Linebackers
#1 — Sammy Brown, LB, Clemson (6'2", 235 lbs)
Brown delivered a highly productive season with 106 total tackles, 5 sacks, 5 passes defended, and 1 interception, showcasing his ability to impact every level of the field. His explosiveness and downhill trigger made him a disruptive force against the run, while his closing speed allowed him to finish plays in space. Brown’s pass‑rush flashes were notable, consistently winning with burst and leverage. Strengths include physicality, range, and versatility as a blitzer. Opportunities for improvement include refining coverage technique and improving anticipation in zone drops.
#2 — Rasheem Biles, LB, Texas (6'1", 225 lbs)
Biles posted 100 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 4 pass breakups, and 2 interceptions, emerging as one of the most well‑rounded linebackers in the Big 12. His ability to play fast and diagnose quickly allowed him to consistently beat blockers to the spot. Biles showed strong instincts in coverage, generating multiple plays on the ball. Strengths include range, play recognition, and coverage impact. Opportunities for improvement include adding strength to take on blocks more consistently and improving balance when redirecting.
#3 — Ben Roberts, LB, Texas Tech (6'3", 235 lbs)
Roberts delivered 90 tackles, 5 passes defended, and an impressive 4 interceptions, showing excellent instincts and ball skills for a linebacker. His ability to read quarterbacks and break on throws made him a legitimate coverage asset. Strengths include awareness, fluidity in space, and playmaking in coverage. Opportunities for improvement include improving block‑shed strength and adding more downhill aggression in the run game.
#4 — Drayke Bowen, LB, Notre Dame (6'2", 238 lbs)
Bowen produced 67 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and 3 pass breakups, showing strong versatility and physicality. His ability to time blitzes and win with power made him a disruptive presence near the line of scrimmage. Strengths include toughness, downhill trigger, and pass‑rush upside. Opportunities for improvement include improving lateral agility and refining coverage technique.
#5 — Austin Romaine, LB, Texas Tech (6'2", 242 lbs)
Romaine recorded 66 tackles, 0.5 sacks, 2 pass breakups, and 1 interception, showing steady production and strong instincts. His physicality and willingness to take on blocks made him a reliable early‑down defender. Strengths include toughness, play strength, and run‑fit discipline. Opportunities for improvement include improving range and fluidity in space.
#6 — Suntarine Perkins, LB, Ole Miss (6'1", 215 lbs)
Perkins delivered 81 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 5 pass breakups, and 1 interception, showcasing elite athleticism and disruptive ability. His explosiveness off the edge and ability to close space quickly made him a versatile weapon in Ole Miss’ defense. Strengths include burst, versatility, and playmaking range. Opportunities for improvement include improving block deconstruction and adding mass to handle interior traffic.
#7 — Amare Campbell, LB, Tennessee (6'0", 231 lbs)
Campbell posted 103 tackles, 3 sacks, and 1 pass breakup, emerging as a consistent and physical presence in the middle of Tennessee’s defense. His instincts and ability to flow to the ball allowed him to rack up high tackle totals. Strengths include physicality, run‑fit discipline, and tackling reliability. Opportunities for improvement include improving coverage range and lateral quickness.
#8 — Raylen Wilson, LB, Georgia (6'1", 235 lbs)
Wilson recorded 74 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and 1 pass breakup, showing strong athleticism and range. His ability to chase plays sideline‑to‑sideline and close quickly on ball carriers stood out. Strengths include speed, pursuit angles, and upside in space. Opportunities for improvement include improving block‑shed technique and developing more consistency in coverage.
#9 — Caleb Bacon, LB, Penn State (6'4", 240 lbs)
Bacon delivered 68 tackles, 3 sacks, and 3 pass breakups, showing strong length and physicality. His ability to disrupt passing lanes and finish plays in the backfield made him a valuable contributor. Strengths include size, power, and versatility. Opportunities for improvement include improving change‑of‑direction quickness and refining instincts in zone coverage.
#10 — Cade Uluave, LB, BYU (6'1", 235 lbs)
Uluave posted 97 tackles, 3 sacks, and 4 pass breakups, showing strong production and a nose for the football. His physicality and ability to finish tackles made him a reliable presence in the middle of the defense. Strengths include toughness, instincts, and play strength. Opportunities for improvement include improving range and developing more consistency in man coverage.