2026 Rankings: Top Linebackers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Redzone has released the latest edition of the 2026 Rankings!&nbsp; After breaking down tape for months we have unveiled the new Class of 2026 Top 175!&nbsp; Here are the <strong>Top Linebackers</strong>!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='401621' first='Leon' last='Howard'] (East St. Louis)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Current Ranking: #18</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Howard who is nicknamed the "Terminator" plays like it on the field.&nbsp; The 6'2" 220 pound linebacker plays with extreme speed and explosiveness.&nbsp; Great build and runs well with that size.&nbsp; His versatility playing all over the field is a big strength of his playing inside, outside, and even on the defensive line as a three technique.&nbsp; Takes great angles to the ball carrier and is a ferocious tackler.&nbsp; Wraps up well and makes impactful plays in the backfield.&nbsp; Can take on blocks, get off them, and run to the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='682480' first='Diesel' last='McFadden'] (Taft)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Current Ranking: #29</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McFadden is coming off a sophomore season where he racked up 43 tackles including 19 TFL along with 5 sacks.&nbsp; Strong and stocky frame and runs very well. Mostly lines up on the edge as an OLB.&nbsp; Gets up field as a pass rusher to the QB and is discipline reading option hand offs in the backfield.&nbsp; Wraps up well and is a physical overall tackler.&nbsp; Can take on the block at the line and get off it to make the tackle.&nbsp; Makes disruptive plays!&nbsp; Son of former college and NFL running back Darren McFadden.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='401618' first='Kingston' last='Dunagan'] (Joliet Catholic)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Current Ranking: #84</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dunagan is a 6'0" 210 linebacker that can play both inside and out.&nbsp; Strong frame and pursues the ball well.&nbsp; Tackles very good in space.&nbsp; Can play physical at the point of attack blowing up plays in short yardage.&nbsp; Takes good angles when tackling in the box and wraps up.&nbsp; Also is extremely impactful on special teams on various kick coverage units tackling in space.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='401622' first='Logan' last='Abrams'] (Cary Grove)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Current Ranking: #89</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Abrams has great size at 6'3" 230 pounds.&nbsp; His entire tape is him playing full back, but with lack of that position value at the next level we project him as a linebacker. Brings great physicality and has a strong lower body. On the offensive side of the ball he is tough to bring down and runs with power.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='283925' first='Jayvon' last='Anderson'] (Kenwood)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Current Ranking: #90</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Anderson is more of a natural middle linebacker that can also play some on the edge as well.&nbsp; Great speed to the ball and explodes through the ball carrier when tackling them.&nbsp; Gets up field to make disruptive plays.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->