Oaks Christian
- On300 Ranking: No. 27 NATL.
Scout’s Take: At the Navy All-American Bowl, Lowe stood out as one of the top pass rushers. With a frame of 6-foot-5, 250 pounds, he’s added size and showed quick movement skills. His first-step quickness causes all sorts of problems for offensive linemen. Lowe’s versatility along the defensive line makes him a valuable asset.
5. Mariyon Dye
- School: Elkhart (Ind.) Central
- On300 Ranking: No. 42 NATL.
Scout’s Take: Dye’s got a unique build at 6-foot-5 and 255 pounds, with an amazing wingspan over 7 feet. He’s a dominant run defender with 13.5 tackles-for-loss in his senior year. If he can sharpen his pass-rushing skills, he could become one of the most complete EDGE defenders out there.
6. Donovan Darden
- School: Havelock (N.C.)
- On300 Ranking: No. 52 NATL.
Scout’s Take: Darden’s athletic traits are off the charts. As a senior, he made 24 tackles-for-loss and 11 sacks. His agility and strength will only improve as he develops further, making him a key player to watch.
7. Marco Jones
- School: Danville (Calif.) San Ramon Valley
- On300 Ranking: No. 57 NATL.
Scout’s Take: Jones has transformed from an off-ball linebacker into a promising EDGE rusher. At 6-foot-4, 242 pounds, he’s shown he can bend around the edge and disrupt plays. His versatility and technical ability make him a great asset for any defense.
8. Cocoa (Fla.) Prospect
- School: Cocoa (Fla.)
- On300 Ranking: No. 75 NATL.
Scout’s Take: Known for his speed, this player has a knack for getting into the backfield quickly. His junior year was strong, and he continues to play at a high level, showing promise as a pure speed rusher.
These young talents have bright futures ahead, and it’ll be exciting to see how they develop. As they step into college football, their growth and performance could eventually lead them to the NFL. Who knows? Maybe one of these names will be a household name someday.
