Photo by: Sarah Eunyoung
2026 Position Preview: Defensive Line
8/18/2026 11:20:00 AM | Football
For ACU defensive line coach Nick Holt, the equation up front this fall is simple: proven strength inside, fierce competition outside. With two experienced tackles anchoring the middle and a wave of young, athletic talent battling for snaps on the edge, Holt likes the depth and energy he sees — even if the rotation isn't set just yet.
Defensive tackle Kortlin Rausaw and nose tackle Chris Herpin were both named to the Preseason All-UAC Team.
"Kortlin has played a lot of football," Holt said.. "He knows our defense as well as anybody. He's extremely smart, he's gotten stronger, and he's developed some leadership qualities. People look up to him, and we're expecting him to have a really solid year."
Alongside Rausaw, Herpin has drawn praise for his consistency and impact through fall camp.
"He's stood out above all of them more than anybody," Holt said. "He's shown up at the nose guard position, done a really good job, and we expect him to have a really good season."
With his fifth ACU season underway, Holt welcomes the challenge of shaping an edge group loaded with ability but short on experience.
"We have a deep group," he said. "They're talented and athletic — just inexperienced. We've got to make sure we get them ready to go."
Solid in the Middle
Rausaw and Herpin give ACU an interior tandem that sets the tone for the entire front. The pair combined for 23 starts in 2025 and have used the offseason to elevate their games.
"With those two guys in there, they were solid last year — and we expect them to be even better."
That experience is critical as the Wildcats work to solidify the rotation at defensive end.
"They have to be better because we're very young and inexperienced at the other positions," Holt said. "There's a good battle going on, and we'll see who separates themselves."
Competition on the Edge
While the interior is set, the defensive end and rush spots remain open — and crowded. Holt said several players are in the mix, including Tanner Allen (a transfer from Texas Tech), Cavanti Crawford, and true freshman Hudson Page at defensive end, with Jailyn Gibbs and Abilene Wylie product Julius Lane competing at the rush position.
"Nobody has really separated themselves yet," Holt said. "We have another week of practice and another scrimmage, and it should hopefully declare itself.
"We have more numbers than we've had since I've been here. It's a deep group. Not a lot of maybe superstars, but I think it's a really solid group — hopefully a really, really good group when it's all said and done."
Fifth-year Wildcat Alex Bowman Jr. also returns to provide experience and versatility.
"He decided to come back for another year, which I'm grateful for," Holt said. "He's a very good football player and provides leadership and depth. He'll play a lot for us."
Young Talent Rising
Holt said the freshmen class has impressed early and could push for roles as the season progresses.
"I really like our freshmen. They're going to be really good players when it's all said and done. They just need some time."
The key, he said, is maximizing effort with every snap.
"There shouldn't be a big drop-off when we sub," Holt said. "When the guys are in there, they need to play extremely hard. They don't have to be in there for 50 or 60 plays because we have other guys — but when they're in, they need to give us everything they've got."
Looking Ahead
As the Wildcats continue fall camp, Holt said the defensive line's identity will be built on effort and depth.
"It's a deep group, and they like to work," he said. "They're good to be around — good kids — and I think they're pushing each other."
And with a trip to Idaho on the schedule on Sept. 19, Holt will return to familiar territory. He was an assistant with the Vandals from 1990-97, rising to defensive coordinator for four seasons and ultimately leading Idaho as head coach in 2004 and 2005.
"I have a lot of friends still there and ex-players," he said. "I spent 10 years there overall, and it's a special place. I'm excited to go back to the Kibbie Dome. It'll be a great game, and I think our kids will enjoy the atmosphere."
Defensive tackle Kortlin Rausaw and nose tackle Chris Herpin were both named to the Preseason All-UAC Team.
"Kortlin has played a lot of football," Holt said.. "He knows our defense as well as anybody. He's extremely smart, he's gotten stronger, and he's developed some leadership qualities. People look up to him, and we're expecting him to have a really solid year."
Alongside Rausaw, Herpin has drawn praise for his consistency and impact through fall camp.
"He's stood out above all of them more than anybody," Holt said. "He's shown up at the nose guard position, done a really good job, and we expect him to have a really good season."
With his fifth ACU season underway, Holt welcomes the challenge of shaping an edge group loaded with ability but short on experience.
"We have a deep group," he said. "They're talented and athletic — just inexperienced. We've got to make sure we get them ready to go."
Solid in the Middle
Rausaw and Herpin give ACU an interior tandem that sets the tone for the entire front. The pair combined for 23 starts in 2025 and have used the offseason to elevate their games.
"With those two guys in there, they were solid last year — and we expect them to be even better."
That experience is critical as the Wildcats work to solidify the rotation at defensive end.
"They have to be better because we're very young and inexperienced at the other positions," Holt said. "There's a good battle going on, and we'll see who separates themselves."
Competition on the Edge
While the interior is set, the defensive end and rush spots remain open — and crowded. Holt said several players are in the mix, including Tanner Allen (a transfer from Texas Tech), Cavanti Crawford, and true freshman Hudson Page at defensive end, with Jailyn Gibbs and Abilene Wylie product Julius Lane competing at the rush position.
"Nobody has really separated themselves yet," Holt said. "We have another week of practice and another scrimmage, and it should hopefully declare itself.
"We have more numbers than we've had since I've been here. It's a deep group. Not a lot of maybe superstars, but I think it's a really solid group — hopefully a really, really good group when it's all said and done."
Fifth-year Wildcat Alex Bowman Jr. also returns to provide experience and versatility.
"He decided to come back for another year, which I'm grateful for," Holt said. "He's a very good football player and provides leadership and depth. He'll play a lot for us."
Young Talent Rising
Holt said the freshmen class has impressed early and could push for roles as the season progresses.
"I really like our freshmen. They're going to be really good players when it's all said and done. They just need some time."
The key, he said, is maximizing effort with every snap.
"There shouldn't be a big drop-off when we sub," Holt said. "When the guys are in there, they need to play extremely hard. They don't have to be in there for 50 or 60 plays because we have other guys — but when they're in, they need to give us everything they've got."
Looking Ahead
As the Wildcats continue fall camp, Holt said the defensive line's identity will be built on effort and depth.
"It's a deep group, and they like to work," he said. "They're good to be around — good kids — and I think they're pushing each other."
And with a trip to Idaho on the schedule on Sept. 19, Holt will return to familiar territory. He was an assistant with the Vandals from 1990-97, rising to defensive coordinator for four seasons and ultimately leading Idaho as head coach in 2004 and 2005.
"I have a lot of friends still there and ex-players," he said. "I spent 10 years there overall, and it's a special place. I'm excited to go back to the Kibbie Dome. It'll be a great game, and I think our kids will enjoy the atmosphere."
Players Mentioned
DL
/ Football
DL
/ Football
LB
/ Football
DL
/ Football
DL
/ Football
DL
/ FootballTuesday, August 04
Thursday, July 30
Wednesday, July 29
Wednesday, July 22
