Football Class of 2027 Player Rankings: Defensive Line

Over the next few weeks we will be releasing our Player Rankings for the football Class of 2027. Player rankings are compiled by Bound Wisconsin football writer Travis Wilson and are based on a combination of college potential, recruiting interest/offers, in-person evaluations, film evaluations, coach evaluations, stats, post-season awards, and more.

Quarterbacks
Running Backs
Wide Receivers
Tight End/Fullbacks
Offensive Linemen

1. Richie Flanigan, Notre Dame – Flanigan made a name for himself in a big way last season, when he was a dominating presence up front on both sides of the ball. He’d earn WFCA Large School All-State on both sides of the ball, and also take home the first WFCA Large School Lineman of the Year award. He accounted for 42 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and four sacks last year on the defensive side of the ball. He’s very athletic for his size, which allows him to get off the ball extremely quickly. He uses his hands as well as just about any lineman I’ve seen. He’ll head to college next year to play for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, where older brother James is a tight end.

2. Deangelo Clay, Monona Grove – Clay has been one of the most disruptive forces in the state for a couple years now. After 28 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks as a sophomore, he posted 25 tackles for loss and nine sacks last year, when he was a WFCA Honorable Mention All-State selection once again. Powerfully built with excellent leverage, he’s also played at running back for the Silver Eagles. He received a preferred walk-on offer from Wisconsin as a fullback, in addition to multiple D2 and D3 offers.

3. Brett Singler, Shiocton – Singler is an outstanding two-way player who is one of the top tight ends in the state (46 catches, 535 yards, 7 TD) but also an elite player on defense. He recorded 67 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and 3 sacks last year, taking home First Team All-Conference recognition on both sides of the ball. He moves around the formation, with excellent strength and hand usage. At 6’5”, 240 pounds already, he could play in multiple spots up front at the next level. Speaking of, he has committed to Wyoming.

4. Kaben Ziegler, Whitefish Bay – Ziegler is another standout two-way player, taking home Second Team All-Conference recognition on the offensive and defensive lines in the North Shore Conference. He recorded 42 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, and three sacks on defense last season as the Blue Dukes advanced to the state semifinals. Ziegler does an excellent job getting off quickly and moving down the line of scrimmage in the team’s frequent stunts, where he pursues hard and is aggressive attacking the ball-carrier. He holds several D2 and D3 offers, as well as a recent D1 offer from St. Thomas.

5. James Banks, West Bend West – Banks earned First Team All-Conference on both offense and defense last season, a tough task in the North Shore Conference. Playing on the inside on defense, he’s more than just a big-bodied anchor, showing quick feet to be able to sidestep blockers or knife into the backfield. He recently committed to Minnesota State.

6. Kyle Johnston, Catholic Memorial – Johnston is part of a talented Catholic Memorial defense that brings back loads of experience and production in 2026. An Honorable Mention All-Conference selection last year, he has good size and is very athletic up front. He gave a commitment to Butler last week.

7. AJ Chromy, Franklin – Chromy played at defensive tackle and defensive end for the Sabers last year, earning First Team All-Conference recognition. He recorded 55 total tackles, with 12 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks on the year. He’s light on his feet, allowing him to beat down blocks, and strong enough to hold the point of attack. He shows an excellent motor while rushing the passer. He’s up into double-digit offers from D2 and D3.

8. Cole Biscobing, New Berlin Eisenhower – Biscobing is another excellent two-way lineman in this group, earning First Team All-Conference recognition in the Parkland on both sides of the ball. On defense, he recorded a team-high 88 tackles, a rare feat for an interior defensive lineman. He’s a load up front, tough to move with good size and leverage. Biscobing holds a trio of D3 offers.

9. Turner Doering, Brookfield Central – Doering was a First Team All-Conference pick up front for the Lancers and head coach Joel Nellis. The big man had 52 tackles last year, with six tackles for loss and three sacks. He recently received his first offer from St. Norbert.

10. James Kappus, Mukwonago – Kappus earned First Team All-Conference recognition for the Indians a year ago. He spent a good deal of time in the other team’s backfield with 10 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. Whether lined up on the interior or in an outside technique, he is able to use technique, strength, and agility to make plays. He has added offers from UW-Stout, UW-Stevens Point, and UW-Oshkosh.

11. Ryan Dahms, Hamilton – Dahms is a strong, explosive player up front, with good testing numbers and measurables. Last year he was a Second Team All-Conference choice for the Chargers, when he lined up both inside and outside at times. He holds an offer from UW-Eau Claire.

12. Tyler Budtke, Stratford – Budtke was very productive for the Stratford defense last season, with 59 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, and five sacks. He would earn First Team All-Conference in the CWC. Often playing at nose tackle, he uses outstanding leverage to get underneath offensive linemen and drive them back or control them.

13. Aiden Isaacson, Mondovi – Isaacson produced 65 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks last year to earn First Team All-Conference recognition. Whether playing on the nose or in a three-technique, he is able to hold his ground and then pursue to the ball. Isaacson holds a D2 offer from Southwest Minnesota State.

14. Ryan Bernick, Spencer/Columbus Catholic – Bernick was First Team All-Conference last year playing as a defensive lineman. He was highly productive, with 71 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, and seven sacks. Stout and River Falls have extended offers so far.

15. Cain Casarez, Clayton – Casarez is a great representation for 8-player football. He’s a standout on the defensive side of the ball, earning Honorable Mention All-State after leading the team with 86 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, and two sacks. Wearing number 56, he also was the team’s leading rusher with 1,016 yards and 13 touchdowns.