DEFENSIVE END
Returning players
Tanner Jolley
Tyree Morris
Paxton Naegle
2025 players not returning
Enoka Migao (Graduation/Transfer Portal)
Nuu Sellesin (Graduation)
2026 post-spring ball attrition
None
2025 total production lost
5 games
2 starts
10 tackles
1.5 tackles-for-loss
2025 total production returning
18 games
13 starts
48 tackles
5.5 tackles-for-loss
4.0 sacks
2 quarterback hurries
1 pass breakup
2025 total production transferring in (transfer portal/junior college)
2 games
0 starts
2 tackles
New faces in 2026
Kasen Long 6’6″ 270 (3*) – Texas Tech University – (3 years to play 3)
2025 (RsFr.) Stats: 1 tackle
2024 (Fr.) Stats: Redshirted at Texas Tech University
Offers from: UNKNOWN
Original offers from: Texas Tech
Primary recruiter: Donte Wilkins
https://x.com/i/status/2009328206764208638
2026 OUTLOOK
TYREE MORRIS
Senior Tyree Morris is a sure-fire starter at this spot in 2026.
As a junior last season, Morris played in 13 games with 13 starts and racked up 48 tackles, 5.5 tackles-for-loss, 4.0 sacks, 2 quarterback hurries, and 1 pass breakup.
During his 4-year career with the Aggies and Lafayette College, Morris has played in 35 games with 25 starts and totaled 125 tackles, 12.0 tackles-for-loss, 7.0 sacks, 2 quarterback hurries, 5 pass breakups, 1 forced fumble, and 1 blocked kick.
According to 247sports, Morris was rated as the 1,576th-best transfer portal player nationally and the 171st-best defensive lineman in the transfer portal. Once he entered the transfer portal, Utah State was his first offer, and he accepted not long after being offered
Morris has a deceptively quick first step at the snap, forcing opposing offensive linemen on their heels immediately. This allows him to gain an early advantage during the play. Once the ball is snapped, he takes good angles off the line and works on getting a bead on the ball carrier. Once he gets into the backfield, he does a nice job of forcing pressure on the quarterback by getting a hand on him or forcing him to throw too early. He is solid in the running game as well. He does a good job of setting the edge and getting off his blocks to make a tackle. His speed and mobility are a huge plus for a player his size.
PAXTON NAEGLE
Redshirt freshman Paxton Naegle had a strong spring session and will battle for reps in fall camp.
As a true freshman last season, Naegle saw action in 5 games but did not record any stats.
During his 3-year career at Corner Canyon High (UT), Naegle played in 37 games with 37 starts. He totaled 45 tackles, 3.0 tackles-for-loss, 1.0 sack, 1 quarterback hurry, and 1 forced fumble defensively, but was also a 2-year, 28-game starter on the offensive line.
According to On3 Sports, Naegle was rated as the 1862nd-best player nationally, the 177th-best EDGE defensive end, and the 26th-best player in Utah. He chose the Aggies over offers from byu, Nevada, Northern Arizona, Oregon State, UNLV, and Washington State.
Naegle is a high-energy player who explodes off the line after the ball is snapped. He uses his agility to make a quick move to take out opposing offensive linemen and win his individual matchup. He is stout in run defense, filling up gaps, making the correct reads, and shedding blockers on his way to the ball carrier. He uses solid technique, staying low and wrapping up well. He does not let up until he brings opposing ball carriers to the ground.
KASEN LONG
Kasen Long is a transfer from Texas Tech University who will enter the 2026 season as a sophomore with three years of eligibility remaining.
As a redshirt freshman with the Red Raiders last season, Long saw action in 2 games and was credited with 1 tackle.
During his 2-year career at Texas Tech, Long played in 2 games with 0 starts and totaled 1 tackle
According to 247sports, Long was rated as the 1,779th-best transfer portal player nationally and the 184th-best defensive lineman in the transfer portal. Once he entered the transfer portal, Utah State was his first offer, and he accepted not long after being offered. He originally held an offer from Texas Tech.
Long has excellent prototypical size for a defensive lineman with plenty of room on his frame to add more mass. He is extremely quick off the edge and uses that to close on opposing ball carriers. His explosiveness at the snap of the ball allows him to be a disruptive force almost immediately. He is physical at the point of attack and uses his long wingspan to disengage from opposing blockers. He is tenacious in pursuit of the ball carrier and does well to cover ground upfield. He will benefit from being a high-level two-way player on the offensive and defensive lines as a high school standout.
TANNER JOLLEY
Adding depth to the position is sophomore preferred walk-on, Tanner Jolley.
Last season, Jolley saw action in one game but did not record any stats.
During his 2-year career at Utah State, Jolley has seen action in one game and spent one season as a redshirt.
During his 3-year career at Fruita Monument High School (CO), he played in 24 games with 17 starts and totaled 89 tackles, 17.0 tackles-for-loss, 6.5 sacks, 20 quarterback hurries, 4 forced fumbles, and 1 fumble recovery.
Jolley chose the Aggies over offers from Utah Tech and Southern Utah.
Jolley is very quick to react to the snap. He is a very fluid athlete. He relentlessly pursues opposing ball carriers until he makes contact. Although he begins a play from a three-point stance, speed is still a big part of his game. His long wingspan keeps opposing offensive tackles from getting a hold of him and slowing down his pass rush. He is strong at the point of contact, and he wraps up as he tackles. He is able to free himself from being blocked with good hand movement. His great, great-grandfather, Ebenezer Kirkham, wrote “The Scotsman”.
PROJECTED 2026 PRESEASON DEPTH CHART
DEFENSIVE END
9 Tyree Morris (6-5, 280, Sr., 1L, 3*)
95 Paxton Naegle (6-4, 265, RsFr., RS, 3*)
00 Kasen Long (6-5, 270, So., TR, 3*)
93 Tanner Jolley (6-2, 255, Jr., SQ, NR)
Coming Up On Monday: WILL Linebacker/EDGE