ARKANSAS 2026 RANKINGS UPDATE: Linebacker Breakdown

<p>2026s, you're on the clock, and all eyes are on you. We have officially released a new set of rankings for the class of 2026 in Arkansas. In this article, we will showcase the 2026 linebackers with analysis. Over the next month, I will break down these rankings by position in each class, including other segments. For the linebackers, I will provide you with evaluations of some of the top prospects and the players flying under the radar:</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='707676' first='Chevis' last='Johnson'] has recently received numerous offers, including ones from Arkansas Tech, Southern Arkansas, Ouachita Baptist, and Alcorn State, among others. He exhibits a sideline-to-sideline motor, effectively covering the entire field. Johnson demonstrates a quick initial read step, allowing him to attack downhill and make plays on the ball promptly. As a blitzing linebacker, he excels at shedding blocks or squeezing through gaps to disrupt plays in the backfield. His footwork and tackling technique are commendable, enabling him to secure tackles in space. Additionally, he has a solid understanding of zone coverage, ensuring that he keeps everything underneath.</p>   <p>Note - 5A All-State</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/ChevJ12/status/1930042478670835797 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1538364' first='Layton' last='Neal'] is ranked number 23 for his position. While he may not have the ideal size, he makes up for it with his relentless motor and effort, moving sideline to sideline. Neal shows strong read-and-react skills at the second level, attacking downhill against the run with good angles and physicality at the point of attack, while also effectively covering his zone.</p>   <p>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/layton_neal13/status/1930343535175176500 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1661147' first='Eli' last='Pearson'] lands at number 36 for the position in his first-ever ranking. I expect that to change quickly throughout 2025. He's a highly athletic, hybrid linebacker currently flying under the radar. He plays sideline to sideline. Pearson can be positioned inside the box, along the edge, or even in the Nickel/Safety position. He has the athletic ability to cover both man-to-man and zone effectively. With relentless pursuit, he can chase down ball carriers from the backside. He understands how to fill gaps and contain the edge. He is a well-rounded prospect who should be added to your board.</p>   <p class="text-gray-700">Note – 4.5 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/PearsonEli48281/status/1877167217885790598 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1393979' first='Easton' last='Hahn'] is a physical linebacker who excels at the point of attack. He is skilled at stacking and shedding blocks, allowing him to consistently make plays at the line of scrimmage or in the backfield. His ability to take effective angles and showcase solid foot quickness aids him in pursuing the ball carrier. He's a breakout candidate for the upcoming 2025 season.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1614059' first='Torrey' last='Trotter'] is making significant strides this off-season, positioning himself as a player to watch in the 2025 season. He showcases a quick first step and strong read-and-react skills when attacking downhill against the run. Additionally, his footwork and slide shuffle are effective as he navigates across the field. Be sure to keep an eye on him under the leadership of new head coach Reggie Swinton.</p>   <p class="text-gray-700">Note – 3.4 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/TorreyTrotterFB/status/1918890279169401340 </div></figure>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">OTHER TOP 100 LINEBACKERS:</h2>   <p>1. [player_tooltip player_id='1195384' first='Jakore' last='Smith'] (Bryant)</p>   <p>2. [player_tooltip player_id='283584' first='Braxton' last='Lindsey'] (Rogers)</p>   <p>3. [player_tooltip player_id='910087' first='Kevin' last='Pope'] (Pine Bluff)</p>   <p>4. [player_tooltip player_id='1310542' first='Jackson' last='Redman'] (Pulaski Academy)</p>   <p>6. [player_tooltip player_id='802319' first='Gavin' last='Momon'] (Bryant)</p>   <p>7. [player_tooltip player_id='702192' first='Christopher' last='Byrd'] (Marion)</p>   <p>8. [player_tooltip player_id='739072' first='Rylan' last='Mcnamee'] (Valley View)</p>   <p>9. [player_tooltip player_id='1195576' first='Keon' last='Chaffin'] (Dumas)</p>   <p>10. [player_tooltip player_id='343179' first='Lane' last='Michael Lay'] (DeWitt)</p>   <p>11. [player_tooltip player_id='268519' first='Greyson' last='Jerry'] (Fayetteville)</p>   <p>12. [player_tooltip player_id='1033379' first='Zimran' last='Phelix'] (Marion)</p>

2026s, you're on the clock, and all eyes are on you. We have officially released a new set of rankings for the class of 2026 in Arkansas. In this article, we will showcase the 2026 linebackers with analysis. Over the next month, I will break down these rankings by position in each class, including other segments. For the linebackers, I will provide you with evaluations of some of the top prospects and the players flying under the radar: