The 2026 high school football regular season has concluded in Sarasota and Manatee counties with some teams headed into the offseason and others into the postseason.

Ahead of the FHSAA playoffs which kick off Nov. 13, the Herald-Tribune has selected nominees for the Sarasota-Manatee Defensive Player of the Year and your chance to vote on who should receive the honor.

Here's your chance to vote on who should receive the honor. Vote in our online poll to determine the winner. Poll will close at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2026.

Here are the nominees:

Sarasota, Manatee Defensive Player of the Year Candidates

Kaleb Exume, Cardinal Mooney

The senior defensive lineman, who is recommitted to Louisville on Thursday, November 5, had 77 total tackles, 21 tackles for loss, 11 quarterback hurries, five sacks, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries during the regular season.

Desire Kmit, Venice

The junior outside linebacker recorded 81 total tackles, nine tackles for loss, three sacks, eight quarterback hurries, two interceptions, two pass deflections, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble.

Felly Kmit, Venice

The junior middle linebacker recorded 99 total tackles, 18 tackles for loss, six sacks, eight quarterback hurries and three pass deflections.

Maleek Lee, Palmetto

The four-star senior defensive tackle (Georgia Tech commit) recorded 66 total tackles, 27.5 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, eight quarterback hurries, one pass deflection, one fumble recovery and one forced fumble.

Travion Lester, Cardinal Mooney

The junior linebacker recorded 77 total tackles, 21 tackles for loss, three sacks, 10 quarterback hurries, one pass deflection and one fumble recovery.

Amarian McRae, Cardinal Mooney

The four-star sophomore cornerback has 34 total tackles, one tackle for loss, two interceptions returned for 83 yards.

Bryson Milton, Sarasota

The junior linebacker recorded 122 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, nine sacks, 10 quarterback hurries, two interceptions, three pass deflections, two fumble recoveries, two forced fumble and one blocked field goal.

Tristen Neeley, Venice

The senior middle linebacker recorded 116 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss, two sacks, six quarterback hurries, two interceptions and two pass deflections.

Miles Przekwas, Riverview

The senior defensive end (Navy commit) recorded 39 total tackles, five tackles for loss and three sacks. He also plays tight end.

Isiah Tyson, Palmetto

The senior defensive end recorded 48 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, nine quarterback hurries, two pass deflections, three fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles and one blocked punt.