Ranking the Top Defensive Tackles in College Football for 2026

Texas Tech, Texas, and TCU lead the way with standout interior defensive linemen

Published on Mar. 12, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The best defensive tackles in college football for 2026 include Texas Tech's A.J. Holmes, Texas' Hero Kanu and TCU's Ansel Din-Mbuh. These players headline a strong group of interior defensive linemen across the state of Texas, which sent 10 programs to bowl games and two to the College Football Playoff in 2025.

Why it matters

With spring football on the horizon, the focus shifts to the 2026 season and identifying the top players at each position. Defensive tackle is a key position, and the Lone Star State is home to some of the best in the country, reflecting the overall strength of college football programs in Texas.

The details

A.J. Holmes of Texas Tech, Hero Kanu of Texas, and Ansel Din-Mbuh of TCU headline the list of top defensive tackles. Holmes has been one of the most consistent players at the position over the past two seasons, while Kanu and Din-Mbuh are experienced seniors who will anchor the defensive lines for their respective teams. Other standouts include Khalil Laufau of Houston, Mateen Ibirogba of Texas Tech, C.J. Mims of Texas A&M, and Hosea Wheeler of Baylor.

  • Spring football is on the horizon for the 13 FBS programs in the state of Texas.
  • The 2026 college football season is the focus of this ranking.

The players

A.J. Holmes

A defensive tackle at Texas Tech who has been one of the best and most consistent players at his position in Texas over the past two seasons.

Hero Kanu

A defensive tackle at Texas who emerged as a key piece along the defensive line for the Longhorns in 2025 after transferring from Ohio State.

Ansel Din-Mbuh

A defensive tackle at TCU who started 12 games for the Horned Frogs in his first year on campus after transferring from Washington State, where he was the Pac-12's Defensive Line Top Performer in 2024.

Khalil Laufau

A defensive tackle at Houston who started 12 games for the Cougars in his first season in Third Ward after transferring from Washington State, proving to be one of the better run-stuffing defensive tackles in the Big 12.

Mateen Ibirogba

A defensive tackle at Texas Tech who transferred from Wake Forest, where he was graded as one of the five best players on the Demon Deacons' defense in 2025.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

The strength of defensive tackle play in Texas is a testament to the overall quality of college football programs in the state, which sent 10 teams to bowl games and two to the College Football Playoff in 2025. These standout interior linemen will be key to their teams' success in the 2026 season.