Top Linebacker Prospects Heading Into 2025

<p>With the season right around the corner, we take a look at the top linebackers in the Natural State. Most, if not all, of these prospects will be playing on Saturdays in 2026. Here are ten linebackers to watch. (No Particular Order).</p>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1195384' first='Jakore' last='Smith'] is a hybrid prospect at the next level, where he could play both safety and linebacker. He's an Oklahoma commit that we'll be seeing on Saturdays. Smith displays very good read and react ability. He attacks downhill instantly against the running game. He stays square with good pad level, angles, and UOH to shed blocks and make a play at the LOS. Smith has a good feel in zone and man coverage, keying the quarterbacks' eyes and reacting off the throw. </p>   <p class="text-gray-700">Note – 4.43 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/jakoresmithh/status/1910819165843099686 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='910087' first='Kevin' last='Pope'] is a prospect to add to the recruiting board. He's a physical Mike linebacker. 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 quick reactions. </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/1938317702629646647 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='802319' first='Gavin' last='Momon'] is another highly athletic linebacker in this class. He holds offers from Ball State and Central Arkansas. He displays a quick first step, quickly reading and reacting to the football. Momon's motor skills are essential, as well as playing sideline to sideline and making plays on the ball. He can stick with his man in man coverage in the passing game. He can also transition smoothly against routes across his face in zone coverage. </p>   <p class="text-gray-700">Note – 3.7 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/RealGavinMomon/status/1940190382823977399 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='710707' first='Rae' last='Parson'] is a breakout candidate for the upcoming 2025 season. He is fluid, with good balance and the ability to change direction effectively in zone coverage. Parson utilizes his quickness to chase down ball carriers with good angles. He's a prospect to add to the recruiting board. </p>   <p class="text-gray-700">Note – 3.6 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/raeparsonn/status/1910440524731101492 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1278415' first='Will' last='Caston'] is a highly athletic linebacker known for his sideline-to-sideline motor. Caston holds two D1 offers from Tulane and Arkansas. He effectively stacks and sheds blockers, making timely plays at the LOS. Additionally, he quickly exploits gaps, allowing him to make impactful tackles in the backfield. He'll be a prospect to watch over the next few seasons. </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/willcaston9/status/1935407886462509560 </div></figure>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">MORE TOP LINEBACKERS:</h2>   <p>2026 LB [player_tooltip player_id='283584' first='Braxton' last='Lindsey'] - Rogers</p>   <p>2026 LB [player_tooltip player_id='1310542' first='Jackson' last='Redman'] - Pulaski Academy</p>   <p>2026 LB [player_tooltip player_id='707676' first='Chevis' last='Johnson'] - Magnolia</p>   <p>2026 LB [player_tooltip player_id='702192' first='Christopher' last='Byrd'] - Marion</p>   <p>2027 LB [player_tooltip player_id='1516821' first='Mario' last='Brownlee'] - Prescott</p>

With the season right around the corner, we take a look at the top linebackers in the Natural State. Most, if not all, of these prospects will be playing on Saturdays in 2026. Here are ten linebackers to watch. (No Particular Order).