PRZIA 2026 Rankings Update: A Closer Look at the Linebackers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code:&nbsp;OscarGalindo30&nbsp;in the coupon code area.</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Class of 2026 rankings received its preseason update last week, with some big changes across the board.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>To kick off coverage for this update, Rob and I will be pumping out positional breakdowns, highlighting the players whose stocks rose and all the new names to watch out for!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Check out all the LBs who made it to our rankings and watchlist below, along with a closer look at the stock risers and new additions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- 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":"2483","_state":"field_65cfb88a603fe"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c222437d624"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Stock-Risers:</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1238514' first='Kasen' last='Thomas'], 6'2" 200 lbs - Bishop Heelan (<a href="https://x.com/KasenTHOMAS3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a>) </em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bishop Heelan junior [player_tooltip player_id='1238514' first='Kasen' last='Thomas'] receives a bump in the rankings from #10 to #6 after a strong spring/summer cycle that earned him offers from Iowa and Iowa State. Thomas is coming off a monster season in which he tallied 56 tackles, 17.5 TFLs, 7.5 sacks, and an interception on defense. As only a sophomore, Kasen proved to be a menace coming off the EDGE with his quick get-off and excellent bend as he turns the corner to apply pressure in the backfield. He sets the edge extremely well against the run and can disengage from blocks to shut down outside runs. Great twitch allows him to counter and react to blockers on the fly. Elite speed to power conversion. The sky is the limit for Kasen who will only continue to improve and filling out his frame. Near the top of my “buy stock now” list! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17681877/658f3c477bd46f07a4d3c406' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c40a7f8f5e4"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1241518' first='Dylan' last='Weisskopf'], 6'0" 210 lbs - Williamsburg (<a href="https://x.com/DylanWeisskopf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a>)</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Junior LB [player_tooltip player_id='1241518' first='Dylan' last='Weisskopf'] checks in at #31 overall and LB6 on our board and could continue to climb as he looks to step into a bigger role in the Hawk's title defense this season. Dylan does flash upside on both sides of the ball but seems to project best as a linebacker at the next level. Weisskopf impressed with his ability to defend the run and his football IQ. He's quick to break on the ball when he keys on the run and shows good speed when flowing to the ball carrier. Dylan plays his gaps very well and does an excellent job staying clear of traffic en route to the ball. Secure tackler. Breakout year incoming for the Williamsburg junior!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14945549/655bb3820660cf042057ece2' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c40a7f8f60f"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1238599' first='Adrian' last='Perez-Hall'], 5'10" 185 lbs - Burlington (<a href="https://x.com/AdrianPerezHall" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a>)</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rounding out the top 10 for the LBs is Burlington's [player_tooltip player_id='1238599' first='Adrian' last='Perez-Hall'] (LB10), who also checks in at #62 overall. What stood out to me the most when watching Adrian's tape is that he may not be the biggest 'backer on the field, but he plays with the intensity to make up for it. Perez-Hall has a motor that stays running red-hot from snap to whistle, and it shows in his pursuit for the ball. Adrian is really a do-it-all linebacker who can provide pressure off the edge, defend the run, drop into coverage, and can even play nickel. Always looks to leave an impression when he goes to make a tackle. Versatile defender who could develop into a nice prospect!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18047886/6533baa196760609240a3759' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c40a7f8f632"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">New Additions:</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1370736' first='Joey' last='Hardy'], 6'4" 215 lbs - Sergeant Bluff-Lufton (<a href="https://x.com/hardyjoey123" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a>)</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sergeant Bluff-Lufton junior [player_tooltip player_id='1370736' first='Joey' last='Hardy'] debuts as the highest-ranked new name in this update, coming in at #9 overall and listed as #3 for linebackers. Joey is a player who passes the eye test immediately with a well-built, lengthy 6'4" and 215-pound frame who projects well as an OLB/EDGE player at the next level. The thing that stood out the most about Hardy is his explosiveness coming off the ball and his lightning-quick first step. His speed off the snap allows him to gain ground against tackles before converting his speed to power with a powerful jab or violent swipe of his hands. Hardy is tireless in his pursuit of the ball and flashes the speed to close on ball carriers quickly. Joey is a player we're projecting will pick up more looks this season with North Dakota State, South Dakota, Iowa State, Wisconsin, and several others already in contact with the junior.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17827493/65494c515797bf0af0ceb1d3' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c40a7f8f651"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1268222' first='Dawson' last='James'], 6'2" 225 lbs - Lynnville-Sully (<a href="https://x.com/DawsonJames56" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a>)</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lynnville-Sully LB [player_tooltip player_id='1268222' first='Dawson' last='James'] is a name that blew up onto our radar after a strong showing at the Prep Redzone showcase back in May that earned him a spot as the #32 overall player and #7 LB in his class. Dawson flashed his athleticism at camp with a 4.96 40-yard dash, 4.57 shuttle drill, and a 7.58 L-drill while displaying a well-rounded skillset. When watching his sophomore tape, it's clear James excels at being the enforcer in the middle of the defense, where he allows his instincts and quick trigger to guide him toward the ball. He's very explosive when shooting his gaps and showed that he can produce those big plays at/behind the line of scrimmage (10 TFLs &amp; 2 sacks). Good size at 6'2" and 225 pounds, with great natural strength to fend off blockers at the line of scrimmage. I was also impressed with the fluidity with which he's able to flip his hips and drop into coverage and that he has the speed to stick to TEs and backs coming out of the backfield. Don't be surprised to see him play a bigger role on offense as the Hawks starting tight end. Very high ceiling player!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18084692/653fea95478d55089815ef02' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c40a7f8f66e"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1370574' first='Zach' last='Drenth'], 6'3" 225 lbs - Central Lyon/George-Little Rock (<a href="https://x.com/DrenthZach" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a>)</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Central Lyon/George-Little Rock junior [player_tooltip player_id='1370574' first='Zach' last='Drenth'] joins the PRZ Iowa rankings as the #21 LB and #137 overall prospect in his class. Drenth passes the eye test with his bulky 6'3” and 230 pound frame. He looked like a bit of a throwback at LB when you see the way he adjusts the defense pre snap and his natural feel for the game. He's a smart gap defender who can absolutely blow up a lane when he gets going downhill. Physical tackler who can also make stops in the open field. Should be an easy riser this season!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18002156/656d53bfda514908303b50ac' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c40a7f8f68c"} /--> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Make sure to follow&nbsp;<em>@PRZ_OscarG</em>&nbsp;for more news on Nebraska and Iowa HS recruiting.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->