Michigan high school football fans can now vote for the Buffalo Wild Wings Best Defensive Lineman for the 2026 season. Voting is open until noon on Thursday, August 20, with ten standout athletes nominated from across the state.
Michigan high school football fans have the opportunity to help select the state's top defensive lineman for the upcoming 2026 season. The Detroit Free Press has launched its annual Buffalo Wild Wings Best Defensive Lineman contest, inviting readers to vote for one of ten standout athletes recognized for their performance and potential on the field.
Voting is open until noon on Thursday, August 20. The nominees were chosen based on their achievements and impact during the previous season, as well as their anticipated contributions this fall, according to high school sports reporter Jared Ramsey.
Meet the 2026 Defensive Lineman Nominees
This year's list features players from a range of Michigan high schools, each bringing a unique set of skills and accomplishments:
- Drew Aagesen, Goodrich: Anchored a defense that lost only twice and secured a state title over the past two seasons. In 2025, Aagesen recorded 40 tackles (17 for loss) and nine sacks.
- Jayden Bell, Birmingham Brother Rice: Entering his third year as a starter, Bell will focus solely on defense after playing both ways last season. As a sophomore, he tallied 60 tackles (15 for loss), eight sacks, two forced fumbles, and an interception.
- Max Bollman, Big Rapids: Known for his strength and speed, Bollman posted 83 tackles and 13 sacks last season. He has shared videos of bench pressing 500 pounds and running over 22 mph.
- Luke Brodnicki, Hudsonville: Contributed to Hudsonville's run to the 2024 Division 1 state finals with 35 tackles, three sacks, and six pass deflections last season.
- Treighjan Gibson, Orchard Lake St. Mary's: Helped lead his team to a second straight Division 2 state championship, finishing 2025 with 65 tackles (17 for loss), nine sacks, and two forced fumbles.
- Recarder Kitchen, Muskegon: A four-year starter and the top-ranked player on Ramsey's list, Kitchen had 50 tackles (nine for loss), nine sacks, two pass deflections, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery as a junior.
- Jeremiah McCall, Harper Woods: Expected to focus on defense as Harper Woods aims for its first state title in three years. McCall finished his sophomore season with 39 tackles, six sacks, and a forced fumble.
- Asher Newman, Haslett: A two-way starter, Newman posted 52 tackles and eight sacks on defense while helping the offense average 215 rushing yards per game.
- Myles Smith, Farmington: Smith combined strength and speed for 43 tackles (13 for loss), six sacks, and four forced fumbles as a junior.
- Dylan Volpe, Port Huron: The rising junior contributed 32 tackles and five sacks on defense, along with three blocked extra points on special teams.
How to Vote and What to Know
Fans can cast their votes online through the Detroit Free Press website until the deadline at noon on August 20. The contest is designed to recognize the achievements of high school athletes and engage the community ahead of the new football season.
The Detroit Free Press has cautioned that any evidence of tampering, such as the use of bots or offering payment for votes, may result in disqualification or a "no contest" ruling. Readers are encouraged to participate fairly and uphold the integrity of the competition.
For those interested in following high school sports throughout the year, the Free Press also offers a weekly Michigan Preps newsletter with updates and news delivered directly to subscribers' inboxes.
Questions about the contest can be directed to Eric Guzmán at eguzman@freepress.com or by calling 313-222-1850.
The annual Best Defensive Lineman vote is part of a broader effort to highlight student-athletes across Michigan, with previous contests focusing on offensive players. The recognition provides a platform for young athletes to gain visibility and for communities to celebrate local sports talent.
