Rising Stars: Alabama's Top 2026 Outside LB's

The Class of 2026 is already proving to be one to watch, especially when it comes to the next generation of standout outside linebackers in Alabama. These young athletes are demonstrating remarkable athleticism, football IQ, and the ability to dominate on the field despite their youth. As they continue to develop their skills and showcase their talents, it's clear that this group will be at the forefront of high school football discussions for years to come. In this article, we highlight some of the top outside linebackers in the state, examining their strengths and potential impact on both sides of the ball. These rising stars are set to leave a mark not just in their respective programs but also in the broader football community.    Kristian Moore is a versatile outside linebacker with excellent lateral quickness and an innate ability to read plays as they develop. His combination of speed and physicality allows him to excel in both pass rush situations and in coverage against tight ends or running backs. Moore demonstrates impressive tackling consistency, rarely missing opportunities in open-field scenarios. He has a strong football IQ, evident in his ability to diagnose offensive schemes and adjust accordingly. Kristian is a rising talent who continues to sharpen his skill set, making him a player to watch in the 2026 class.     Charles Buley stands out with his explosive first step and relentless pursuit of ball carriers. His physicality and ability to shed blocks make him a force on the edge, particularly in run-stopping situations. Buley has shown growth in his pass coverage skills, displaying the athleticism to stay with receivers in short zones. His high motor and effort level make him a leader on the field and a playmaker when his team needs it most. As he continues to develop, Buley has the potential to become one of the top outside linebackers in Alabama.     Charlie Jordan is a dynamic playmaker who thrives in high-pressure situations. His quick instincts and ability to read quarterbacks make him a threat in blitz packages and coverage alike. Jordan's tackling technique is textbook, and his strength allows him to finish plays effectively. He has a knack for forcing turnovers, whether through strip sacks or key interceptions. With his athleticism and work ethic, Charlie is poised for a standout high school career that could attract attention at the collegiate level.     Devin T. Pettway combines speed and strength to dominate on the outside. His ability to bend around the edge and get to the quarterback is one of his standout attributes. Pettway excels at setting the edge in the run game, ensuring that opposing ball carriers are funneled back inside. His relentless effort on every play is matched by his leadership qualities, making him a key contributor to his team. Devin's versatility and athletic prowess make him a player with tremendous upside in the 2026 class.     [player_tooltip player_id='1128392' first='Zay' last='Hall'] is a physical linebacker with a strong presence on the field. He showcases great closing speed, making him highly effective in blitzing and pursuit situations. Hall has a natural feel for the game, often positioning himself perfectly to disrupt offensive plays. His ability to cover ground quickly makes him a valuable asset in defending both the run and the pass. With continued development and refinement, Zay is a name that will undoubtedly rise on recruiting boards in the coming years.

The Class of 2026 is already proving to be one to watch, especially when it comes to the next generation of standout outside linebackers in Alabama. These young athletes are demonstrating remarkable athleticism, football IQ, and the ability to dominate on the field despite their youth. As they continue to develop their skills and showcase their talents, it's clear that this group will be at the forefront of high school football discussions for years to come. In this article, we highlight some of the top outside linebackers in the state, examining their strengths and potential impact on both sides of the ball. These rising stars are set to leave a mark not just in their respective programs but also in the broader football community.