As the 2026 college football season approaches, the battle for linebacker supremacy is heating up. Greg McElroy, a former Alabama linebacker and now a prominent voice in the sport, has ranked the top 10 linebacker units, offering a fascinating insight into the upcoming season. But what makes this list particularly intriguing is McElroy's personal commentary, which adds a layer of depth and perspective to each ranking. Let's dive into his top 10, and explore the insights and opinions that make this list so compelling.
The Top 10: A Deep Dive
10. Clemson Tigers: The Sammy Brown Effect
Clemson Tigers find themselves at No. 10, and it's all thanks to the stellar performance of Sammy Brown. With 107 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, five sacks, seven pass breakups, and an interception, Brown is a force to be reckoned with. "He’s arguably the most productive individual linebacker by raw statistics anywhere in college football," McElroy proclaims. But will the rest of the Clemson linebackers be able to step up and help the team bounce back this fall? It's a question that remains to be answered.
9. Georgia Bulldogs: Glenn Schumann's Legacy
Georgia Bulldogs drop to No. 9, but that doesn't diminish the strength of their linebacker group. Raylen Wilson, Chris Cole, and Justin Williams are all returning after helping the Bulldogs win the SEC for the second consecutive year. McElroy praises defensive coordinator/inside linebackers coach Glenn Schumann for producing a lot of linebacker talent in Athens. Will this year be any different?
8. Pittsburgh Panthers: Braylen Lovelace's Leadership
Pittsburgh Panthers are ranked No. 8, led by Braylen Lovelace, who registered 41 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and two interceptions last year. While the Panthers are missing Rahseem Biles, who transferred to Texas, McElroy is a believer in Lovelace and the returning linebackers like Jeremiah Marcelin. The coaching staff describes the linebackers as a "hungry group," and that's a good sign for the upcoming season.
7. Texas Tech Red Raiders: Ben Roberts and Austin Romaine's Duo
Texas Tech Red Raiders are ranked No. 7, with Ben Roberts and Austin Romaine forming a "strong starting duo." Roberts had 85 tackles and four tackles for loss last year, while Romaine was an All-Big 12 Second Team player for Kansas State. McElroy believes that this duo will be key to Texas Tech making another run to the College Football Playoff. The question remains: can they fill the void left by Jacob Rodriguez?
6. Texas Longhorns: Rasheem Biles' Impact
Texas Longhorns are ranked No. 6, and McElroy thinks they are a little stronger this season despite losing Anthony Hill. The addition of Rasheem Biles from Pittsburgh is a big boost, as he posted 101 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, and two interceptions last year. Will this make Texas a stronger linebacker unit?
5. Texas A&M Aggies: Mike Elko's Recruitment
Texas A&M Aggies are ranked No. 5, and Mike Elko's quick recruitment during the portal window has paid off. Ray Coney, a transfer from Tulsa with 129 tackles last year, is a key addition. Daymion Sanford, who tallied 94 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, and one interception last year, is another player to watch. McElroy praises Elko's ability to close the recruitment quickly, and the Aggies look set for a strong season.
4. Indiana Hoosiers: Rolijah Hardy and Isaiah Jones' Dominance
Indiana Hoosiers are ranked No. 4, and while Aiden Fisher is now playing for the NFL's Houston Texans, Rolijah Hardy and Isaiah Jones are back for another run. Hardy finished the 2025 season with 102 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, and eight sacks, while Jones posted 78 stops, 15.5 tackles for loss, and seven sacks. The Hoosiers look set to compete for another title.
3. Auburn Tigers: Xavier Atkins' Unbelievable Season
Auburn Tigers are ranked No. 3, and if they become one of the surprise college football teams of the season, it will be because of the linebackers. Xavier Atkins, a first-team All-SEC selection last year, is back and will be joined by Elijah Melendez and Demarcus Riddick. McElroy praises Atkins' performance, which led the SEC in tackles for loss in 2025. Will the Tigers be able to turn things around?
2. Oklahoma Sooners: Owen Heinecke and Kip Lewis' Talent
Oklahoma Sooners are ranked No. 2, anchored by Owen Heinecke and Kip Lewis, who are both incredibly talented. In 2025, Heinecke posted 74 tackles and 12 tackles for loss, while Lewis notched 76 tackles, 18.5 tackles for loss, and five sacks. McElroy believes that having Heinecke back changes a lot of things for the Sooners, and Lewis is "so naturally athletic." But will this be enough to dethrone Notre Dame?
1. Notre Dame Fighting Irish: A Program Identity
Notre Dame Fighting Irish are ranked No. 1, and McElroy believes they have arguably the deepest, most talented, and most dangerous linebacker room in all of college football. The notable Fighting Irish linebackers are Drayk Bowen, Jaylen Sneed, Jaiden Ausberry, Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, and Madden Faraimo. McElroy praises the way head coach has made the linebackers a "program identity." But will this be enough to keep them at the top?
The Bigger Picture
McElroy's rankings offer a fascinating insight into the upcoming season, but they also raise deeper questions. What makes a great linebacker unit? How do transfers and coaching changes impact a team's performance? And what does the future hold for the sport as a whole? These are the questions that McElroy, and many others, are thinking about as the 2026 college football season approaches. As the season unfolds, we'll find out if McElroy's rankings were spot on, or if there are some surprises in store. One thing is for sure: the battle for linebacker supremacy will be a key factor in determining the outcome of the season.
