Phillips had 10 tackles, six sacks and a forced fumble for Ventura in its blowout win over St. Pius in the Division 6 championship game. He was often playing spy on St. Pius’ speedy quarterback and closes to the ball so quickly it resulted in sacks.

Phillips had 80 tackles, 9 for a loss, two sacks, an interception and a forced fumble for Ventura last season. He is the top linebacker in the class and is committed to Oregon.

Phillips is one of the fasting rising LB recruits in the western region this offseason moving to the number 28 overall prospect and #4 LB. He’s a fluid athlete at 6’4” 220 lbs. with the speed and lateral movement skills to be a sideline to sideline defender. Constantly attacking, he plays downhill and violent to accelerate through contact and drive the ball carrier to the ground. High level anticipation and instincts to diagnose run/pass and trigger to the ball. He’s got great reactionary quickness and short area burst to close space. Possesses a versatile skillset to play multiple positions in the front seven. Holds 18 total offers with 16 coming this past offseason including top programs such as Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Oregon, Utah, and Auburn.

Phillips recruiting stock is currently skyrocketing with big time offers coming in from Auburn, Wisconsin, Washington, and Notre Dame this spring bringing his total to 13. He’s a three sport athlete (football/basketball/track) with excellent size, length, and growth potential in his frame at 6’4” 220 lbs. He’s an impressive athlete at his size that is natural and fluid with his movement with great burst to close in the short area. Athleticism and versatility allows him to be effective playing multiple positions in the front seven including both inside and outside backer or DE. Extremely violent at the POA, he explodes through contact accelerating his feet and hips to finish opponents aggressively to the ground. Flashes great anticipation skills to quickly read and react as the play develops and then put himself in position to make game changing plays. Expect him to be the near the top of 2026 LB prospects in the state when the updated rankings are released.

13 Offers: Minnesota, Cal, Kansas, Auburn, Oregon State, Wisconsin, Arizona, Washington, Notre Dame, San Jose State, Arizona State, Cal Poly, San Diego State

Ventura class of 2026 linebacker Tristan Phillips Tristan Phillips 6'4" | 205 lbs | LB Ventura | 2026 State CA was offered by Cal and Kansas this past week.

Phillips had 49 tackles, eight for a loss, two sacks and a blocked field goal as a sophomore last season. His 49 tackles are the most for a returning Ventura player heading into this season.

He now has 13 offers and also was offered by Auburn this month.