With the return of only two of the top 12 defensive players from a year ago, there will be several new faces making plays on the defensive side of the ball for SouthCoast football teams this fall.
Below are the names of 18 defensive players we are monitoring for major production this fall.
Names were compiled through a form The Standard-Times sports staff sent out to all local coaches this summer, as well as preseason camp visits.
Cast your vote for the 2026 Standard-Times Preseason Defensive Player of the Year. Voting closes at 8 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 13.
Note: Players are listed alphabetically by school and can only make one preseason poll.

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