2026 LBs You Need to Watch Out For

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2026's linebackers are some of my favorite out of all of the watchlists. A position that is extremely versatile, each of these players shine in different ways, but all are built with attributes you look for in top talent on the defensive side of the ball. These five linebackers have already shown their worth, and will cement their legacies in 2024. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["205678"],"_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 sophomore that was able to get plenty of reps in at the varsity level in 2023, [player_tooltip player_id='205678' first='Michael' last='W. Wellet, III'] is a versatile linebacker that can cover a lot of ground as he flies around the field. Lining up like a rover, Michael really displayed range whenever he was on the field, and showed that he excelled not only in coverage but also in shutting down the run. Coming out of his stance with speed, Michael is able to penetrate into the backfield and bring a swift ending to any play, getting to the quarterback before they even have a chance to react. Pay close attention to Seton Hall Prep's defense in 2024.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65411b575a0be"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/6279880/655a1d670661620848195c4a' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-656d2413bc470"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["923912"],"_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 linebacker with a ton of potential, [player_tooltip player_id='923912' first='Manuel' last='Rodriguez'] is only going to get more impressive as he puts on more and more size. Playing low to the ground, Manuel is an explosive backer that can wrap the runner up immediately. Equipped with quick reaction time, Manuel is able to dart to the hole and meet the runner at the line and bring them to the ground. Changing directions quickly, Manuel will be flying all over the field next fall.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65411b575a169"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18169698/65ac1a06ab9c5913c8bf5dd7' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-656d2413bc520"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["999505"],"_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 big presence in the middle of the field for Newton, [player_tooltip player_id='999505' first='Nick' last='Kurilko'] spearheaded the defensive effort in 2023 and is a player you can rely on when you need someone to make a big stop. Racking up 102 tackles and 5 sacks in 2023, Nick not only has the size but also the speed to make him one of the top linebackers in the state. A linebacker that is hard to fool, Nick doesn't get flustered by fancy footwork. He stays low, mirrors the runner, and pounces on them when the opportunity arises.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65411b575a1de"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18003505/65b7d418ab9d8106f0912903' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6573b8a818f84"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["995097"],"_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":"Currently lining up as a linebacker but could foresee him becoming a safety at the next level, [player_tooltip player_id='995097' first='Isaiah' last='Ali-Lewis'] is one of the quickest linebackers you'll find in the state. A constant presence in the backfield, Isaiah finds the weak spot in the offensive line and sprints on by to make a big play in the backfield. Runners aren't too successful bouncing it to the outside when they run towards his side, he is able to close in on the runner quickly before they ever have a shot of turning upfield.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65411b575a24e"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17806390/6511adb6b3d3620ee0291daa' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65411b575a26c"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1097478"],"_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 do it all linebacker, [player_tooltip player_id='1097478' first='Chase' last='Hoag'] is one of the linebackers on the watchlist I could see rise into the rankings over the next few months. Whether he's bringing a stop to the run or in coverage, Chase moves with fluidity and is able to move laterally and change directions very smoothly. His tape was most impressive in his pass defense game, as time and time again he was able to get into the passing lane and bat it down before the ball could reach the receiver. A player that will go full tilt until the final whistle, Chase is the type of linebacker you'd hope to have on your roster.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-660da3be5d35b"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18123459/6514921206624b1500cc2209' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-660da3be5d374"} /-->