MO Under the Radar 2026s: Linebackers

As we head deeper into the summer, the 2024 high school football season is quickly approaching. With that being said, I wanted to take the next week to focus on some under the radar players in the upcoming junior class at each position. These players include those who fall just outside the top five at their positions and don't currently hold any offers. After already covering the offensive side of the ball, I have now turned my attention to the defensive side of the ball. With the defensive linemen already being taken care of, here are some 2026 linebackers to keep an eye on in the state of Missouri!    [player_tooltip player_id='402133' first='Sai'quan' last='Copeland'] is a player who is coming off a very impressive sophomore season. Copeland lines up at inside linebacker where he is dominant against the run. He does a great job of reading his keys and coming downhill in a hurry to make the tackle before the ball carrier can get going. Copeland finished this past season with 128 tackles. He also showed the ability to drop into coverage and make plays against the pass, finishing the year with three interceptions. Sai'quan hasn't reported any college interest but he is definitely a player that coaches should be keeping a close eye on.     [player_tooltip player_id='1127275' first='Mason' last='Wright'] is another player who stood out to me as a sophomore. He showed impressive versatility, lining up at both inside and outside linebacker throughout the season. Wright was very impressive against the run, showing the ability to read the play then use his speed to get to the ball carrier in a hurry to make the tackle. He finished this past season with 51 tackles. Mason also showed the ability to make plays against the pass both as a rusher and in coverage. He finished this past year with six sacks and one interception. Mason has received some college interest and he should be a player to continue to watch over the next couple seasons.     [player_tooltip player_id='1128424' first='Yarmon' last='Kirksey Jr'] is another linebacker who stood out to me as a sophomore. Kirksey lines up at outside linebacker where he is very dangerous off the edge as a passer rusher. He explodes out of his stance and uses his speed to blow by opposing offensive tackles on his way to the quarterback. Kirksey finished his sophomore season as the conference leader in sacks with 10. He also showed the ability to stop the run, finishing the year with 51 tackles and 10 tackles for loss. Yarmon has received some college interest and will be a player to continue to watch heading into his junior year.     My final under the radar 2026 linebacker to watch in the state of Missouri is [player_tooltip player_id='1127288' first='Tyson' last='Bronson']. Bronson had a solid sophomore season at outside linebacker. He explodes off the edge and does a great job of running down the line when the play is away from him to get to the ball carrier in a hurry. Once he gets to the ball carrier, Bronson is a very reliable tackler in the open field. He finished this past season with 102 tackles and three tackles for loss. Tyson also showed the ability to rush the passer, finishing the year with three sacks. Bronson hasn't reported any college interest but he should be a player to keep an eye on as he continues to develop.

As we head deeper into the summer, the 2024 high school football season is quickly approaching. With that being said, I wanted to take the next week to focus on some under the radar players in the upcoming junior class at each position. These players include those who fall just outside the top five at their positions and don't currently hold any offers. After already covering the offensive side of the ball, I have now turned my attention to the defensive side of the ball. With the defensive linemen already being taken care of, here are some 2026 linebackers to keep an eye on in the state of Missouri!