Canada 2026 Rankings: Linebackers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Check out the updated 2026 Canada Rankings&nbsp;<a href="https://prepredzone.com/canada/rankings/2026-rankings-2/">HERE</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Just a note about these rankings if players list themselves on twitter or HUDL as a 2026 in Canada and 2027 for the USA I tend to put them in the 2026 rankings because these only include players playing in Canada. If a player only lists 1 grad year they are put into that year's rankings.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>If a player has already announced a transfer to a USA prep school he is not included in these rankings as they just include players who have played and are continuing to play in Canada – however there will be content on plenty of the quality Canadian players who currently play or plan to play in the States.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#1 Overall Linebacker</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1210678"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6675c6ce3564c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Nyandoro, one of the top LB prospects from Quebec has quality LB tape and multiple years of production and tape. He is more of an ILB prospect than an OLB/EDGE prospect and a lot of that is because of the range he shows in coverage and as a tackler. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nyandoro shows on tape a consistent ability to shed blocks in the box and finish tackles both in traffic and in space. An effective blitzer due to his closing speed Nyandoro can be a versatile LB in the middle of any style of defensive with his skillset. Not a ton of man coverage reps in his tape but he is effective in dropping into zone coverage and attacking the ball carrier after the catch. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Rest of the Rankings</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/position-ranking-table {"name":"acf/position-ranking-table","data":{"class":"2026","_class":"field_65cfb7374abb9","position":"2496","_position":"field_65cfbfcb19ad6","national_rankings":"0","_national_rankings":"field_660c1d73c0e49","state":"3466","_state":"field_65cfb88a603fe"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6675c6ce35d39"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1299816' first='Rayann' last='Payep'] - Payep is a bigger LB prospect at 240lbs already and you can see on his twitter he has super impressive weight room numbers already and the body type that is ideal for a physical linebacker at the next level. On tape you see a player who is a violent finisher with good instincts coming down to the LOS to make plays. Not a ton of true block shedding on tape but you do see some elusiveness and ability to evade blocks. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Solomon Efunbajo - Efunbajo can play either outside linebacker/edge or inside linebacker and he showcases good measurables and length for the position. He also plays some tight end and overall on tape shows solid athleticism. Although you see some solid plays offensively I think LB is his best position where he shows good instincts coming down hill, the ability to evade blocks, and length to contribute to rushing the passer. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1299852' first='Nantus' last='Baard'] - Baard the St. Andrew's LB prospect wins a lot of reps with his quickness and his athleticism and closing speed helps him contribute as a sideline-to-sideline guy. With the ability to align coming off the edge at OLB or right up the middle Baard does his best working coming down hill. He evades blocks more than sheds them but is consistent getting around offensive lineman with his quickness and elusiveness.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1220918' first='Colton' last='Jackson-McConnell'] - Jackson-McConnell a true ILB prospect does a lot of quality work around the LOS. Jackson-McConnell shows the ability to really shed blocks well using his hands and a powerful initial punch. Jackson-McConnell shows a consistent ability to finish tackles and flashes good closing speed. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1299927' first='Antonio' last='Boccia'] - The Huron Heights LB had a solid season of production playing a USA/Canada schedule. On tape you see Boccia align at LB and at times in the slot more as a strong safety prospect. Boccia is a quick first step and is a willing tackler. There are not a ton of reps but he shows the ability to be effective in zone coverage and is disciplined with his eyes. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->