Tyler Atkinson, Xavier Griffin headline top 10 linebackers in high school football

Our position-by-position breakdown for the 2025 high school football season has already looked at quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, offensive linemen and defensive linemen.

Next up are the linebackers. 

Tyler Atkinson of Grayson (Loganville, Ga.), Xavier Griffin of Gainesville (Ga.) and Talanoa Ili of Kahuku (Hawaii) headline the selections.

Atkinson was named the MaxPreps National Junior of the Year after leading the Rams to a AAAAAA state title. The recent Texas pledge racked up 166 tackles, 32 tackles for loss and 13 sacks. 

Griffin checks in as the No. 17 prospect overall in the Class of 2026 according to 247Sports. The five-star linebacker committed to Alabama in June. 

Ili had three standout seasons in Southern California's Trinity League at Orange Lutheran (Orange, Calif.). But the recent USC commit will close out his high school career in the Aloha State after transferring to Kahuku in March. 1. Tyler Atkinson, Grayson (Loganville, Ga.)

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 215

Status: Committed to Texas | Class: Senior (2026)

Enters senior season with 475 career tackles, 79 tackles for loss and 31.5 sacks. 

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 200

Status: Committed to Alabama | Class: Senior (2026)

Has 21 sacks over the last two years and should have the Red Elephants in contention to compete for a state title. 

Height: 6-4 | Weight: 220

Status: Committed to USC | Class: Senior (2026)

The Lancers had the toughest schedule in the country last year and the four-star linebacker led the team in tackles with 78. 

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 240

Status: Committed to Oregon | Class: Senior (2026)

The five-star recruit racked up 16 sacks as a junior and is nearing a college choice with Alabama, Oregon and Texas A&M being his final three. 

Height: 6-1.5 | Weight: 215

Status: Committed to Ole Miss | Class: Senior (2026)

Sideline-to-sideline linebacker has a tremendous motor and finished junior season with 125 tackles, 15 tackles for loss and four sacks.

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 215

Status: Committed to Tennessee | Class: Senior (2026)

Four-star linebacker posted 111 tackles and 15 tackles for loss last season.

Height: 6-4 | Weight: 230

Status: Committed to Auburn | Class: Senior (2026)

Two-way standout led Bulldogs to undefeated season and 1A state title after posting 117 tackles, 18 tackles for loss and two interceptions. He added 2,582 yards rushing and 37 touchdowns on offense. 

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 220

Status: Committed to Tennessee | Class: Senior (2026)

Four-star linebacker had a productive junior season racking up 102, tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss and 11 sacks.

Height: 6-2 | Weight: 215

Status: Committed to Notre Dame | Class: Senior (2026)

Has played a major role on defense for one of the best teams in the state during his high school career. 

Height: 6-1 | Weight: 205

Status: Uncommitted | Class: Senior (2026)

Former Gulf Shores (Ala.) standout will close out career in Baton Rouge after posting back-to-back seasons with at least 85 tackles for Dolphins.