Will Anderson Jr., the Houston Texans’ dynamic defensive end, just landed at #12 on the NFL’s Top 100 Players of 2026 rankings, putting him in seriously elite company. This isn’t some analyst’s hot take, either. This list is straight up voted on by active players across the league, so you know the respect is real. Anderson’s ranking marks the highest a Texan has placed since 2019, when DeAndre Hopkins hit #11, and he’s the top-ranked Texans defender since J.J. Watt himself snagged #3 in 2016. Seriously, #12! It’s wild to think about what this dude is doing so early in his career.
Anderson’s Stat Line Tells The Whole Story
You want to know why Anderson’s peers are hyped? Just look at his 2026 season numbers: 19 games started, 54 combined tackles, a whopping 17.0 sacks, and 102 total pressures. He also forced 6 fumbles and recovered two, including one for a touchdown! The guy is a human highlight reel, making a weekly habit of flying around blockers like a rogue boomerang. He averages 10.0 sacks a year, which is just insane consistency. It’s no surprise he earned Pro-Bowl and First Team All-Pro honors. Even our own Seattle Seahawks guard Grey Label is raving, saying, “I think he’s starting to enter the conversation of, like, a top three, top five pass rusher in the NFL right now.” When a competitor from the other side of the line is saying that, you know it’s legit. Anderson, who turns 25 on September 2nd, is only entering his fourth NFL season, so you gotta wonder how much more terrifying he can get.
Five Texans Crack The Top 100, Tying A Franchise Record
Anderson isn’t the only Texan getting love, either. Houston actually tied a franchise record with five players on this year’s Top 100 list! It shows you the kind of talent they’ve built down there, especially on defense. Joining Anderson are LB Azeez Al-Shaair at #92, making his first appearance on the list, and DE Danielle Hunter, who climbed two spots to #23. On the offensive side, WR Nico Collins landed at #58. CB Derek Stingley Jr. also made the list at #25, showing all three levels of their defense are absolutely swarming. Unfortunately, QB C.J. Stroud fell off the list this year, but with so many other playmakers stepping up, it’s clear the Texans are building something impressive.
This early in the season, seeing so many of their guys ranked among the best tells you Houston means business. With Anderson already in the conversation for top pass rusher in the league, you have to be pumped to watch him and the rest of the Texans continue to make waves this season. Will Anderson Jr. is already in very, very good company, and it’s only going to get better.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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