2026 Rankings: Breaking Down The Linebackers

The 2026 class has a stellar group of linebackers, and all of them do a handful of things well.   They've all got good size and speed, they move sideline-to-sideline with ease, and they're able to both get up the field and rush the passer and drop into coverage.   Where they really shine, though, is their athleticism. There are guys who can play both LB and Edge, and in some occasions with a hand in the dirt. There are some wrestlers, and some sprinters, and some guys who also play RB. There are 5A linebacker specialists, and 1A guys who do a little of everything.   But mostly, this is a group that can find the ball, get to it in a hurry, and inflict a good deal of pain when they get there.   Here's a look at the list, and a breakdown of some guys who seem ready to improve their stock in a hurry.    RANKINGS BUSTERS   [player_tooltip player_id='1220232' first='Christopher' last='Glover'] Orangeburg-Wilkinson - Glover transferred from Calhoun County, where he had a 100-tackle season, then won LB MVP Honors at the Junior Blitz Bowl and had a tremendous offseason. He's as good in coverage as he is against the run, and he's shown flashes of tremendous potential.   [player_tooltip player_id='1592576' first='Lucas' last='Tankersley'] Eastside - Tankersley also sees time at running back, but defense is where he shines He'll play beside a fellow ranked LB in [player_tooltip player_id='1025770' first='Cayden' last='Workman'], and they'll both likely make each other better. Tankersley is active and violent when he gets to the ball, and he's capable of making plays all over the field. That includes the opponent's backfield, where he often blows things up before they happen.   [player_tooltip player_id='1041795' first='Chanson' last='Mickles'] Gaffney - Mickles was a leader for Chapman's defense before transferring back to Gaffney before his senior year. He'll provide depth for the Indians, but he'll do a lot more than that. He's a big player with a nose for the ball, and he should see rotation time quickly for the Indians. He's got a chance to shine in a linebacking corps that could be among the best in the state.   [player_tooltip player_id='1258072' first='Kayden' last='Payne'] Ninety Six - What if I told you about a linebacker with a 4.7 GPA and the athleticism to be a two-time wrestling state finalist? Well, you'd have [player_tooltip player_id='1258072' first='Kayden' last='Payne']. He's a thumper on both sides of the ball, turning his physical style of play on defense into running with aggression on the offensive side. He's a leader for the Wildcats, and he looks poised to have a big year.   [player_tooltip player_id='1372151' first='Jakyri' last='Anderson'] Belton-Honea Path - Anderson (pictured) played alongside some great seniors last season, and this year, the Bears defense belongs to him. BHP has elite players at all three levels of the defense, and Anderson's quickness and physical edge will serve them well. He returns 56 tackles, nine tackles for loss, four sacks, and two interceptions, and that's just scratching the surface.   [player_tooltip player_id='1592395' first='TJ' last='Collins'] Boiling Springs - Collins carved out plenty of time last year despite playing behind a talented group of seniors. It's easy to see why, as Collins has a knack for quickly dialing in on a play and then blowing it up. He's fast, he's a big hitter, and he's got great football instincts.   [player_tooltip player_id='1734647' first='Keaton' last='Bennett'] White Knoll - Bennett could be a big mover on this list. He's part of an outstanding linebacking corps for the Timberwolves, and looks like he could be in line for a huge senior season.   [player_tooltip player_id='1592627' first='Ethan' last='Chisum'] Philip Simmons - It seems like something clicked for Chisum down the stretch last season. He had a fantastic October/November for the Iron Horses, going from a very good player to a defensive leader in the space of a couple of months. If that growth continues, Chisum is going to be a problem.   SMALL SCHOOL PLAYER TO WATCH   [player_tooltip player_id='1165126' first='Kelvin' last='Smalls'] Baptist Hill - Smalls is one of those guys you sometimes see from a smaller school and think "oh, that's a guy who can play anywhere". He's the unquestionable leader of the Bobcats' defense, with 178 tackles last season. He added eight for loss, had 13 sacks, 11 QB hurries, and forced a fumble. But there's much more to Smalls' leadership and his game than that. On film, he physically moves guys where he needs them to be pre-snap, then wreaks havoc once the ball is in play. He flies to the football, is violent when he gets there, and does so many things well that it's tough to believe he won't be jumping up the rankings soon.   FILM REVIEW   [player_tooltip player_id='1734552' first='Sammy' last='White'] Greer - Does White have a huge advantage because he plays behind a couple of the best defensive linemen in the state? Yes. Would he be making a bunch of plays no matter who was lined up in front of him? Also yes. White is just a textbook linebacker. Good size, fast, and physical, he has a knack for making plays all over the field.    WILD CARD   [player_tooltip player_id='1592408' first='Shaun' last='Graybill'] Woodruff - Graybill is a guy who can absolutely rocket up this list. Expectations are high in Woodruff, and Graybill and the Wolverines defense are a big reason why. He's a big hitter who seems to be around every play, all the time. He's a nightmare to block, and he does the right things. He's definitely one to watch in 2025.

The 2026 class has a stellar group of linebackers, and all of them do a handful of things well.