Top Defenders Trending Toward Georgia, Kentucky, Miami, Tennessee

Several programs making strong pushes for elite linebacker recruits as decisions near

Apr. 2, 2026 at 4:38pm

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Several top college football programs are gaining momentum with elite defensive recruits, including Georgia, Kentucky, Miami, and Tennessee. Georgia is the frontrunner for four-star linebacker Noah Glover, while Kentucky has surged for four-star Jalaytahn Mayfield. Miami has made a big move for four-star AJ Randle, and Tennessee is pushing to flip four-star Omarii Sanders from Vanderbilt.

Why it matters

Landing top defensive talent is crucial for these programs as they look to build championship-caliber rosters. Securing commitments from elite linebackers can provide an immediate boost to their defenses and recruiting momentum heading into the 2026 season.

The details

Georgia has made four-star linebacker Noah Glover a top priority, with defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann leading the charge. Glover has visited Athens five times and the Bulldogs hold the edge as he nears a decision. Kentucky has gained serious traction with four-star Jalaytahn Mayfield, who will take his final official visit to Lexington in June. Miami has surged for four-star AJ Randle after a strong visit to Coral Gables, overtaking Florida. Tennessee is pushing hard to flip four-star Omarii Sanders from Vanderbilt, with the linebacker set to take official visits to Knoxville and College Station.

  • Glover is expected to return to Georgia for a visit in June.
  • Mayfield will announce his decision on July 18 and take his final official visit to Kentucky on June 19.
  • Randle is still working through his recruitment and taking visits, but Miami has made a significant move.
  • Sanders could make a decision soon and does not plan to take his recruitment deep into the official visit season.

The players

Noah Glover

A four-star linebacker from Haymarket, Virginia who is a top target for Georgia.

Jalaytahn Mayfield

A four-star linebacker from Lincolnton, North Carolina who is trending towards Kentucky.

AJ Randle

An elite four-star linebacker from Garner, North Carolina who has Miami surging in his recruitment.

Omarii Sanders

A four-star linebacker from Nashville, Tennessee who is currently committed to Vanderbilt but Tennessee is pushing hard to flip.

Glenn Schumann

The defensive coordinator at Georgia who has led the charge in recruiting Noah Glover.

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What they’re saying

“Georgia continues to operate with a clear plan at linebacker — identify a select group of fits early and push hard. That approach has paid off again with four-star linebacker Noah Glover out of Haymarket (Va.) Battlefield.”

— Chad Simmons, Recruiting Analyst

“Kentucky has quietly gained serious traction with four-star linebacker Jalaytahn Mayfield out of Lincolnton (N.C.). Miami generated buzz earlier in the process, but after a January visit to Lexington followed by a return trip in late March, momentum has shifted toward the Wildcats.”

— Chad Simmons, Recruiting Analyst

“Miami continues to build momentum with multiple targets this spring, but one of the biggest developments centers around elite linebacker AJ Randle. The Garner (N.C.) standout has seen his recruitment take off, and after a strong visit to Coral Gables earlier this week, the Hurricanes have surged up his list.”

— Chad Simmons, Recruiting Analyst

“Tennessee is making a strong push to flip one of the top commits in the Southeast. Four-star linebacker Omarii Sanders, currently committed to Vanderbilt, has locked in official visits with Tennessee and Texas A&M — and the Vols are trending.”

— Chad Simmons, Recruiting Analyst

What’s next

Glover is expected to return to Georgia for a visit in June, while Mayfield will announce his decision on July 18 after taking his final official visit to Kentucky on June 19. Randle is still evaluating his options, but Miami has made a significant move. Sanders could make a decision soon, with Tennessee and Texas A&M pushing hard to flip him from Vanderbilt.

The takeaway

These four programs are making strong pushes for elite defensive talent, highlighting the importance of securing top-tier linebackers in today's college football landscape. The momentum these schools are building could pay dividends on National Signing Day and beyond as they look to bolster their defenses and compete for championships.