The trenches have become a defining battleground in high school football, and defensive linemen have delivered some of the season’s most dominant performances. From relentless pass rushes to stonewalling run defense, these athletes have disrupted game plans all fall, forcing opponents to adjust and ensuring their teammates could shine.
With the season drawing to a close, anticipation builds for the upcoming ALL-USA Football Team announcements later this month. USA TODAY High School Sports has already revealed finalists at each position across the East, Midwest, Southeast, Southwest and West regions, players who will undoubtedly shape the National ALL-USA Football Team conversation.
As we await the final reveal, we’re spotlighting the defensive linemen who have risen to the occasion since August, showcasing strength, consistency, and leadership in the trenches week after week.
Here’s a look at the ALL-USA Football Team defensive line finalists (listed alphabetically). More details on each athlete can be found in their regional lists, linked above.
2025 ALL-USA Football Team defensive line finalists
- Richard Anderson, Edna Karr (La.)
- Landon Barnes, Duncanville (Texas)
- Troy Bowens, Sutter (Calif.)
- Jalen Brewster, Cedar Hill (Texas)
- Carter Buck, Lake Travis (Texas)
- Jamarion Carlton, Tempe (Texas)
- Jordan Carter, Douglas County (Ga.)
- Asharri Charles, Venice (Fla.)
- Tony Cumberland, Willamette (Ore.)
- Titan Davis, St. Louis (Mo.)
- Jason Eaton, Mountain Island Charter (N.C.)
- Zion Elee, St. Frances Academy (Md.)
- Ebenezer Ewetade, South Garner (N.C.)
- Deuce Geralds, Collins Hill (Ga.)
- Braeden Jones, Mount Carmel (Ill.)
- Cincere Johnson, Glenville (Ohio)
- Howie Johnson, Forest Lake (Minn.)
- Krew Jones, Ridgeline (Utah)
- Jake Kreul, IMG Academy (Fla.)
- Carter Meadows, Gonzaga (D.C.)
- Brayden Parks, Brother Rice (Ill.)
- Bryce Perry-Wright, Buford (Ga.)
- Zane Rowe, Guyer (Texas)
- Luke Wafle, Hun School (N.J.)
- Richard Wesley, Sierra Canyon (Calif.)
- Khary Wilder, Junipero Serra (Calif.)
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY High School Sports Wire: Meet the ALL-USA Football Team DL finalists for 2025
