The 2026 college football season is fast approaching, and Greg McElroy, a former Alabama linebacker, has ranked the top 10 linebacker units in the sport. His rankings are based on a variety of factors, including individual talent, team dynamics, and coaching staff. Here's a breakdown of his top 10, with a focus on the insights and commentary that make each ranking unique.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish: McElroy's number one ranking goes to Notre Dame, praising the team's linebacker depth and talent. He highlights players like Drayk Bowen, Jaylen Sneed, and Jaiden Ausberry, noting that the unit has become a "program identity" under the leadership of head coach Brian Kelly. This ranking is a testament to the team's consistent excellence and the coach's ability to build a dominant unit.
Oklahoma Sooners: In a close second, McElroy ranks the Oklahoma Sooners, praising the talent of Owen Heinecke and Kip Lewis. He notes their natural athleticism and the positive impact Heinecke's return has on the team. This ranking highlights the Sooners' ability to produce top-tier linebackers and the importance of maintaining a strong core.
Auburn Tigers: Auburn's linebackers are a key focus for McElroy, particularly Xavier Atkins, who led the SEC in tackles for loss in 2025. He also praises the development of Elijah Melendez and the potential of Demarcus Riddick. This ranking emphasizes the importance of individual talent and the impact of a strong linebacker core on a team's success.
Indiana Hoosiers: Despite the loss of Aiden Fisher to the NFL, McElroy ranks the Indiana Hoosiers highly. He highlights the return of Rolijah Hardy and Isaiah Jones, who had impressive seasons in 2025. This ranking underscores the importance of maintaining a strong core and the potential for a team to remain competitive even with key players leaving.
Texas Longhorns: Texas's linebacker unit is ranked highly, despite the loss of Anthony Hill. McElroy notes the addition of Rasheem Biles from Pittsburgh, who had a strong 2025 season. This ranking highlights the importance of addressing losses with strategic additions and the potential for a strong unit to remain competitive.
Texas A&M Aggies: The Aggies' linebacker group is praised for its quick recruitment and the talent of players like Daymion Sanford. McElroy notes the impact of transfers and the quick work of head coach Mike Elko in addressing the unit's needs. This ranking highlights the importance of addressing weaknesses through strategic recruitment and the potential for a strong unit to emerge.
Pittsburgh Panthers: The Panthers' linebacker group is ranked highly, led by Braylen Lovelace. McElroy acknowledges the loss of Rahseem Biles but praises the returning players and the "hungry group" described by the coaching staff. This ranking highlights the importance of maintaining a strong core and the potential for a team to remain competitive even with key players leaving.
Georgia Bulldogs: The Bulldogs' linebacker group is ranked highly, with Raylen Wilson, Chris Cole, and Justin Williams returning. McElroy praises the work of defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann in producing linebacker talent. This ranking highlights the importance of maintaining a strong core and the potential for a team to remain competitive even with key players returning.
Texas Tech Red Raiders: Texas Tech's linebacker unit is ranked highly, with Ben Roberts and Austin Romaine as a strong starting duo. McElroy notes their potential to reach the College Football Playoff, highlighting the importance of a strong starting unit in a competitive conference.
Clemson Tigers: Clemson's linebacker group is ranked tenth, led by Sammy Brown, who had an impressive 2025 season. McElroy praises Brown's productivity and the potential for the unit to help the team bounce back. This ranking highlights the importance of individual talent and the potential for a team to improve with a strong core.
McElroy's rankings provide a fascinating insight into the strengths and potential of each team's linebacker units. His commentary emphasizes the importance of individual talent, team dynamics, and coaching staff in building a dominant unit. As the 2026 season approaches, these rankings will be a key reference point for fans and analysts alike.
