USC 5-star commit Luke Wafle finishes senior season with unbelievable stat line

Hun School (N.J.) edge rusher Luke Wafle had already established himself as one of the nation’s premier recruits heading into his senior season.

Last year as a junior, he ended the season with 53 tackles (including 18 TFLs), to go along with 8 sacks and eight quarterback hurries. During the offseason, he was tabbed as a five-star recruit by Rivals, which ranks him as the country’s No. 6 overall prospect and No. 2 EDGE in the 2026 class. And he also drew offers from nearly every top program in the country before committing to USC in June.

But instead of resting on his laurels, the 6-foot-5, 260-pound pass-rushing phenom one of the single-most dominant seasons not only in New Jersey, but nationally.

According to Todd Smith, Wafle’s head coach at the Hun School, the future Trojan finished his senior year with an eye-popping 99 total tackles, 37 tackles for loss and record-setting 23 sacks. The sacks mark in particular ranks among the top-10 nationally this year and is the highest of any player in the Garden State, according to MaxPreps.

And while no record book exists in the state for sack totals, Wafle’s 23 are tied for the most by any player since 2021.

“Week after week, Luke proved he’s that guy — the best player on the field no matter the opponent,” Smith wrote in his post. “A rare blend of size, speed, power, and technique — relentless off the edge and dominant against the run. One of the most disruptive defenders in the country. Trojans are getting a monster.”

Scouts rave over Wafle’s ability, work ethic

And Rivals Director of Scouting and Rankings Charles Power has similarly glowing reviews of the elite pass-rusher and defender. He writes this about Wafle in his scouting report:

“The most ready-to-play top EDGE prospect in the 2026 cycle. Measured over 6-foot-5, 255 pounds with arms over 33 inches and big hands prior to his senior season. More physically mature than many of his highly-rated peers. Combines play strength and motor with functional athleticism. Wins at the point of attack with a powerful punch and the ability to convert speed to power. Uses quick power swipes to disengage from offensive linemen. Shows multiple pass-rush pathways and closing speed to finish behind the line of scrimmage. Nimble mover who breaks down well in space. A violent finisher who drives ball carriers into the ground. Strong, consistent run defender due to physicality and effort. Logged 18 TFLs and 8 sacks in nine games as a junior. Best fit as a true defensive end in a four-man front at the college level. First-step quickness remains an area for improvement. Touts a strong multi-sport background with above-the-rim bounce on the basketball court and a 45-6 foot shot put mark. Slightly older for the grade, common for northeastern prep school prospects. Could be primed for an impact as a true freshman given his level of development and physical maturity.”

Wafle and the Raiders finished their 2025 season 8-4, with their superstar closing out his high school career in typical dominant fashion: 11 tackles, 4 tackles for loss and three sacks.