As the 2026 college football season approaches, former Alabama linebacker Greg McElroy has ranked the top 10 linebacker units in the sport. In his podcast, Always College Football With Greg McElroy, McElroy delves into the strengths and weaknesses of each team's linebacker corps, offering insights and opinions that go beyond the statistics. While the rankings are based on current information, the future of these teams remains uncertain, and McElroy's analysis reflects this uncertainty, providing a fascinating look at the potential of each unit.
One thing that immediately stands out is the dominance of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at the top of the list. McElroy praises Notre Dame head coach for making the linebackers a "program identity." The notable Fighting Irish linebackers, including Drayk Bowen, Jaylen Sneed, Jaiden Ausberry, Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, and Madden Faraimo, are described as "arguably the deepest, most talented, maybe even the most dangerous linebacker room in all of college football." This ranking is particularly interesting given the team's recent success and the potential for future growth.
In contrast, the Clemson Tigers, ranked at No. 10, are seen as a team that needs to "bounce back" after a less-than-stellar season. Sammy Brown, a key player for Clemson, is described as "arguably the most productive individual linebacker by raw statistics anywhere in college football." However, the team's overall performance will depend on the ability of Brown and the rest of the linebackers to step up and lead.
The Georgia Bulldogs, ranked at No. 9, are seen as a strong unit despite the loss of CJ Allen. Raylen Wilson, Chris Cole, and Justin Williams make up a "strong linebacker group" that helped 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."
The Pittsburgh Panthers, ranked at No. 8, are seen as a team that is "missing Rahseem Biles" but still has the potential to perform well. Braylen Lovelace, who registered 41 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and two interceptions last year, is described as a "hungry group" by the coaching staff. The future of the Panthers' linebacker unit remains uncertain, but Lovelace is seen as a key player.
The Texas Longhorns, ranked at No. 6, are seen as a team that is "a little stronger this season" despite losing Anthony Hill. The addition of Rasheem Biles from Pittsburgh is described as a "big thing" for the team, and the linebacker unit is seen as a key factor in the team's success.
The Texas A&M Aggies, ranked at No. 5, are seen as a team that had to "address the linebacker group" during the offseason after losing a couple of players, including Scooby Williams. The addition of Ray Coney, a transfer from Tulsa who recorded 129 tackles last year, is described as a "strong starting duo" for the Red Raiders. The future of the Aggies' linebacker unit remains uncertain, but the team is seen as a potential contender.
The Indiana Hoosiers, ranked at No. 4, are seen as a team that is "back for another run" after winning the national title last year. Rolijah Hardy and Isaiah Jones are described as "back for another run" and are seen as key players for the team. The future of the Hoosiers' linebacker unit remains uncertain, but the team is seen as a potential contender.
The Auburn Tigers, ranked at No. 3, are seen as a team that could be one of the "surprise college football teams of the season." Xavier Atkins, a first-team All-SEC selection last year, is described as "unbelievable" after leading the SEC in tackles for loss in 2025. The future of the Tigers' linebacker unit remains uncertain, but the team is seen as a potential contender.
The Oklahoma Sooners, ranked at No. 2, are seen as a team that has a "very talented linebacker group." Owen Heinecke and Kip Lewis are described as "so naturally athletic" and are seen as key players for the team. The future of the Sooners' linebacker unit remains uncertain, but the team is seen as a potential contender.
In conclusion, McElroy's rankings offer a fascinating look at the potential of each team's linebacker unit. While the future of these teams remains uncertain, McElroy's analysis provides valuable insights and opinions that go beyond the statistics. The rankings are a reminder that college football is a dynamic sport, and the success of each team will depend on the ability of its players and coaches to adapt and overcome challenges.
