Under the Radar 2026 Linebackers to Watch For

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After an outstanding year of high school football action in the Bluegrass State, it's time to highlight some of the most impactful prospects that made their presence known on the field last season. After breaking down some talented under the radar 2026s that impress on film, here's my list of some under the radar 2026 linebackers to watch for.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["971513"],"_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":"In the first place spot on my list is [player_tooltip player_id='971513' first='Austin' last='Tremblay'], a linebacker at Madison Central High School. Tremblay impresses me with his quick execution and ability to read the offense like a book. I also like how Tremblay can utilize his speed to shut down the rush in the backfield. Tremblay also stands out with his ability to take down receivers shortly after the catch, proving his commanding stopping power.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2MaSiwu0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65f0d3fba60ea"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["283979"],"_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":"I am additionally impressed with [player_tooltip player_id='283979' first='Will' last='Steger'], a linebacker at Montgomery County High School. Steger stands out with his awareness, his ability to pounce on the offense and his ability to maneuver the pocket to make important stops. I also like how Steger can read the handoff and muscle his way to the running back for the tackle. Steger can also get to the quarterback and force the occasional loose ball.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2N6cB6u0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65f0d3fba6153"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["283959"],"_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":"Claiming the number three spot on my list is [player_tooltip player_id='283959' first='Chapman' last='Russell'], a linebacker at Christian Academy of Louisville. Russell makes a considerable difference due to his explosiveness and ability to maneuver the pocket with ease, slip past openings in the line and consistently blast offensive playmakers with his physicality. I also like Russell's ability to shut down the short pass with his quick execution and strength.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2Mwah6u0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65f0d3fba61a4"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1176976"],"_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":"Another skilled prospect is [player_tooltip player_id='1176976' first='Ahmari' last='Alexander'], a linebacker at Trigg County High School. What impresses me the most about Alexander is his quick execution off the snap as well as his ability to shut down ground production. Alexander can read the handoff and breach the pocket to stop the running back. I also like Alexander's ability to lock down receivers from along the edge and stop the short pass.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2MT89Qu0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65f0d3fba61f0"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1176924"],"_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":"Coming in at number five on my list is [player_tooltip player_id='1176924' first='Jack' last='Oldham'], a linebacker at Franklin County High School. What stands out about Oldham is electric quickness and his ability to pick up speed to stop the running back from escaping into the backfield. I also like how Oldham can read the offense, shut down ground production from along the edge and use his core strength to push the offense behind the line.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2MmdNUu0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65f0d3fba623a"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1175821"],"_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":"Also worth mentioning is [player_tooltip player_id='1175821' first='Xavier' last='Conrad'], a linebacker at Owensboro High School. In addition to great size and speed, what I like about Conrad is his ability to pierce through the pocket with ease as well as apply pressure on and sack the quarterback. I also like Conrad's ability to pick up speed off the snap to slip past openings in the offensive, catch the gunslinger by surprise and force the ball out.rnrnu003ca href=u0022https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15202222/6546983919b0390d942b9b74u0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65f0d3fba6284"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1192830"],"_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":"Another player to watch for is [player_tooltip player_id='1192830' first='Brycen' last='Everage'], a linebacker at Knott County Central High School. Everage impresses me with his size and physicality, showcasing his ability to overpower the offense and hold the line in crucial moments. I also like how Everage can suffocate the rush both in the pocket and from along the edge, proving he can take away space, leaving the offense with no room to work with.rnrnu003ca href=u0022http://www.hudl.com/v/2NA4fru0022u003eTape:u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65f0d3fba62cc"} /-->