Twenty-nine linebackers are about to start their on-field testing at the 2026 NFL combine in Indianapolis. But how do they rank?
Of all of the positions in football, linebacker is among those with the widest range of skills necessary to be successful. Most linebackers have to be sure tacklers and willing run stoppers, but some are better at defending pass attempts while in coverage. Others are better at rushing the passer and achieve higher sack totals than their fellow backers.
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All of these potential skills make for some complicated evaluations of college linebackers looking to make the leap to the pros. USA TODAY Sports’ draft expert Ayrton Ostly undertook the task of making some of those evaluations for the top linebackers in the class ahead of the NFL combine.
Here’s how the 29 linebackers invited to the prospect showcase in Indianapolis rank on his big board so far:
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2026 NFL combine rankings: Linebackers
USA TODAY Sports’ NFL draft expert Ayrton Ostly compiled a big board of his top 110 players in the 2026 NFL draft class so far.
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Ahead of the NFL combine testing on Feb. 26, 10 linebackers have made it onto the big board. Here’s a ranking of where they land, as well as some notes for each player:
Best linebackers at the NFL combine
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Arvell Reese, Ohio State
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Big board overall rank: 1
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Draft expert commentary from USA TODAY Sports’ Ayrton Ostly: “Reese is one of the biggest risers on draft boards this season as he’s become arguably the top linebacker prospect of the past five years. He combines ideal size (6-foot-4, 243 pounds) with outlier athleticism. But it’s his football IQ that’s set him apart this season.”
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Sonny Styles, Ohio State
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Big board overall rank: 12
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Ostly: “He’s a young prospect and already diagnoses plays effectively. Given his age and elite traits, he could become a perennial Pro Bowler with some development.”
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CJ Allen, Georgia
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Big board overall rank: 21
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Ostly: “He’s stout in run defense with ideal play recognition and solid block shedding. He’s a very sure tackler as well and should be a long-term starter in the NFL.”
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Jake Golday, Cincinnati
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Big board overall rank: 42
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Ostly: “Great athlete for his size and good length. Fluid hips should translate to NFL coverage schemes. Powerful hands to shed blocks and rack up tackles well.”
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Deontae Lawson, Alabama
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Big board overall rank: 48
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Ostly: “Great lateral athlete with the frame to bulk up a bit if needed. Has the speed to close in zone coverage and stick with tight ends or running backs in man-to-man assignments.”
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Anthony Hill Jr., Texas
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Big board overall rank: 61
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Ostly: “Good length for his size and is at his best in run defense. Can slip by blocks or take them head-on with great strength for his position. Will be a 21-year-old rookie so room for development.”
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Josiah Trotter, Missouri
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Big board overall rank: 70
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Ostly: “Two-year starter with ideal size at the position. Can rush the passer (26 pressures, four sacks in 2024-25). Reacts quickly on defense with a violent attitude in run defense.”
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Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech
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Big board overall rank: 82
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Ostly: “Turnover machine who won the Butkus Award as the nation’s best linebacker in 2025. Instinctual run defender with good diagnosing abilities.”
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Taurean York, Texas A&M
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Big board overall rank: 101
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Ostly: “Frame is the only major question mark. Laterally quick, overall athletic and utilizes his vision together to make the right plays in coverage.”
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Harold Perkins Jr., LSU
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Big board overall rank: 108
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Ostly: “Absolutely flies around the ball with elite speed and can line up at multiple positions. Good in zone coverage for a linebacker. Great ball production (three INTs in 2025 alone) and relentless motor.”
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Off of the big board
The following players were outside of the top 110 players to make the big board but were still invited to Indianapolis for the combine, listed alphabetically:
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Wesley Bissainthe, Miami (FL)
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Keyshaun Elliott, Arizona State
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Eric Gentry, Southern California
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Justin Jefferson, Alabama
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Xavian Sorey Jr., Arkansas
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Scooby Williams, Texas A&M
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2026 NFL combine rankings: Linebacker group includes 29 invitees
