A South Georgia linebacker who really shined last season for an incredibly talented Thomas County Central defense, Stephenson was an easy addition to the latest 2026 rankings after a big 2024 season where he made 88 tackles and 10.5 TFLs. He showed he can deliver a big hit on the ball carrier and gives max-effort on the field. He runs well and should light up the state sheet again as a senior next fall. He’s now ranked as the No. 43 LB and the No. 322 overall prospect in the state for the 2026 class.

Omari Stephenson Omari Stephenson 6'1" | 220 lbs | LB Thomas County Central | 2026 State GA is an athletic LB prospect who has seen his offer list grow exponentially the last few months. He is listed at 6’1 200 with long arms, broad shoulders, and more room to add weight. He has the short burst to come downhill and avoid blockers and the long speed to flag the football down across the field. He is patient and controlled when he drops into coverage. He plays with good pad level as a tackler. He projects best as a stand-up LB, but he pursues well off the edge in obvious blitz situations. Stephenson is only going to get bigger, which will allow him to explode through contact. If he can leverage that with his speed, pursuit skills, and ability to evade blocks, he should grow into a well-rounded LB prospect.

An instinctive defender who has a nose for the football, Stephenson is a sure-tackling linebacker who can play in space and make a sound, fundamental tackle on the ball-carrier. He runs well, takes good angles, and doesn’t miss many tackles. He was one of the better defenders on a stout Thomas County Central defense, and he recently earned a new offer from Pittsburgh. He also holds offers from Duke, Wake Forest, among others. As a junior last season, the playmaking defender made 83 total tackles to go along with 10 TFLs and one sack. Don’t be surprised if more offers come his way sooner than later.