Rankings Update: Top Uncommitted '26 LB's

[player_tooltip player_id='1313462' first='Tristan' last='Saunders']: Lengthy Outside Linebacker with Coverage Upside and Range   [player_tooltip player_id='1313462' first='Tristan' last='Saunders'] is a long, athletic outside linebacker with the tools to lock down his side of the field. With a rangy frame and fluid movement skills, Saunders excels in space, whether dropping into coverage, setting the edge, or making tackles in the open field.   He stands out particularly in pass defense, where his instincts and ball skills allow him to make plays on the football. His tape shows multiple pass breakups and an interception, underscoring his ability to read quarterbacks and close passing lanes. He's also a reliable tackler in space, consistently making plays outside the hashes and limiting yards after contact.   Though he currently holds five Division I offers, Saunders is widely viewed as a high-upside prospect with untapped potential. With a strong offseason and a fast start to his senior year, expect more programs to recognize his versatility and coverage value at the linebacker position.    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/treerackz/status/1923176256905908436 </div></figure>      [player_tooltip player_id='212350' first='Odell' last='Teel']: Explosive Edge Rusher with Two-Way Playmaking Ability   [player_tooltip player_id='212350' first='Odell' last='Teel'] emerged as a dominant force off the edge this past season, showcasing rare athleticism, size, and burst for a defensive end. His first-step quickness consistently puts offensive linemen on their heels, and once he gains leverage, his ability to finish is elite. Teel's speed-to-power combination makes him a nightmare in one-on-one situations, and his knack for disrupting the backfield sets him apart as a true game-changer.   What makes Teel even more intriguing is his impact on the offensive side of the ball. With the ball in his hands, he's arguably even more explosive, flashing open-field speed and agility that few defenders his size possess. His versatility and athletic ceiling make him one of the most dynamic two-way players in the 2025 class.   Heading into his senior season, Teel already holds 10+ offers, with programs across the country taking notice. With his recruitment still wide open and a big year ahead, expect that list to expand quickly as he continues to turn heads on both sides of the ball    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/OdellTeel007/status/1940400732018213271 </div></figure>      Sai'Quan Olfus: Hard-Hitting MIKE Linebacker with Elite Instincts   Sai'Quan Olfus is a downhill, high-impact middle linebacker who brings a physical edge to every snap. A true “run-and-hit” backer, Olfus diagnoses plays quickly and explodes through the line with purpose, frequently meeting ball carriers in the backfield and setting the tone for his defense.   Olfus possesses excellent play recognition and gap discipline, which pairs perfectly with his physicality. One standout moment on film showcases both his raw power and awareness: he times the snap, shoots the gap, collides with the fullback so forcefully that he knocks the helmet off, and still has the balance and strength to bring down the ball carrier for a loss. It's the kind of play that defines his game, relentless, violent, and precise.   The rising linebacker currently holds six offers, including from Merrimack, Stony Brook, and in-state Towson University. As he heads into his senior season, Olfus is poised to gain even more traction from FCS and FBS programs looking for a tone-setting presence in the middle of their defense.    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/0excuses_/status/1929740965209682211 </div></figure>      [player_tooltip player_id='1092014' first='Ronald' last='Johnson']: Explosive Two-Way Athlete with Defensive Versatility   [player_tooltip player_id='1092014' first='Ronald' last='Johnson'] is a dynamic two-way standout whose elite athleticism jumps off the film. On offense, he lines up at running back and brings home-run potential every time he touches the ball. With sharp acceleration and breakaway speed, Johnson routinely rips off explosive runs and showcases his ability to flip the field in an instant.   But it's on the defensive side of the ball where Johnson's traits truly shine. His speed, fluidity, and downhill explosiveness make him a versatile weapon for the Lackey defense. Whether lining up at outside linebacker or strong safety, Johnson thrives in space, flying to the football, closing gaps quickly, and delivering impact tackles. His ability to cover ground and play multiple roles makes him an invaluable asset.   A key contributor on both sides of the ball, Johnson is poised for another big season as he continues to elevate his game. He currently holds offers from the University of Richmond, Morgan State University, and Lehigh, with interest expected to rise as college programs get a closer look at his playmaking ability.    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/raqrunna6/status/1937936223189803017 </div></figure>      [player_tooltip player_id='1611616' first='Joseph' last='DeVane']: Versatile Linebacker with Instincts and Explosion   [player_tooltip player_id='1611616' first='Joseph' last='DeVane'] is a rangy, athletic linebacker with the kind of size and speed that translate seamlessly to the next level. A natural play-diagnoser, DeVane reacts quickly and closes even faster, whether he's chasing down ball carriers or blowing up plays behind the line of scrimmage.   Against the run, DeVane is a force. He displays excellent lateral quickness and awareness, navigating through traffic with ease to find the ball. His combination of physicality and football IQ allows him to consistently disrupt opposing offenses. One standout play on tape: a blocked punt where DeVane times the snap perfectly, catches the ball off the punter's foot, and returns it for a touchdown, showcasing his special teams impact and high-level athleticism.   Currently holding seven Division I offers, DeVane has attracted interest from academic powerhouses and strong FCS programs alike, including Dartmouth, Brown University, and Morgan State. As he continues to flash on tape and in season, expect more schools to enter the mix for this high-upside linebacker.