NCAAF · 3 months ago

Ranking the Top 60 College Football Linebackers for 2025

Grant White

Host · Writer

60. Matt Rose, Stanford Cardinal
A shadow has been cast over the Stanford Cardinal football program, but Matt Rose is one of the few florets thriving in the darkness. The senior linebacker got off to a great start this season, recording 13 tackles (12 solo) and a sack in a season-opening loss. If he sustains that production, Rose could become one of the more prominent Stanford players to emerge in recent years.
1. Anthony Hill Jr., Texas
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The former freshman All-American followed up with a monster sophomore season for the Longhorns. Anthony Hill Jr. started in all 15 games for Texas, making 113 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, and eight sacks. He forced four fumbles and intercepted a pass. Hill is the country's top linebacker and is just a junior.

Texas 2025 Win Total: 9.5 (Over -210/Under +162)
2. Whit Weeks, LSU
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Whit Weeks earned first-team All-SEC in 2024 as he was the key cog for the Tigers on defense. Weeks made 125 tackles, including 10 for a loss and 3.5 sacks. He started 11 of LSU’s 13 games, should be near the top of every preseason all-conference list, and may even be an All-American.

LSU 2025 Win Total: 8.5 (Over -125/Under -102)
3. Xavian Sorey, Arkansas
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Xavian Sorey had a big year for the Razorbacks after transferring in from fellow SEC member Georgia. Sorey started all 13 games for Arkansas in 2024, posting 99 total tackles and 9.5 for a loss. He was also named the defensive MVP of the Liberty Bowl.
4. Kyle Louis, Pittsburgh
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The First Team All-American linebacker is back after a tremendous sophomore season. Pitt’s Kyle Louis made 101 total tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss and seven sacks. Not only did he cause havoc in the backfield, Louis made four interceptions, forced a fumble and blocked a kick. He can do it all.
5. Aiden Fisher, Indiana
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Aiden Fisher was the heart and soul of the Indiana defense which ranked second in the Big Ten in scoring. Fisher earned First Team All-Big Ten honors after posting 118 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks while helping lead IU to an 11-2 record and a College Football Playoff Berth.

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Indiana 2025 Win Total: 8.5 (Over -102/Under -125)
6. Red Murdock, Buffalo
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Buffalo’s Red Murdock was a tackling machine in 2024. He earned All-MAC honors with 156 tackles and 16.5 tackles for loss. He finished second in the nation in tackles as a redshirt sophomore and maybe the best player to come out of Buffalo since Khalil Mack.
7. Keaton Thomas, Baylor
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Keaton Thomas had a banner year for the Baylor Bears, earning First Team All-Big XII honors. In one of the most dominant defensive seasons in Baylor history, Thomas made 114 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and two sacks. He also scored a defensive touchdown. Thomas will be a redshirt junior in the fall and at the top of everyone’s All-Big XII linebacker lists.

Baylor’s 2025 Big XII Title Odds: +700
8. Austin Romaine, Kansas State
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Austin Romaine earned Second Team All-Big XII honors after a standout season at Kansas State. He started 12 games and played in 13 in 2024, posting 96 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, and two sacks. 2025 will be just his junior season, and Romaine will look to make it as a First Team All-Big XII selection this fall.

Kansas State’s 2025 Big XII Title Odds: +550
9. Sonny Styles, Ohio State
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The defending national champions will return one of the top linebackers in the sport, Sonny Styles. The converted safety had a monster first season at linebacker and should only improve with more time at the position. Last season, he helped the Ohio State Buckeyes to a title by making 100 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, and six sacks.

Ohio State 2025 Win Total: 10.5 (Over -105/Under -115)
10. Keyshaun Elliott, Arizona State
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Keyshaun Elliott helped lead the Arizona State Sun Devils to the Big XII title and a spot in the College Football Playoff. He made 65 tackles, four tackles for loss and two sacks. He will spearhead the Sun Devil defense in 2025 that will again be a favorite for the Big XII title.

Arizona State’s 2025 Big XII Title Odds: +550
11. Sammy Brown, Clemson
Sammy Brown earned Freshman All-American honors in 2024 when he made 80 tackles and 11.5 tackles for loss for Clemson. He also added five sacks and three pass deflections to his stat line. Brown can potentially grow into the next great linebacker for the Tigers.

Clemson’s 2025 Win Total: 8.5 (Over -210/Under +160)
12. Jack Kelly, BYU
BYU’s Jack Kelly was the Big XII’s defensive newcomer of the year in 2024 and earned First Team All-Big XII honors. In his first FBS season, Kelly made 51 tackles, including ten tackles for loss and five sacks.

BYU’s 2025 Win Total: 7.5 (Over -165/Under +130)
13. Suntarine Perkins, Ole Miss
Suntarine Perkins was a Third-Team All-SEC and Third-Team All-American selection for his performance in 2024. The Ole Miss linebacker made 60 tackles, including 14 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks. In 2025, Perkins should be on many preseason All-American lists.

Ole Miss’s 2025 Win Total: 8.5 (Over -200/Under +150)
14. Jason Henderson, Old Dominion
After an All-American campaign in 2023 that saw Jason Henderson make 170 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks for the Monarchs, he missed all but one game in 2024 due to injury. If healthy, Henderson is one of the best linebackers in the country.
15. Dariel Djabome, Rutgers
Dariel Djabome is the leader of the Rutgers defense. He had an All-Big Ten season in 2024 with 105 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, and a couple of forced fumbles. He is back in 2025 to help lead a defense that can help Rutgers get to the postseason again.

Rutgers’ 2025 Win Total: 5.5 (Over -115/Under -115)
16. Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech
Undoubtedly, Jacob Rodriguez had one of the best junior campaigns of anyone last year. In 2024, the Texas native recorded 127 tackles, 5.0 sacks, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and four passes defensed for the Texas Tech Red Raiders. While he surely would have drawn interest from several NFL clubs, Rodriguez elected to return to Texas Tech for his senior season.
17. Jordan Pollard, San Jose State
The San Jose State Spartans' identity in the MWC is akin to Jordan Pollard's profile as a linebacker in the FBS. Both are underappreciated and are due for some additional recognition in 2025. Pollard is coming off a 115-tackle campaign as a junior, with 14 coming for a loss. Combined with his 2.0 sacks, three passes defensed, and an interception, Pollard is poised to become one of the most productive linebackers in the country.
18. Travion Barnes, Baylor
Travion Barnes has taken the long way to the Power Four but will be ready to make his presence felt in 2025. The linebacker was heavily recruited out of high school, signing on with the Georgia Military College for his underclassman years. Subsequently, he transferred to the FIU Panthers for his junior campaign. Now a senior, Barnes will look to improve on his 129 tackles, 3.0 sacks, and two interceptions with the Baylor Bears.
19. Bryan McCoy, Oklahoma State
After three years of progressive experience, Bryan McCoy is making a big jump ahead of next season. McCoy spent the last three seasons with the Akron Zips, going from 24 to 95 to 120 tackles. That forced the Oklahoma State Cowboys to take notice, which is where McCoy will spend his senior season.
20. Marques Watson-Trent, Nebraska
The Nebraska Cornhuskers are trying to return their program to their former glory, and they have found a key cog on defense. Marques Watson-Trent plays downhill and makes exceptional reads pre-snap. He recorded 120 tackles with Georgia Southern last year, but should see an even heavier total in the Big Ten.
21. Deontae Lawson, Alabama
Deontae Lawson anchors the Alabama Crimson Tide's defense. As a junior, the linebacker hauled in 76 tackles, 2.0 sacks, a forced fumble, and an interception. The bar will be ratcheted even higher when Lawson is through with the competition in 2025.
22. Zayden Walker, Georgia
One of the most highly touted recruits of the 2025 class is about to make the Georgia Bulldogs' defense even stronger. Zayden Walker is the top-ranked linebacker prospect in the country. We don't want to assume he will make an immediate impact. Still, all signs point toward Walker being a defensive catalyst for the Bulldogs.
23. Harold Perkins Jr., LSU
Harold Perkins Jr.'s 2024 campaign was cut short by injury. Nevertheless, the LSU Tigers stalwart should be back with a vengeance this season. Perkins recorded at least 72 tackles and 5.5 sacks in each of his first two seasons, setting the bar for what to expect in 2025.
24. Gabe Jacas, Illinois
A two-time All-Big Ten linebacker, Gabe Jacas could see his profile explode in 2025. The soon-to-be senior is coming off 74 tackles last season, including 13 for a loss. Additionally, he added 8.0 sacks and three forced fumbles, ranking in the top 25 in each category. Jacas could be the most underappreciated linebacker this season.
25. Riley Pettijohn, Ohio State
Keep an eye on another linebacker recruit heading into the 2025 campaign. The Ohio State Buckeyes earned a commitment from standout Riley Pettijohn. As a senior in high school, Pettijohn totaled 115 tackles in 11 games. Not surprisingly, he was included in the 2025 Navy All-American Bowl. He should earn a healthy amount of playing time and should make his presence felt throughout.
26. Taurean York, Texas A&M
The Texas A&M Aggies need their defense to stand up in 2025. Thankfully, they can count on Taurean York to solidify their linebackers' corps. The soon-to-be junior has been a one-man wrecking crew, totaling 156 tackles through his first two seasons with the program. Now entering his upper-classman years, York could emerge as a game-changing linebacker for the Aggies.
27. Drayk Bowen, Notre Dame
Drayk Bowen's profile grew throughout last year's College Football Playoff. The underclassman recorded eight tackles in each of the semifinal and National Championship Game, bumping his year-long total to 78. His downhill ferocity makes him one of the more intriguing prospects heading into the season, and we expect him to live up to the hype again in 2025.
28. Amare Campbell, Penn State
The Penn State Nittany Lions are a program that prides itself on recruiting and developing talent from high school. Still, the Nittany Lions couldn't help themselves when Amare Campbell was available via the transfer portal. The former UNC standout is coming off a 76-tackle sophomore season, adding 6.5 sacks and a forced fumble. Now surrounded by some of the top stalwarts in the nation, Campbell could rocket to the top of most linebackers' rankings.
29. Bryce Boettcher, Oregon
The Oregon Ducks have never been known for their stout defensive play, but Bryce Boettcher could change that in 2025. The Eugene native burst onto the scene with 94 tackles last season, a benchmark that should inflate higher this season. Boettcher excels in pass-coverage looks, without compromising his downhill speed.
30. Samuel Omosigho, Oklahoma
Samuel Omosigho has yet to truly make his impact felt, but 2025 could be the year it all comes together for the Oklahoma Sooners linebacker. As a sophomore, Omosigho recorded 40 tackles and a forced fumble, but seemingly got better as the season progressed. Now heading into his junior campaign, Omosigho is expected to be a catalyst on the Sooners' defense.
31. Dion Crawford - Buffalo Bulls
After missing the entire 2023 campaign, Dion Crawford was back with a vengeance last season. The Buffalo Bulls linebacker recorded a staggering 8.5 sacks to add to his 58 tackles. Factoring in his pass coverage skills and downhill tenacity, an even better campaign is anticipated in 2025.
32. Joseph Sipp Jr. - Kansas Jayhawks
Joseph Sipp Jr. is making the move to a Power 4 conference. Formerly of the Bowling Green Falcons, Sipp Jr. entered the transfer portal this offseason and signed on with the Kansas Jayhawks. The linebacker will be looking to eclipse 73 tackles for the third straight year and build off his career-best 7.0 sacks from last season.
33. Rasheem Biles - Pittsburgh Panthers
The Pittsburgh Panthers' defense was tragically underappreciated last season. Count Rasheem Biles among the players hoping to remedy that in 2025. As a sophomore, Biles totaled 81 tackles, 6.0 sacks, and nine passes defensed, highlighting his well-rounded skillset as a linebacker.
34. Cameron Whitfield - Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns
Cameron Whitfield is another Group of 5 linebacker to watch closely this season. Last year, the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns' product recorded 36 tackles, 6.0 sacks, and two forced fumbles while starting only eight contests. Now an anticipated full-time starter, Whitfield should see a substantive increase in production.
35. Kam Robinson, Virginia Cavaliers
Kam Robinson is one of the most prolific outside linebackers in the country. In two seasons with the Virginia Cavaliers, Robinson has totaled 135 tackles, 6.0 sacks, three interceptions, and a forced fumble. Entering his upper-classman years, we should see Robinson flourish as an anchor on the Cavaliers' defense.
36. Jaden Yates, Ole Miss Rebels
Jaden Yates has the ability to develop into a truly remarkable linebacker. Coming off a 115-tackle campaign, the Ohio native is now just heading into his upperclassman years. He has every down ability, can play downhill to stop the run, but also fares well in pass coverage packages. Ole Miss wasn't about to let him waste away in the Group of 5, bringing Yates in for the 2025 season.
37. Tyquan King, UConn Huskies
Tyquan King's football journey is carrying him closer to home for his final season of eligibility. A West Haven native, King made stops at North Carolina A&T, East Carolina, and then Temple, where he recorded 111 tackles and 3.0 sacks as a redshirt junior in 2024. Next year, he's suiting up for the UConn Huskies, looking to build on his recent success.
38. Buom Jock, Cal Golden Bears
We're expecting big things from Buom Jock in 2025. As a sophomore, Jock recorded 100 tackles, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, an interception, and three passes defensed with the Colorado State Rams. The 6'4" linebacker will be testing his abilities against superior competition in 2025, transferring to the Cal Golden Bears for his junior season.
39. Zakye Barker, SMU Mustangs
The SMU Mustangs are trying to restore their program to its former glory, and they added a top-tier linebacker from this year's transfer portal. Zakye Barker spent his first two seasons with the East Carolina Panthers. Last year marked Barker's introduction to an every-down role. He totaled 84 tackles and 2.0 sacks, benchmarks that are sure to improve with the Mustangs.
40. Jordan Kwiatkowski, Central Michigan Chippewas
Jordan Kwiatkowski flashed his potential throughout last season, but a more complete effort could move him much further up this list. The Central Michigan Chippewas linebacker had four double-digit tackle games in 2024, bringing his yearly total up to 96. His best work comes in pass coverage looks. If he rounds out his game in run defense schemes, he could become a more household name in 2025.
41. Sean Brown, NC State Wolfpack
Sean Brown is your quintessential middle linebacker. As a junior, Brown tallied 96 tackles, 3.0 sacks, two forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and one pass defensed. The year prior, he recorded two interceptions and five pass breakups. The NC State Wolfpack can deploy Brown in any capacity, and he will continue to deliver game-changing results. An All-ACC Honorable Mention in 2024, Brown could take over the conference this season.
42. Mac Uihlein, Northwestern Wildcats
Mac Uihlein spent the first two years of his career in a reserve role, but showed his full potential in his first full season as a starter. The Northwestern Wildcats linebacker accumulated 84 tackles, 2.0 sacks, and a forced fumble while playing in all 12 games. The bar is set even higher for Uihlein in 2025, and he's expected to be an anchor in the Wildcats' defense.
43. Langston Patterson, Vanderbilt Commodores
Over the past couple of seasons, we've seen Langston Patterson develop into a premier linebacker for the Vanderbilt Commodores. Patterson eclipsed 74 tackles in each of his past two seasons, adding two passes defensed, a forced fumble, an interception, and a sack. Heading into his senior season, the Tennessee native should be an even more disruptive presence on every level.
44. Josiah Trotter, Missouri Tigers
Arguably, no freshman defender had a more impactful campaign than Josiah Trotter in 2024. With the West Virginia Mountaineers, Trotter recorded 93 tackles, an interception, two pass breakups, and 0.5 sacks. That was enough to capture the attention of the Missouri Tigers, where Trotter will spend his sophomore campaign.
45. Parker Hughes, Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
Parker Hughes was limited in 2024. As a junior, he appeared in only nine games for the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders. Still, he tallied a respectable 69 tackles, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. With 3.5 career sacks and three passes defensed, Hughes has flashed his full potential at various points throughout his tenure. If he stays on the field for the duration of the 2025 campaign, he should see his stock rise and land on several NFL teams' watch lists.
46. Chase Wilson, West Virginia Mountaineers
Chase Wilson's sophomore campaign wasn't his most productive season. Still, the former Colorado State linebacker totaled 98 total tackles with two interceptions and two passes defensed.

Now a member of the West Virginia Mountaineers, Wilson could see his NFL Draft stock rise if he can find a way to reapply pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
47. Blayne Myrick, South Alabama Jaguars
Blayne Myrick emerged out of nowhere last year, cracking the century mark in tackles as a sophomore with the South Alabama Jaguars. The Alaska native rounded out his game with two sacks, a forced fumble, one interception, and two passes defensed.

While he's been a force in the Group of 5, Myrick could earn a more illustrious opportunity if he sustains his current form.
48. Luke Murphy, Coastal Carolina Chanticleers
Luke Murphy has bounced around lesser-than programs to start his college career, but that doesn't diminish his elite play as a linebacker. Heading into his senior campaign, Murphy is coming off a 94-tackle season, adding an interception for good measure.

Coastal Carolina was impressed enough to land the Ohio native in the transfer portal.
49. Ernest Hausmann, Michigan Wolverines
Ernest Hausmann has been one of the most consistent defenders over the past few years. Since landing in Nebraska as a true freshman, Hausmann has recorded at least 46 tackles in three straight seasons. Undoubtedly, his best campaign was 2024 when he recorded 89 tackles, 2.0 sacks, and an interception.

Expect Hausmann to cause a ruckus in 2025.
50. Andon Thomas, Army Black Knights
Army's rise to prominence was built on the back of its stout defense, and you'll find Andon Thomas standing amongst the top contributors. The soon-to-be senior recorded 93 tackles last season, complemented by his two passes defensed and two interceptions. If the Black Knights are hoping to continue their upward trajectory, Thomas will assuredly be a factor.
51. Donelis Johnson, Kennesaw State Owls
Donelius Johnson heads into his junior season as one of the most feared contributors on the Kennesaw State Owls' defense. Last season, he led the team in tackles (89), tackles for a loss (9), and sacks (3.5). Moreover, he seemed to improve as the season progressed. Johnson collected 15 tackles in two of his last three games of the season, cementing his position as one of the top Group of Five linebackers in the country.
52. Bryan Longwell, Vanderbilt Commodores
Bryan Longwell had a breakout sophomore campaign, and he'll be looking to replicate that success in 2025. Last year, the Vanderbilt Commodores linebacker tallied 89 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and an interception, adding seven passes defensed for good measure. Competing in the ultra-competitive SEC, Longwell has proven capable of plugging holes against some of the nation's premier talent.
53. Joseph Carter, Liberty Flames
The Liberty Flames lost a few key defenders this offseason, but Joseph Carter is more than capable of filling some of those holes. A preseason All-Conference First-Team member, Carter's 2024 campaign was also loaded with accolades. The junior led the Flames with 88 tackles, starting 11 of those 12 contests. Combined with his five tackles for a loss and 1.5 sacks, Carter earned a CUSA Second-Team selection.
54. Dylan Hazen, Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Dylan Hazen is looking to end his collegiate career on a high note. The Wake Forest Demon Deacons product saw a slight dip in production last season, but still managed to eclipse 84 tackles for the second straight year. Hazen excels in all facets, as evidenced by his 2.5 sacks and two interceptions over the past few years. If he builds on his recent success, all eyes will be on Hazen every time he steps on the field.
55. Koa Naotala, Old Dominion Monarchs
After seeing limited action as a freshman, Koa Naotala emerged as a top defensive threat for the Old Dominion Monarchs. As a sophomore, Naotala totaled 88 tackles and a beefy 3.5 sacks, adding a forced fumble and a pass deflection for good measure. Now heading into his upper-classman years, expectations are sky high for Naotala.
56. Bangally Kamara, Kansas Jayhawks
Bangally Kamara has been around for a while. Cracking the Pittsburgh Panthers' roster back in 2020, the linebacker spent four years with the program before transferring to South Carolina ahead of the 2024 campaign. Now, in his sixth collegiate season, albeit finally as a senior, Kamara hopes to be an impact defender with the Kansas Jayhawks.
57. Jaden Keller, Virginia Tech Hokies
Jaden Keller has been on the rise, and we wouldn't be surprised to see him wildly exceed expectations in 2025. The Virginia Tech Hokies linebacker appeared in all 13 games last season, earning seven starts and recording 83 tackles and two fumble recoveries. If he advances his run-defense traits, Keller could be among the top linebackers in the ACC.
58. Ben Roberts, Texas Tech Red Raiders
Ben Roberts is hoping to continue his ascent up the college football ranks. Heading into his junior season, Roberts is coming off an 83-tackle campaign in 2024. He rounded out his game with 4.5 tackles for a loss and three forced fumbles. If he can recapture some of the magic from his freshman season, Roberts will dart up the charts and solidify his position as one of the premier linebackers in the country.
59. Jadon Pearson, Fresno State Bulldogs
Jadon Pearson has bounced around the southwest, but he's hoping he'll finally be able to flourish with the Fresno State Bulldogs. Pearson started at Air Force, then attended Utah, and then Utah State before signing on with the Bulldogs. He recorded a career-best 42 tackles in 2024, but the bar is set much higher now that he assumes the starter's role with Fresno State. That much was evidenced with his 12-tackle effort in Week 0.
60. Matt Rose, Stanford Cardinal
A shadow has been cast over the Stanford Cardinal football program, but Matt Rose is one of the few florets thriving in the darkness. The senior linebacker got off to a great start this season, recording 13 tackles (12 solo) and a sack in a season-opening loss. If he sustains that production, Rose could become one of the more prominent Stanford players to emerge in recent years.
1. Anthony Hill Jr., Texas
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The former freshman All-American followed up with a monster sophomore season for the Longhorns. Anthony Hill Jr. started in all 15 games for Texas, making 113 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, and eight sacks. He forced four fumbles and intercepted a pass. Hill is the country's top linebacker and is just a junior.

Texas 2025 Win Total: 9.5 (Over -210/Under +162)

Ranking the Top 60 College Football Linebackers for 2025

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