Luke Wafle, a Class of 2026 EDGE rusher, is among the most coveted defensive talents in the country, and it's easy to see why. Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 250 pounds, he has narrowed his college options to five elite programs: Texas, Penn State, Florida, USC, and Michigan.
Each institution is eager to secure a player who not only possesses exceptional athleticism and a sharp football intellect but also boasts a solid record of achievements at the high school level. Originating from Middletown, NJ, and attending Hun School, Wafle has been a formidable force since his sophomore year.
This season, he recorded 53 tackles (18 for loss), 8 sacks, and 8 quarterback hurries, along with 13 carries for 99 yards and a reception for 41 yards on offense, according to 24/7 Sports. His blend of speed, strength, and relentless drive has made him nearly impossible to block in high school competition.
Additionally, he is a multi-sport athlete, playing basketball in the winter, where he averaged 11.1 points per game as an 11th grader, as reported by NJ.com, and he participated in track as a shot put thrower during his sophomore year. Coming from a football family, his father, David, played as a defensive lineman at Duke in the '90s, and his brother, Luke, is a redshirt freshman defensive tackle at Penn State.
What sets Waffle apart is not just his physical attributes, though his explosiveness and edge-bending skills are top-notch, but also his versatility. He excels both as a hand-in-the-dirt player and as a hybrid linebacker, making him adaptable to various defensive schemes.
As he approaches his college decision, each of his top five schools presents a strong argument. Texas and Florida promise the excitement of SEC-level competition and pathways to the NFL, while Penn State and USC have a rich history of developing pass rushers.
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Michigan is renowned for producing elite defensive line talent. Regardless of where Wafle chooses to go, he is expected to make an immediate impact from Day one.