2026 Watch List Linebackers to Know

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While only freshman, Mississippi has several linebackers that have already come on to the recruiting scene. It is too early in these guys' careers to rank them yet, but it is never too early to get eyes on them. Today, we break down the linebackers that made our first 2026 watch list. These guys have proven their ability on tape this past season and are bound to be some of the big time names to know by signing day of their senior years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["691290"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Already looking like a college sized linebacker, Hazelhurst's [player_tooltip player_id='691290' first='Tre' last='Ellis'] stands at 6'2u0022 225. Ellis was one of the top linebackers in the freshman class last season, contributing to the Indians' 12-2 record. With position versatility in hand, Ellis can move around a defense and play all 4 linebacker positions in a 3-4 defense. He may be best fit to continue developing inside at MIKE linebacker. Ellis runs well in space and does a great job at changing direction in a timely manor. A downhill thumper, Ellis tackles well and can bring down almost any ball carrier with a lot of violence to him. The young defender plays with heavy hands and can get after the quarterback when he has his hand in the dirt. Big time potential for the young stud; already has a great year of tape on his resume.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64271d5cd58f7"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["691279"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"A starting linebacker at New Hope last season, [player_tooltip player_id='691279' first='Jeremiah' last='Harkins'] flashed a ton of potential throughout the year. Harkins stands at 6'1u0022 210 and will gradually continue to fill out with more time in the weight room. The standout rising sophomore primarily played inside backer last year and looks like he will project as a WILL linebacker at the next level. With the athleticism of a defensive back, Harkins can fly around the box and make plays at a high level. This is a great blitzer that can also cover wide receivers and tight ends downfield. The way the college game is shifting, linebackers with Harkins skillset are incredibly valuable to college coaches nationwide. Huge potential for the New Hope product and looking forward to watching him dominate this season.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64271d5cd597b"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["691318"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Primarily playing freshman football last season, [player_tooltip player_id='691318' first='Kaesen' last='McQuiller'] will compete for varsity time on the reigning state champion's defense. McQuiller stands at 6'0 196 and has looked to improve tremendously in the weight room this offseason. A naturally strong player, McQuiller has more strength than the average freshman linebacker would have. McQuiller runs well in space and changes direction with good fluidity to his hips. This is the type of linebacker that can play all across a defense and be used on passing downs as well. Excited to watch him play on Fridays this season; lot of potential for the Yellowjacket.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64271d5cd59d1"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["402094"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Playing on West Point's freshman team last season, [player_tooltip player_id='402094' first='Jorden' last='Rush'] rotated between defensive end and middle linebacker. Rush has a big physical presence already, standing at 6'1u0022 225 with plenty of length to him. Rush plays fast, but due to his size, could end up being a better outside linebacker or defensive end than middle linebacker when its all said and done. A hard hitter, Rush does a great job at bringing the boom when he tackles and can get off blocks with ease due to his length. In addition, Rush spent time at fullback last season and could play into a role there for West Point. Excited to watch his stock continue to grow over the next 3 years.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64271d5cd5a24"} /-->