Top Linebacker Prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft

Experts break down the top linebacker prospects ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 6:30pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting the chaotic action of a football game, with players and the field broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in vibrant colors.The 2026 NFL Draft class features a diverse group of talented linebacker prospects, each with the potential to make an immediate impact at the next level.Today in Pittsburgh

As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, experts have identified the top linebacker prospects, including Arvell Reese from Ohio State, Sonny Styles from Ohio State, CJ Allen from Georgia, Anthony Hill Jr. from Texas, Jacob Rodriguez from Texas Tech, Jake Golday from Cincinnati, and Josiah Trotter from Missouri. These players have stood out for their impressive measurables, production, and NFL potential.

Why it matters

The linebacker position is crucial for any successful NFL defense, and these prospects represent the next generation of top talent at the position. Teams will be closely evaluating these players' skills, athleticism, and versatility as they look to bolster their linebacker corps through the draft.

The details

Arvell Reese, Sonny Styles, CJ Allen, Anthony Hill Jr., Jacob Rodriguez, Jake Golday, and Josiah Trotter have all emerged as top linebacker prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft. Reese and Styles were both First-Team All-Big Ten selections, while Allen, Hill, and Rodriguez earned various All-American and conference honors. Golday and Trotter also impressed with their size, athleticism, and production at the college level.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place from April 23-25 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The players

Arvell Reese

A three-year starter at Ohio State, Reese was named an Associated Press First-Team All American and First-Team All-Big Ten in 2025 after recording 69 tackles and 6.5 sacks.

Sonny Styles

Styles was a First-team All-Big Ten selection in 2025 and led Ohio State with 82 total tackles, including 46 solo tackles. He played safety his first two seasons before switching to linebacker.

CJ Allen

Allen was named Associated Press All-American First Team in 2025 after leading Georgia with 88 tackles and eight tackles for loss. He was a finalist for the Butkus Award.

Anthony Hill Jr.

Hill declared early for the draft after being named to the Associated Press Second-Team All American team and the SEC Coaches All-SEC Second Team in 2025. He had 69 tackles, four sacks and three forced fumbles.

Jacob Rodriguez

Rodriguez won the Butkus Award, was named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, and was a Heisman Trophy Finalist in 2025 after recording 128 tackles, seven forced fumbles, four interceptions and two fumble recoveries.

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What’s next

The 2026 NFL Draft will take place from April 23-25 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and will be broadcast live on ESPN and NFL Network.

The takeaway

This year's linebacker class is filled with talented, versatile prospects who have the potential to make an immediate impact at the next level. Teams will be closely evaluating these players' skills, athleticism, and ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game as they look to bolster their linebacker corps through the draft.