Top 3 defensive linemen signees in the Class of 2025 ft. Elijah Griffin

Elite defensive linemen are game-changers, able to disrupt offenses by collapsing the pocket, stifling the run game and forcing quarterbacks into mistakes. As such, recruiting good defensive players is a priority for every college program. The 2025 recruiting class features some exceptional talent, and the following three are ready to make an immediate impact in their respective programs.

Top 3 defensive linemen signees in the 2025 class

3. Justus Terry

The Texas Longhorns landed one of the most dynamic defensive linemen in the nation when five-star prospect Justus Terry put pen to paper during the Early Signing Period on Dec. 4. Ranked as the No. 7 overall prospect in the 2025 class and the No. 2 defensive lineman by ESPN, Terry’s commitment to Texas over Georgia and Auburn marked the end of a dramatic recruiting journey.

Terry's recruitment began with the Georgia Bulldogs, followed by a spring flip to the USC Trojans and ended with his commitment to Texas. The 6-foot-4, 275-pound prospect is an explosive defensive lineman with a powerful frame and outstanding first-step quickness. His lightning-quick first step and ability to shed blockers with ease allow him to penetrate the backfield consistently.

2. Jahkeem Stewart

Five-star recruit Jahkeem Stewart committed to USC earlier this month, choosing the Trojans over LSU, Oregon and Ohio State. He emerged among the nation's top defensive linemen as a middle schooler and was originally part of the 2026 class, but reclassified to 2025 in the fall.

The 6-foot-5 1/2, 270-pound defender is the No. 1-ranked DL in the 2025 class, according to Rivals. He is also the No. 8 prospect in the nation and the No. 1 recruit in Louisiana. Stewart, who has played in 12 varsity games, is affectionately nicknamed “Thanos” for his dominance and has been labeled by several coaches as “a generational” talent.

1. Elijah Griffin

Five-star DL Elijah Griffin, out of Georgia’s Savannah Christian School, committed to the Georgia Bulldogs on Oct. 18 and signed with the school last week. Rated as a 5-star recruit since the 2025 class first put up its ranking, Griffin is the nation’s No. 1 defensive lineman, the No. 1 prospect in Georgia and the nation’s No. 4 prospect in the class, as per On3.

Griffin’s skill set is unmatched, making him one of the safest prospects in the class, especially among non-quarterbacks. On3’s Director of Scouting and Rankings, Charles Power, praised his advanced hand techniques and ability to neutralize offensive linemen at the point of attack.

Given the Bulldogs' success in producing NFL-caliber defensive linemen, Griffin might follow in the footsteps of former Georgia greats like Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter.