Top 10 SEC Linebackers Entering the 2026 Season

The SEC linebacker class entering 2026 features proven All-Americans, disruptive pass rushers, productive transfers and several veterans returning from injuries.

This ranking focuses primarily on off-ball linebackers, although modern hybrid defenders who regularly rush from the edge were also considered. Previous production, versatility, consistency, health and projected impact during the 2026 season were the most important factors.

10. Chris Cole, Georgia

Chris Cole is positioned to become one of the breakout stars of Georgia’s defense.

The former five-star prospect recorded 59 tackles, seven tackles for loss and a team-leading 4.5 sacks during his sophomore season. That production demonstrated Cole’s ability to make plays both inside the formation and as a pass rusher.

Cole arrived at Georgia with experience playing safety in high school, and that background remains visible in his movement skills. At 6-foot-3 and approximately 235 pounds, he has the length and athleticism to cover tight ends, pursue running backs and attack quarterbacks.

With C.J. Allen gone to the NFL, Cole will assume greater responsibility alongside Raylen Wilson. He must become more consistent when taking on powerful offensive linemen, but his range and pass-rushing ability give him an extremely high ceiling.

Cole could finish the season much higher than No. 10 if he handles his expanded role.

Chris Cole 2025 Season Cut-Up | Georgia Sophomore Linebacker

9. Arion Carter, Tennessee

Arion Carter has been one of Tennessee’s most reliable defenders over the past two seasons.

Carter recorded 76 tackles in 2025 and enters his senior season with 161 career stops. His combination of speed, instincts and experience makes him an important component of new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles’ system.

The start of Carter’s season will be delayed. The NCAA suspended him for Tennessee’s first two games after an agent paid for a $427 flight to a predraft training facility. Carter repaid the money, withdrew from the NFL Draft following a foot injury and returned to Tennessee. He will be eligible beginning with the September 19 game against Kennesaw State.

Assuming he returns healthy, Carter gives the Volunteers an experienced defensive leader capable of playing all three downs.

Highlights: Tennessee commit Four-star Arion Carter

8. Keaton Thomas, Ole Miss

Keaton Thomas arrives at Ole Miss as one of the most productive linebackers in the transfer portal.

Thomas recorded 99 tackles, seven tackles for loss, one sack, three pass breakups and an interception for Baylor in 2025. He earned second-team All-Big 12 recognition and finished his two seasons in Waco with 219 tackles, 14 tackles for loss and two interceptions.

At 6-foot-1 and approximately 240 pounds, Thomas possesses the size to play through contact and handle interior rushing lanes. He is also an experienced defensive communicator who should help stabilize an Ole Miss unit replacing several important contributors.

The question is how quickly Thomas adjusts to SEC speed and Pete Golding’s system. His previous production suggests the transition should not overwhelm him.

Thomas may not generate the spectacular pass-rushing numbers of Suntarine Perkins, but his dependability and tackling should make him the foundation of the Rebels’ linebacker corps.

Shocking Keaton Thomas Joins Ole Miss | Rebels’ Defensive Star!🔴 LIVE BREAKING NEWS

7. Yhonzae Pierre, Alabama

Yhonzae Pierre emerged as one of Alabama’s most disruptive defenders during the 2025 season.

Pierre recorded 52 tackles, eight sacks, three forced fumbles and a pass breakup. Those numbers were impressive for a player who entered the season without extensive starting experience.

At 6-foot-3 and approximately 248 pounds, Pierre fits the modern hybrid-linebacker role. He has enough size to set the edge against the run and enough explosiveness to threaten offensive tackles in passing situations.

His pass-rushing production separates him from many traditional linebackers, but he must demonstrate that he can consistently contribute when opponents run directly at him. Alabama will also need Pierre to remain effective after opposing teams devote additional attention to stopping him.

If Pierre becomes a more complete defender without losing his ability to pressure quarterbacks, he could challenge for first-team All-SEC honors and emerge as one of the conference’s biggest defensive stars.

Yhonzae Pierre 2025 Highlights | Alabama LB 🐘 ᴴᴰ

6. Suntarine Perkins, Ole Miss

Suntarine Perkins has been one of the SEC’s most versatile defenders throughout his Ole Miss career.

Perkins recorded 81 tackles, 4.5 sacks, five passes defended, three forced fumbles and an interception in 2025. He now has 179 tackles and 18.5 sacks over three seasons.

His best pass-rushing season came in 2024, when he produced 14 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks. That performance demonstrated how disruptive Perkins can be when allowed to attack from the edge.

At approximately 6-foot-1 and 210 pounds, Perkins is undersized for a traditional edge defender. His speed, anticipation and ability to change direction allow Ole Miss to use him in several roles. He can blitz, pursue ball carriers or drop into coverage without revealing the defense’s intentions before the snap.

The arrival of Keaton Thomas should free Perkins to return to a more aggressive role. That could produce another double-digit sack season.

Suntarine Perkins – Ole Miss | 2025 Highlights

5. Kip Lewis, Oklahoma

Kip Lewis is the defensive leader of an Oklahoma unit that finished first in the SEC in both scoring defense and total defense last season.

Lewis led the Sooners in tackles during their 2025 College Football Playoff campaign. His greatest strength is his ability to diagnose plays quickly and arrive at the football under control.

Oklahoma’s defensive front will keep Lewis clean more often than many SEC linebackers. David Stone and Taylor Wein command attention at the line of scrimmage, allowing Lewis to attack open rushing lanes and pursue from sideline to sideline.

He is not as spectacular statistically as Xavier Atkins or Rasheem Biles, but Lewis rarely compromises Oklahoma’s defensive structure while chasing a play. That reliability is invaluable in Brent Venables’ complicated system.

Lewis must create more turnovers and negative plays to challenge for the top position. Even without gaudy numbers, he remains one of the conference’s most dependable and intelligent linebackers.

Kip Lewis Oklahoma 2025 Season Highlights

4. Raylen Wilson, Georgia

Raylen Wilson enters 2026 as the most established linebacker on another talented Georgia defense.

Wilson recorded 74 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks across 14 games in 2025. His production, experience and athleticism make him the natural leader of a linebacker room that also includes Chris Cole and several highly regarded young players.

Wilson plays with the speed required to survive in modern SEC football. He can pursue outside runs, match running backs in coverage and close quickly when quarterbacks attempt to escape the pocket.

Georgia’s defensive system demands considerable communication from its linebackers. Wilson must recognize formations, adjust responsibilities and ensure younger defenders are properly aligned.

His next step is creating more game-changing plays. Wilson consistently reaches the football, but increasing his sack, interception and forced-fumble totals would strengthen his All-America candidacy.

Georgia possesses exceptional talent around him, and Wilson should be the player who connects the entire defense.

Georgia Bulldogs LB Raylen Wilson Talks Kirby Smart, Bloody Tuesdays

3. Whit Weeks, LSU

Whit Weeks enters 2026 attempting to recapture the form that made him one of the country’s best linebackers in 2024.

Weeks recorded 125 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and an interception during that breakout sophomore season. He earned first-team All-SEC recognition from both the coaches and Associated Press.

A broken ankle limited Weeks to eight games in 2025. He still produced 31 tackles, three tackles for loss and one sack while attempting to play through the injury late in the season.

Weeks enters 2026 healthy and remains LSU’s permanent team captain. He combines excellent instincts with relentless pursuit and an aggressive playing style that energizes the entire defense.

The only reason he is not ranked higher is the uncertainty created by last season’s injury. If Weeks remains healthy, he is fully capable of leading the SEC in tackles and becoming an All-American. LSU’s rebuilt defense will depend heavily upon his leadership.

Whit Weeks Gets Real About LSU, Lane Kiffin and Why He Loves Louisiana

2. Rasheem Biles, Texas

Rasheem Biles has not played an SEC game, but his 2025 performance at Pittsburgh makes him one of the conference’s most anticipated transfers.

Biles recorded 100 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, four pass breakups and two interceptions in only 10 games. He returned both interceptions for touchdowns and earned second-team All-ACC recognition from the Associated Press.

His ability to produce tackles behind the line of scrimmage distinguishes him from most off-ball linebackers. Biles recognizes plays quickly, attacks gaps decisively and possesses the speed to finish once he enters the backfield.

Texas hired Will Muschamp to coordinate the defense, and Biles should become one of the most important pieces in Muschamp’s aggressive system.

The adjustment to SEC offensive lines presents a legitimate challenge, but Biles has already demonstrated elite instincts and playmaking ability. ESPN ranked him seventh among all defensive players nationally entering 2026.

Rasheem Biles 2025 Regular Season Highlights | Pitt Linebacker

1. Xavier Atkins, Auburn

Xavier Atkins enters 2026 as the best linebacker in the SEC.

Atkins recorded 84 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, nine sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception during his first season as Auburn’s starter. His 17 tackles for loss led the conference and represented the most ever by an Auburn inside linebacker.

He earned first-team All-SEC recognition and became Auburn’s first linebacker to receive All-America honors since Karlos Dansby in 2003. His 90.7 pass-rush grade from Pro Football Focus was the highest among all college linebackers.

Atkins possesses a rare ability to affect games from an off-ball alignment. He can blitz through interior gaps, chase quarterbacks outside the pocket and run with offensive skill players in space.

Opponents will devote more attention to him in 2026, especially after Auburn lost several defensive starters. Even with that added pressure, Atkins’ proven disruption gives him the top position.

Xavier Atkins 2025 Auburn Highlights

Final 2026 SEC Linebacker Rankings

1. Xavier Atkins, Auburn
2. Rasheem Biles, Texas
3. Whit Weeks, LSU
4. Raylen Wilson, Georgia
5. Kip Lewis, Oklahoma
6. Suntarine Perkins, Ole Miss
7. Yhonzae Pierre, Alabama
8. Keaton Thomas, Ole Miss
9. Arion Carter, Tennessee
10. Chris Cole, Georgia