2027 Under the Radar: Linebackers

Linebackers are the heart of the defense, tasked with doing a little bit of everything, from stopping the run and dropping into coverage to leading the unit with energy and communication. The Class of 2027 in Oregon features several rising juniors beginning to turn heads, whether they've already earned starting reps or are on the verge of breaking through. In this edition of our “Under the Radar” series, we're spotlighting linebackers who may not be in the spotlight yet but have the instincts, toughness, and athleticism to make a major leap in 2025. These are the emerging names to keep an eye on as they prepare for a big junior campaign.    Carnahan is a long, rangy linebacker who brings size and athleticism to the second level. He does a great job navigating traffic and using his length to shed blocks and stay in pursuit. While his coverage ability is still developing, his natural tools and frame give him a high ceiling. Carnahan is a name to watch closely as he moves into a larger role.     Strand is an athletic linebacker with good movement skills and a solid feel for the game. He's a reliable tackler who flows nicely to the ball and shows flashes of potential in both man and zone coverage. Strand is still physically developing, but his instincts and football IQ stand out. With continued growth, he has the tools to become a steady contributor at the varsity level.     Mealus is a heavy-hitting, downhill linebacker who thrives when playing physical football in the box. Also lining up as an offensive lineman, he brings a thumper mentality to the defensive side—more comfortable taking on blocks and stuffing runs than covering ground sideline-to-sideline. He plays with effort and power, showing his ability to control the trenches. Mealus sets the tone with his strength and physical presence.     Bottemiller may be undersized, but his impact on the field is anything but small. He made plays all over the field this past season, standing out in both run support and pass coverage. His instincts and motor allow him to be around the football consistently, and he rarely takes a play off. Bottemiller plays with grit and intelligence, proving he can hang with bigger bodies in the box.     Combs is a dynamic athlete whose speed and explosiveness make him a significant challenge for opposing offenses. He plays with intensity and quick reaction time, especially when chasing down plays from the backside. While there's a real argument that his future may be even brighter as a running back on the offensive side of the ball, his impact at linebacker is undeniable. Combs brings the kind of versatility and burst that coaches love on either side of the ball.

Linebackers are the heart of the defense, tasked with doing a little bit of everything, from stopping the run and dropping into coverage to leading the unit with energy and communication. The Class of 2027 in Oregon features several rising juniors beginning to turn heads, whether they've already earned starting reps or are on the verge of breaking through. In this edition of our “Under the Radar” series, we're spotlighting linebackers who may not be in the spotlight yet but have the instincts, toughness, and athleticism to make a major leap in 2025. These are the emerging names to keep an eye on as they prepare for a big junior campaign.