NEW RANKING: Top Linebackers Added To 2026 Rankings Update

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Which impressive linebackers in the 2026 class were added to the 2026 Prep Redzone rankings?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1319913' first='Zach' last='Weeks']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/zach-weeks/"></a> – LB – Oconee County</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An Athens-area linebacker who not only made his debut in the 2026 rankings last week, but made a big jump into the top 50, Oconee County linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1319913' first='Zach' last='Weeks'] now comes in as the No. 5 linebacker and the No. 43 overall prospect in Georgia for the 2026 class. At 6-foot-2 210-pounds, Weeks is a physical, hard-hitting defender with strong instincts who knows how to fight off blocks and run down the ball-carrier. He reacts quickly against the run and is a sure-tackling machine, making 102 stops in less than 11 games with one sack and one forced fumble. His recruitment really took off this off-season as he's added big offers from Ohio State, Florida, North Carolina, LSU, and Ole Miss. His stock is on the rise, and he can expect new offers to continue coming his way. Look for him to be one of the top defenders in the area next fall as a junior.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1319897' first='Duyon' last='Forkpa Jr'] – Mill Creek</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A promising outside linebacker who saw his recruitment take off this spring, adding Forkpa Jr to the 2026 rankings was an easy decision due to his size, potential, and productive 2023 season as a sophomore. The 6-foot-2 220-pounder flashed big-play ability all season long in 2023 and it led to offers from Indiana, Missouri, Georgia Tech, UCF, and Ole Miss, among others. He brings a lengthy frame that helps him shed blocks, above-average athleticism, and a high motor, allowing him to chase down the running back and create havoc in the backfield. Playing alongside several other talented defenders at Mill Creek, this fast-rising linebacker made 34 tackles, nine TFLs and three sacks along with seven more quarterback hurries. Now, he debuts at No. 80 overall in the state for the 2026 class in the latest Prep Redzone update. As good as he was last year, look for Forkpa Jr. to be even better as a junior in 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1323202' first='Kaden' last='Carter'] – ATH – Lamar County</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the top Middle Georgia linebackers in the 2026 class, Carter is a physically gifted linebacker who can really run at 6-foot-2 205-pounds. An intelligent defender who can avoid blocks and find the ball-carrier, Carter is a multi-year starter who has continued to get better and better over time. After a strong sophomore season where he made 71 tackles, four TFLs, one sack, and one fumble recovery, this Lamar County standout was an easy addition to the latest 2026 rankings. He's a versatile two-way player who brings toughness and big-play ability at linebacker, and now he's ranked as the No. 10 linebacker and the No. 63 overall prospect in the state according to Prep Redzone. He has a promising frame that should allow him to add more weight, and if he can improve upon his impressive sophomore season, Carter could see more offers come his way. So far, Carter has seen offers come his way from N.C State, Ole Miss, Tennessee, among others. Look for him to have a giant upcoming season with a possible ranking increase in the next update this winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1319933' first='Zedrick' last='Patterson'] – Shiloh</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A 2026 linebacker on the rise in Gwinnett County, Patterson is a tough, hard-hitting defender who brings an impressive combination of quickness and size at 6-foot-1 200-pounds. A versatle defender who can roam the middle of the field while rushing the quarterback off the edge, Patterson was added to the 2026 rankings update after a strong sophomore season where he made 60 tackles, 10 TFLs, and four sacks along with three forced fumbles. He's a true weapon who can make an impact in several different ways, and it allowed him to see offers come his way this spring from Western Michigan, Miami (OH), among others. A sure-tackler in the open field who can also deliver a giant hit on the quarterback, there's a lot to like about Patterson's game and the potential he brings. He's one of the top returning linebackers in the area and is bound for a giant junior season for his Shiloh team in 2024. Now, Patterson is ranked as the No. 90 overall prospect in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->