2026 Under-the-Radar Linebackers in Illinois

Eric Bergman October 13, 2025 @ 05:22 PM

The 2026 class in Illinois has plenty of high-profile names at linebacker — but there's a group quietly putting together strong seasons and making a case to be on more recruiting boards. These five under-the-radar defenders bring size, range, and physicality to their defenses.   Lex Sarantos — Vernon Hills — 6'1” 205 Sarantos has the physical frame and downhill mindset college coaches look for in an inside linebacker. He plays with great balance, takes clean angles to the football, and rarely misses a tackle in space. His ability to close quickly and fit the run makes him a tone-setter in the middle of the defense.   Logan Myers — Grant — 6'2” 190 Myers has length and fluid movement skills that allow him to cover a lot of ground. He plays fast, trusting his keys, and is comfortable dropping into coverage or triggering downhill against the run. His versatility gives Grant a lot of options schematically.   Foley Calcagno — IC Catholic Prep — 5'10” 210 Calcagno plays with a chip on his shoulder. A physical, downhill thumper, he thrives in the box and consistently blows up run plays. His motor runs hot, and he plays with the kind of toughness and energy that elevates his entire defense.   [player_tooltip player_id='1553769' first='Brady' last='Kozlowski'] — Minooka — 6'0” 215 Kozlowski brings size and strength off the edge at outside linebacker. He sets a hard edge in the run game and has the power to disengage from blocks. His physical tools project well at the next level, and his production speaks for itself.   [player_tooltip player_id='801715' first='Joseph' last='Gray'] — Whitney Young — 5'11” 198 Gray is a sideline-to-sideline tackler with quick instincts and strong tackling fundamentals. He reads plays fast, attacks downhill, and rarely lets ballcarriers escape his grasp.   These five linebackers aren't just solid contributors—they're emerging as real difference-makers in the 2026 class.

The 2026 class in Illinois has plenty of high-profile names at linebacker — but there's a group quietly putting together strong seasons and making a case to be on more recruiting boards. These five under-the-radar defenders bring size, range, and physicality to their defenses.