ESPN lists J’Mond Tapp as one of the top non-QB playmakers in 2026

ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg picked college football’s top non-quarterback playmakers for the upcoming season, and defensive lineman J’Mond Tapp made the list, alongside 13 other playmakers.

Tapp started his career at Arizona State before playing two seasons at Texas. He landed at Southern Miss ahead of the 2025 season, and he recorded 70 tackles, 7.5 sacks and two pass deflections. 

Rittenberg said that Tapp usually plays edge, but he has slimmed down since last season. The defensive lineman was the only Group of Five player on the list.