As we hit the preview portion of the 2026 FCS offseason, HERO Sports will rank the top returning players by position group.
While what happens on the field and how things finish at the end of the season is what really matters, preseason rankings give fans an idea of which players and teams they should keep an eye on.
Here are the top returning defensive ends in 2026.
NOTES:
- These rankings are formed by a combination of on-field production, postseason accolades, PFF grades, and the author’s opinion/FCS knowledge (watching games, knowing what system players are in, strength of opponents, etc.).
- 2026 FBS-to-FCS or non-D1-to-FCS transfers will not be included.
- Top Returning FCS Running Backs
- Top Returning FCS Quarterbacks
- Top Returning FCS Linebackers
- Top Returning FCS Wide Receivers
- Top Returning FCS Offensive Linemen
- Top Returning FCS Tight Ends
- Top Returning FCS Defensive Backs
Best Returning FCS DEs
25. Alex Villavaso, Nicholls
24. Carlo Crocetti, Holy Cross
23. Jake Mason, Montana
22. David Portu, Austin Peay (transfer from Charleston Southern)
21. DaVonyae Pettis, Campbell
20. Evan Aubrey, Southeastern
19. Jordan Dollard, South Carolina State
18. Jack Middleton, Brown
17. Malik Gucake, Prairie View A&M
16. Zairion Jackson-Bass, Yale
15. Capri Martin, Villanova
14. Dawson Ripperda, South Dakota State
13. Korede Sogbesan, Hampton
12. Case Mankins, Rhode Island
11. Sam Goligoski, UC Davis
RELATED: 2026 FCS Preseason Preview Central
10. Reis Kirschenman, South Dakota State
9. Kaden Vig, North Dakota
8. Ike Odimegwu, Brown
7. Andrew Huff, Lamar
6. Zac Crews, Montana State
5. Camden Byrd, Richmond
Byrd is a back-to-back all-conference performer, getting named to the 2024 All-CAA 2nd Team and the 2025 All-Patriot League 2nd Team. In 2024, he recorded 45 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, and seven sacks. Last year, the 6-foot-3 and 247-pounder totaled 34 stops, 11.5 TFLs, 8.5 sacks, six quarterback hurries, and three forced fumbles.
4. Michael Wells, Youngstown State
At 6-foot-3 and 250 pounds, Wells enjoyed a breakout season in 2025. He totaled 50 stops, 15 TFLs, 10.5 sacks, 11 QB hurries, four pass breakups, three fumble recoveries, and two forced fumbles. Along with All-MVFC First Team honors, Wells was named on four different All-American teams.
3. Ckelby Givens, Southern
It’s murky on whether Givens will be back with an extra year of eligibility due to court rulings, whether it be federal or local. But the hope is that Givens will play. He is a three-time All-SWAC First Team selection and a three-time All-American. In 2023, he totaled 61 tackles, 21 TFLs, and seven sacks. In 2024, the 6-foot-2 and 245-pounder racked up 73 tackles, 27.5 TFLs, 12 sacks, and 13 QB hurries, getting named the 2024 SWAC Defensive Player of the Year. Last fall, he tallied 41 stops, 15.5 TFLs, 9.5 sacks, and five QB hurries. In 42 career games dating back to 2022, he has an incredible 198 tackles, 71.5 TFLs, 32 sacks, and 10 forced fumbles.
2. Lance Rucker, North Dakota
Rucker had a breakout year last fall, earning First Team All-MVFC accolades and multiple All-American honors. The 6-foot-3 and 244-pounder racked up 64 tackles, 15 TFLs, 11.5 sacks, eight quarterback hurries, and four forced fumbles. He was at his best in the biggest games, highlighted by two sacks at Montana, two at South Dakota, three at Tennessee Tech in a first-round win, and another sack at Tarleton State in the second round.
1. Joshua Stoneking, Furman
Stoneking was dominant last season, arriving on the scene as a third-year sophomore. He notched 79 tackles, 23 TFLs, 14.5 sacks, nine QB hurries, and two forced fumbles while grading out as the No. 6 FCS edge defender on PFF. The First Team All-SoCon selection also received several First Team All-American honors. Stoneking, who is 6-foot-3 and 258 pounds, was named the FCS ADA National Defensive Player of the Year while finishing No. 2 in Buck Buchanan Award voting.
