Jaiden Bryant Named to USA TODAY All-American Preseason Second Team

Irmo High School (Columbia, SC) 5 star Jaiden Bryant has been named to the USA TODAY Sports All-America Preseason Second Team at defensive lineman, the publication announced on August 16, 2026. Bryant, a 6-foot-4, 245-pound senior edge rusher, was one of just four defensive linemen selected to the second team in a national field of 36 total players across both sides of the ball. The honor places him alongside the country's elite high school football talent entering the 2026 season. ## A Dominant Force in the Palmetto State A 5-star EDGE prospect per 247Sports, Bryant has been a nightmare for opposing offenses throughout his career at Irmo. His combination of size, length, and burst off the edge has made him one of the most sought-after defenders in the Class of 2027, drawing heavy recruiting attention from coast to coast. Bryant's résumé includes a standout performance at the Under Armour All-America practices and recognition as one of the premier pass rushers in the Southeast. He previously earned USA TODAY All-USA Southeast Region first-team defense honors, cementing his status as a regional and now national name to watch. Committed to The U Bryant committed to the Miami Hurricanes on June 3, 2026, flipping from an earlier LSU pledge in a high-profile recruiting battle. The Hurricanes edged out South Carolina and other suitors to land the elite pass rusher, who is expected to be an immediate impact contributor at the next level. What the Honor Means? The USA TODAY Sports preseason All-America team highlights players expected to be standout performers during the 2026 high school football season. Selections were based on previous-season performance, statistics, recruiting rankings, and projections for the coming year — a profile of who to watch closely as they may be repping your favorite teams on Saturdays and Sundays in the near future. For Bryant, the preseason All-American distinction adds another accolade to an already decorated résumé and sets the stage for a senior season with sky-high expectations at Irmo. Source: USA TODAY Sports, 247Sports, ESPN