DFW Senior Linebackers: The Next Wave of Defensive Stars

The Dallas-Fort Worth area continues to produce elite-level football talent, and several class of 2026 standouts meet the criteria of next talent. This group of senior linebackers combines high football IQ, physical toughness, and sideline-to-sideline range. They are versatile, instinctive, and relentless, the kind of defenders that dictate the tempo of a game and set the tone for a defense.   Whether they are stuffing the run, dropping into coverage, or hunting quarterbacks, these players bring a level of intensity and execution that makes them nightmares for opposing offenses. Here's a closer look at several standout linebackers in the region who are poised to make a major impact this fall.    Pettijohn possesses a long, lean, and athletic frame that immediately grabs attention. He plays fast and physical, with the ability to close in a hurry and finish plays with authority. A sure tackler who consistently delivers clean, hard hits, Pettijohn is a key piece in Anna's defensive scheme. His combination of length, speed, and instincts allows him to cover ground quickly and adapt to multiple roles. Expect him to be one of the primary playmakers for Anna's defense in 2025, with potential to emerge as a high-level collegiate prospect.     A vocal and emotional leader on the field, Phillips plays with a tenacity that defines the South Oak Cliff defense. The Baylor commit showcases elite range, fluid movement, and the ability to process plays quickly. His instincts are advanced, and he plays with a controlled aggression that allows him to thrive both in coverage and as a pass rusher. Whether he's attacking the line of scrimmage or dropping into the flats, Phillips is a disruptor who rarely takes a play off. His presence brings stability and fire to a defense known for producing championship-level talent.     One of the most productive linebackers in the region, Cooper totaled an impressive 113 tackles and 14 tackles for loss last season. He is strong at the point of attack, shows excellent hand usage, and does not shy away from contact. Cooper plays with natural instincts and an ability to read offensive keys, allowing him to take on blocks effectively and shed with purpose. What separates him from others is his closing speed in pursuit, particularly in backside plays. He is a linebacker who plays with a chip on his shoulder and is certainly a name that college coaches need to keep a close eye on.     Cupitt brings rare versatility to the linebacker position, with the size and power to play in the box and the athleticism to cover as a hybrid safety. His length and top-end speed allow him to diagnose plays quickly and close downhill with violence. A true read-and-react defender, Cupitt is equally comfortable dropping into coverage or filling a running lane. His ability to play multiple positions in the back seven makes him an incredibly valuable asset. Committed to Rice, he projects as a player who will make an early impact at the collegiate level.     Standing at 6-foot-2 with a lean, athletic frame, Garrett is a rangy defender who plays fast and free. He excels in pursuit, tracking down ball carriers from sideline to sideline and rarely missing tackles in space. His motor runs hot, and he has the length and agility to disrupt passing lanes and affect the quarterback on blitzes. Garrett has received offers from programs like Tulsa, Texas State, UNLV, and North Texas and with a strong senior campaign, that list could grow. He will be a key leader for the Mesquite defense and is a player whose ceiling continues to rise.     At 6-foot-2 and 195 pounds, [player_tooltip player_id='1744479' first='Dakarai' last='Spencer'] brings an intriguing blend of frame, fluid movement, and pure speed. He plays with burst and anticipation, frequently chasing down plays from the backside and making open-field stops look routine. Spencer has the tools to thrive in a fast-paced, modern defensive system, particularly one that values hybrid defenders who can cover and blitz. He currently holds offers from Sam Houston State, Missouri State, and Prairie View A&M, and is a prospect with significant upside still to tap into. His senior year will be critical in elevating his recruiting profile.

The Dallas-Fort Worth area continues to produce elite-level football talent, and several class of 2026 standouts meet the criteria of next talent. This group of senior linebackers combines high football IQ, physical toughness, and sideline-to-sideline range. They are versatile, instinctive, and relentless, the kind of defenders that dictate the tempo of a game and set the tone for a defense.