Under-the-Radar LBs in the 2026 Class Ready to Break Out

Linebackers are the heart of a defense, setting the tone with their physicality, instincts, and leadership. While some prospects in the 2026 class have already made a name for themselves, several under-the-radar linebackers are poised to break out in a big way. These athletes may not have the stars or national recognition—yet—but their film, production, and work ethic suggest they're on the verge of a major rise. As we dive into this list, keep an eye on these names, as they have the tools to make an impact at the next level.    Jeffery Mose is a hard-hitting linebacker with a natural instinct for reading plays before they develop. His lateral quickness and ability to shed blocks make him a force in the run game, consistently disrupting plays in the backfield. He's also shown improvement in pass coverage, making him a versatile option for any defensive scheme. With a strong offseason of development, Mose has the potential to earn serious college interest. Expect him to turn heads with his physicality and football IQ in the upcoming season.     Jordon Perry is a relentless linebacker who thrives on high-energy play and aggressive pursuit of the football. His sideline-to-sideline range allows him to track down ball carriers with ease, making him a reliable presence in the middle of the defense. Perry has a knack for creating turnovers, whether it's forcing fumbles or jumping passing lanes for key interceptions. His combination of speed and physicality makes him a rising prospect to watch. With added strength and refinement in technique, he could be a major factor in his team's defensive success.     Judson Bailey is an instinctive linebacker with a high motor and a nose for the football. He plays with a disciplined approach, rarely overcommitting and always staying in position to make a play. Bailey's explosiveness off the snap allows him to shoot gaps effectively, shutting down opposing run games. His leadership qualities and football intelligence set him apart as a key playmaker for his team. As he continues to develop, Bailey has the tools to emerge as a top-tier defensive prospect.     Keiland Thompson is an athletic linebacker who brings a rare blend of speed and power to the position. He excels at blitzing off the edge, using his explosiveness to pressure quarterbacks and disrupt offensive game plans. Thompson's coverage skills are steadily improving, making him a valuable asset against both the run and pass. His ability to diagnose plays quickly gives him an edge over slower-developing offenses. With another strong season, Thompson is poised to see his recruiting stock rise.     [player_tooltip player_id='1658672' first='Kameron' last='Sconiers'] is a downhill linebacker with a punishing style of play that intimidates opposing offenses. He thrives in the box, taking on blockers and filling gaps with authority to shut down the run. Sconiers' physicality is matched by his relentless motor, always chasing plays to the whistle. His football instincts and quick reaction time allow him to make crucial stops in high-pressure situations. As he polishes his technique and expands his coverage abilities, Sconiers has the potential to make a name for himself at the next level.

Linebackers are the heart of a defense, setting the tone with their physicality, instincts, and leadership. While some prospects in the 2026 class have already made a name for themselves, several under-the-radar linebackers are poised to break out in a big way. These athletes may not have the stars or national recognition—yet—but their film, production, and work ethic suggest they're on the verge of a major rise. As we dive into this list, keep an eye on these names, as they have the tools to make an impact at the next level.