2026 SPRING RANKINGS UPDATE: Linebacker Breakdown

<p>2026s, you're on the clock, and all eyes are on you. We have officially released a new set of rankings for the class of 2026 in Arkansas. In this article, we will showcase the 2026 linebackers with analysis. Over the next month, I will break down these rankings by position in each class, including other segments. For the linebackers, I will provide you with evaluations of some of the top prospects and the players flying under the radar:</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='910087' first='Kevin' last='Pope'] is an emerging talent and the type of mike linebacker you want. He is physical at the point of attack and has the ability to command the defense. Pope is a sideline-to-sideline linebacker who takes good angles and knows how to fill gaps at the point of attack. He has the size and motor you want in the second level. He has good footwork; he consistently reads the backfield with good quick reactions. Add him to your board.</p>   <p class="text-gray-700">Note – Multi Position Athlete</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/KevinPope870/status/1900355037970268300 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='343179' first='Lane' last='Michael Lay'] plays with a high motor, attacking sideline to sideline in pursuit of the ball carrier. He is an effective downhill run stopper who demonstrates solid angles and footwork to evade blocks and make plays in space. He shows the ability to read the quarterback's eyes while maintaining his position in coverage, effectively attacking anything that comes underneath. Keep an eye on him throughout 2025.</p>   <p>Note - 4.0 GPA</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/LaneLay5/status/1859313601997307930 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='809619' first='Antonio' last='Shelton II'] is a prospect to watch this upcoming season. He displays good body control and balance, which allows him to navigate through traffic effectively when defending against the run and to make plays in space. He stays square and uses his hands well to shed blocks quickly. Additionally, he possesses solid read-and-react skills, allowing him to break on receivers rapidly and change direction efficiently to force PBUs.</p>   <p class="text-gray-700">Note – 3.4 GPA</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/ASheltonII/status/1891804661713129718 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1430397' first='Darren' last='Mays'] is coachable, reliable, and consistent in the second level. He possesses the technique, communication, gap, and shade assignments that you need for a linebacker. He plays with a sideline-to-sideline motor. Mays stays square at the POA, utilizing good hand usage to shed blockers and engage. He possesses solid zone coverage skills and demonstrates awareness of when to switch responsibilities as traffic enters his zone.</p>   <p class="text-gray-700">Note – 3.5 GPA</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Mays15Darren/status/1899866380767580274 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1514714' first='Cannon' last='Martin'] has the potential to take that next leap this upcoming season. He has solid physicality at the point of attack, a quick first step, and solid read-and-react ability when attacking downhill against the run. He also showcases solid angles when in pursuit of the ball carrier. Martin displays solid lateral agility, foot quickness, and awareness when in zone coverage. </p>   <p class="text-gray-700">Note – 3.8 GPA</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/CannonMartin9/status/1831876950056718653 </div></figure>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">OTHER TOP 100 LINEBACKERS:</h2>   <p>1. [player_tooltip player_id='1195384' first='Jakore' last='Smith'] (Little Rock Parkview)</p>   <p>2. [player_tooltip player_id='283584' first='Braxton' last='Lindsey'] (Rogers)</p>   <p>4. [player_tooltip player_id='1310542' first='Jackson' last='Redman'] (Pulaski Academy)</p>   <p>5. [player_tooltip player_id='707676' first='Chevis' last='Johnson'] (Magnolia)</p>   <p>6. [player_tooltip player_id='802319' first='Gavin' last='Momon'] (Bryant)</p>   <p>7. [player_tooltip player_id='1195576' first='Keon' last='Chaffin'] (Dumas)</p>   <p>9. [player_tooltip player_id='268519' first='Greyson' last='Jerry'] (Fayetteville)<br></p>   <ol class="wp-block-list"> <li></li> </ol>

2026s, you're on the clock, and all eyes are on you. We have officially released a new set of rankings for the class of 2026 in Arkansas. In this article, we will showcase the 2026 linebackers with analysis. Over the next month, I will break down these rankings by position in each class, including other segments. For the linebackers, I will provide you with evaluations of some of the top prospects and the players flying under the radar: