2026 Film Review: LB Breakout Candidates for 2025

<p>During the off-season, we have conducted an extensive film review of hundreds of prospects in the Natural State. This article will focus on potential breakout linebacker prospects in the class of 2026. Here are five field generals who I believe will demonstrate their skills in</p>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1661136' first='Logan' last='Jackson'] is the ideal weakside (Will) linebacker for the next level. He can also play Mike due to his high motor.</p>   <p>Jackson demonstrates patience by not over-pursuing and playing his assignment and lane while waiting for cutbacks against wide zones. He is an effective blitzer, capable of shooting through gaps with solid foot quickness and an ability to shed blockers quickly. He utilizes his high motor to chase down ball carriers from behind. </p>   <p>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/loganjckson </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1661147' first='Eli' last='Pearson'] is an athletic, all-state hybrid linebacker who is currently flying under the radar regarding recruitment. He plays sideline to sideline.</p>   <p>Pearson can be positioned inside the box, along the edge, or even in a Nickel/Safety position outside. He has the athletic ability to cover both man-to-man and zone effectively. With relentless pursuit, he can chase down ball carriers from the backside. He understands how to fill gaps and contain the edge. Overall, he is a well-rounded prospect who should be added to your board.</p>   <p>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/PearsonEli48281/status/1877167217885790598 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='809619' first='Antonio' last='Shelton II'] is a true breakout candidate for the upcoming 2025 season. I have seen him perform multiple times in person, and he shows potential.</p>   <p class="text-gray-700">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 at the POA with solid UOH 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/1913416040857432497 </div></figure>     <p>[player_tooltip player_id='411501' first='Brooks' last='Williams'] is another high-motor, physical linebacker that you want leading your defense at the next level. </p>   <p class="text-gray-700">Williams is consistent, frequently making plays on the ball due to his solid read and reaction skills. He's solid in coverage, effectively transitioning to run with a receiver in man-to-man situations. Additionally, he has a solid understanding of zone coverage, maintaining control over his assigned area. When facing blockers, he attacks them head-on, staying square while employing good pad level and hand usage to disengage, allowing him to make plays at the LOS or in the backfield.</p>   <p class="text-gray-700">Note – 4.8 40</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/BrooksW13505690/status/1897017569909072117 </div></figure>     <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1094800' first='Luis' last='Woods'] is going to have a big senior season, making him a player to watch throughout 2025. He's another physical Mike linebacker. </p>   <p class="text-gray-700">Woods displays solid read-and-react skills. He effectively diagnoses plays in the backfield and attacks downhill against the run while staying square at the POA. He is physical, able to quickly shed blocks and make plays either in the backfield or at the line of scrimmage with solid foot quickness. Add him to your board.</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/luiswoods31/status/1884642243744505952 </div></figure>    <p></p>

During the off-season, we have conducted an extensive film review of hundreds of prospects in the Natural State. This article will focus on potential breakout linebacker prospects in the class of 2026. Here are five field generals who I believe will demonstrate their skills in