High school football: Top 10 linebackers heading into 2026 season

Four of 10 linebackers selected still uncommitted led by Tahj Gray and Brayton Feister.

Thumbnail image of this articles writer: Zack Poff
By
Aug 5, 2026, 12:30pm
Our position-by-position breakdown has already looked at the quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, offensive linemen and defensive linemen.

Next up are the linebackers.


Henderson has racked up over 200 career tackles as he enters senior campaign. He helped lead the Tigers to the Class 4A semifinals last season.

Gray led Green Knights to their first state title since 2018 as a sophomore and is the first of three non-seniors selected to the list. Gabriel Player of Eau Gallie (Melbourne, Fla.) and Nehemiah McCary of Maplesville (Ala.) were the other two selections. 

Feister has been selected to the freshman, sophomore and junior All-America team in each of the past three years.
1. Kaden Henderson, Jesuit (Tampa, Fla.)
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 215
Status: Committed to Texas A&M | Class: Senior (2027)
Five-star linebacker committed to Texas A&M earlier this summer and should make an immediate impact when he gets to College Station. 

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 225
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Junior (2028)
Led the best team in the state with 102 tackles as a sophomore. 

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 245
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Senior (2027)
Two-way standout made the move from Archbishop Hoban (Akron) to Massillon and is expected to make a huge impact on both sides of the ball.

Height: 6-2 | Weight: 210
Status: Committed to Auburn | Class: Senior (2027)
Flew around on defense last season racking up 92 tackles, 16 tackles for loss and nine sacks for the Class 5A state runner-up. 

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 220
Status: Committed to Ohio State | Class: Senior (2027)
Has been one of the most productive linebackers in the nation, racking up at least 155 tackles in each of the last three seasons. 

Height: 6-4 | Weight: 195
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Junior (2028)
Four-star linebacker has some of the most impressive tape and lines up everywhere on defense. 

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 215
Status: Committed to Miami | Class: Senior (2027)
Four-star linebacker racked up 84 tackles and forced three fumbles in 2025. Also made an impact on offense accounting for over 200 total yards and six scores. 

Height: 6-4 | Weight: 220
Status: Committed to Oklahoma | Class: Senior (2027)
All-around linebacker is just as good in coverage as he is at making plays near the line of scrimmage. 

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 235
Status: Uncommitted | Class: Junior (2028)
Two-way standout dominated on both sides of the ball for the undefeated Class 1A state champs and led the way for a defense that had 10 shutouts. 

Height: 6-0 | Weight: 215
Status: Committed to North Carolina State | Class: Senior (2027)
Three-star prospect has been making plays against elite competition since his freshman year as he enters last season of high school with 348 career tackles. 

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