Top Linebackers
Class of 2026 -- ranked by measurables, physical ceiling, and recruiting validation
A 4.41 laser forty, 4.31 shuttle, and 38-inch vertical from a 6'0" 184 lb safety who posted 141 tackles in a 14-game 5A state championship season is an elite athletic profile with elite production. P5 offers from Pittsburgh validate the measurables, and his enforcer role at Cherry Creek shows he can play in the box — he's a modern hybrid LB/S weapon.
His performance score was 24th on our list. His recruitment ranking is 3rd. That's not a mistake. 141 tackles from the safety spot through a 14-game state championship season. 73 solo. 10.1 per game. That's not a DB stat line -- that's a Mike linebacker line at a D1 program. Zero PD all year tells you exactly what Cherry Creek asked him to do: be the enforcer and put people on the ground. He did that 141 times.
Led the entire state of Colorado with 157 tackles while adding 14 TFL, 4 sacks, and 3 INTs on a dominant Cherry Creek 5A state championship team — that's a complete stat line from the highest competition level. His 6'2" 210 frame, positional versatility (OLB/SS/Rover), and late-rising recruiting profile suggest he's undervalued; the UNLV commit should have more offers.
Tate Matthews is a highly productive, versatile linebacker/safety hybrid who led the entire state of Colorado in tackles while contributing splash plays (INTs, sacks, fumble recoveries) on a dominant Cherry Creek state championship team. His size (6'2"/210), positional versatility (OLB/SS/Rover), and massive statistical breakout as a senior suggest significant untapped upside, though the lack of verified athletic testing data and late recruiting attention make his true ceiling harder to project. He profiles as a quality Group of 5 starter with potential to outperform his recruiting ranking given his instincts, range, and physicality.
A 6'6" 250 lb edge rusher with an 80-inch wingspan who jumped from 40 to 128 tackles between his junior and senior years at Cherry Creek 5A — that developmental arc at Wake Forest's level of investment is rare. He's a projection pick with massive physical upside; the frame can carry 270+ and he tested himself against elite out-of-state competition.
Cade Holles is a high-upside developmental edge rusher with rare length (6'6", 80" wingspan) and a frame that can support 260-270 lbs in a college strength program. His massive statistical improvement from junior to senior year (40 to 128 tackles, 8 to 12 TFL) at a premier 5A Colorado program under Dave Logan demonstrates coachability and rapid growth. He projects as a 2-3 year development piece at Wake Forest who could become an impact edge player once he adds functional strength and refines his pass-rush repertoire.
Brother Keegan Holles is a running back at Colorado State University. Per his NCSA personal statement, he has two older brothers who played collegiate football, indicating a strong athletic family background.
Verified 4.48 forty with track-level speed (state 300m hurdles runner-up), 250 career tackles, 31.5 TFL, 16.5 sacks, and 6 INTs — he does everything at an elite level except weigh enough. At 6'2" 190 lbs he's lean, but the 4.2 shuttle, 15 TFL, and 7 sacks as a senior show a legitimate pass-rush and coverage toolkit that projects well as an Apex LB or box safety at Air Force and potentially beyond.
Elian Oliva is a high-motor, instinctive defender with verified track speed (4.48 forty, state-level hurdler) and elite production (250 career tackles, 31.5 TFL, 16.5 sacks, 6 INTs). His lean 6'1"-6'2", 190-lb frame projects best as an Apex LB or box safety at Air Force, where his football IQ, leadership, and 5.02 GPA make him an ideal fit. While his size limits Power 5 upside, his closing speed, blitzing ability, and competitive intensity give him a high floor as a multi-year starter at the FCS/Group of 5 level.
Son of two doctors. Brother Joaquin Oliva also plays varsity football at Northfield (appears in multiple Hudl game recaps). Stanley Middle School alum (class of '22).
The 6'3" 215 lb frame with 126 tackles and 16 TFL in 5A Centennial League play is exactly the size-production combo you want, and his two-way TE/ILB role shows rare versatility and football IQ. The Air Force lacrosse commit is a legitimate football prospect if he chose to pursue it — the absence of football offers likely reflects his lacrosse commitment rather than his ability.
Connor Gilchrist is a highly productive Colorado 5A linebacker with ideal size (6'3", 215 lbs) and an impressive statistical profile -- 238 career tackles, 23 TFL, and 30 receptions as a two-way ILB/TE over three varsity seasons. His Denver Post All-Colorado selection and All-Centennial League honors validate his dominance at the high school level. However, the complete absence of verified athletic testing data and lack of D1 football offers -- he signed with Air Force for lacrosse -- suggest his speed and explosiveness may not translate to the FBS level, making him a strong FCS or D2 football prospect with an intriguing physical ceiling if he were to pursue football.
Three-year production arc of 66→92→135 tackles with 2x All-District honors, a Texas Tech commit, and elite strength numbers (500 squat, 325 bench) at 6'1" 220 scream high-floor inside linebacker. The 5.03 laser forty is a real concern for lateral range at the FBS level, but his instincts, camp MVP performances, and physicality project him as a productive college starter who wins with preparation and power.
Jared Ibarra is a high-production, instinctive linebacker with elite strength numbers and proven camp performance, but his verified 5.03 forty limits his projection to the FCS/lower FBS level. His three-year statistical arc at Pine Creek (66→92→135 tackles) combined with 2x All-District honors at Steele demonstrates he produces against quality competition in both Colorado 5A and Texas 6A. Best projection is as a physical, downhill inside linebacker at the FCS level or a developmental FBS walk-on who wins with preparation, football IQ, and effort rather than elite athleticism.
A 6'3" 205 lb linebacker with 123 tackles, 17 TFL, 3 sacks, and an INT at the 5A level who also caught 12 passes for 258 yards (21.5 YPR) is a true two-way athlete with a projectable frame. The Northern Colorado commit has room to grow into 225+ lbs, and his pick-six and receiving production demonstrate rare coverage ability and ball skills for a linebacker.
Lincoln Hageman is a productive, high-IQ two-way linebacker with legitimate size (6'3" 205) and intriguing receiving skills (21.5 YPR). His 123-tackle, 17-TFL senior season at a Colorado 5A school demonstrates elite instincts and physicality, and his athletic bloodlines (brother at Air Force) suggest developmental upside. He projects as an FCS-level impact player at Northern Colorado with the frame to potentially grow into a 225-230 lb linebacker, though the lack of verified speed/testing data and FBS interest limits his ceiling projection.
Older brother Carson Hageman played LB at Erie High School (371 career tackles, 13 sacks over 3 varsity years, Times-Call Defensive Player of the Year 2024) and currently plays at Air Force. Lincoln credits Carson as his primary mentor. Father appears to be David Hageman, Ph.D. (active on Twitter following Lincoln's career).
156 tackles and 22 TFL at the 4A level show dominant run-stopping ability and sideline-to-sideline range, with clutch plays (blocked PAT, game-sealing INT) demonstrating high football IQ and instincts. The 5'11" 185 frame and 4.83 forty limit his ceiling, but the TFL rate is elite and Prep Redzone recognition across multiple features suggests this is a legitimate sleeper.
The Air Force offer validates the 6'0" 200 lb frame with a 4.3 shuttle and 121 tackles/10 TFL/2 INTs at the 4A level — that short-area quickness and production profile fits a physical inside linebacker role. Three-year varsity starter and captain with elite upper-body strength (265 bench at 200 lbs) who projects as a reliable contributor at the FCS/academy level.
A state wrestling champion at 190 lbs who put up 123 tackles at the 5A level with elite weight room numbers (500 deadlift, 295 bench, 290 clean) at 6'1" 205 — the physicality and leverage translate directly from the mat. Needs verified speed testing and camp exposure to generate D1 offers, but the PRZ #122 ranking and wrestling pedigree suggest a high-floor physical linebacker.
The 6'2" 205 lb frame with 133 tackles and 5 INTs in 3A is intriguing — the ball-hawking ability (8 career INTs) at that size suggests legitimate coverage instincts that translate to the next level. Production trajectory from 53→83→133 tackles shows consistent development, but the lack of verified speed testing and absence of D1 offers cap him at the D2 level for now.
Isaiah Cronk is a productive, instinctive linebacker who put together one of the best statistical seasons in Colorado 3A with 133 tackles and 5 INTs as a senior, earning All-State Second Team honors and leading Windsor to the state championship game. His 6'2" 200-205 lb frame, multi-sport athleticism, and coverage instincts give him a solid foundation, but the lack of verified athletic testing and absence of D1 offers suggest his physical ceiling may top out at the D2 level. He projects as a quality starter at South Dakota School of Mines with the potential to develop into an all-conference player if he continues to add functional mass and improve his pass-rush abilities.
A physical 5'11" 205 lb MLB with 130 tackles, 18 TFL, and 3 sacks at the 1A level who also rushed for 628 yards shows legitimate two-way ability and toughness. The 4.53 forty is adequate and the TFL rate is impressive, but the 1A competition level and filled-out frame limit his projection to D2/NAIA where he'll be a productive downhill run-stuffer.
The jump from 85 to 119 tackles and 7 to 17 TFL between junior and senior year at 6'0" 210 with strong weight room numbers (270 bench, 425 deadlift) shows a late bloomer with improving instincts. The 4.84 forty and 3A competition level are concerns, but the TFL rate and motor suggest a player who could develop into a quality D2 starter with improved speed.
Henry Eslich is a high-production, high-motor middle linebacker who dominated Colorado 3A with 119 tackles, 17 TFL, and 3 sacks as a senior while also serving as his team's kicker and occasional short-yardage back. His weight room numbers (270 bench, 395 squat, 425 deadlift) are impressive for his frame, and the Prep Redzone scouting community has taken notice of his instincts and gap discipline. However, at 6'0" 210 lbs with a 4.84 forty and playing in a low classification with no current D1 offers, he projects as a D2/D3/NAIA linebacker prospect who could potentially earn a preferred walk-on opportunity at a lower-tier FCS program if he continues to develop athletically.
148 tackles on a defense that allowed 10.5 PPG with a regional wrestling championship at 190 lbs shows elite toughness and instincts, and the 9 TFL and 2 INTs add playmaking value. However, at 5'10" with a 4.8 forty, the athletic ceiling caps at NAIA/D3 — the Dordt commitment is appropriate, and he'll be a productive college player.
246 career tackles with a significant growth spurt from 5'8" 160 to 5'11" 190 between junior and senior year makes him an interesting late bloomer with room to continue developing physically. All-State recognition in 3A validates his production, but needs verified speed testing and another 20+ lbs to project at the college level.
Michael Kemmis is a high-production, instinctive inside linebacker who dominated Colorado 3A with 125 tackles as a senior and earned All-State recognition. His significant physical growth from 5'8"/160 to 5'11"/190 between his junior and senior years suggests a late bloomer with possible upside, but the lack of verified athletic testing and zero D1 offers make him a D2/D3/NAIA prospect at this time. If he continues to grow and can prove his speed/athleticism at camps, he could emerge as a low-level FCS prospect.
Father Mike Kemmis is actively involved in his athletic development and appears to have a wrestling background based on social media posts about Palisade Bulldog Wrestling.
A four-year varsity contributor at 5A Vista Ridge with 117 tackles, All-State honors, and long-snapping value is a high-character, high-floor prospect. The D3 UW-La Crosse commitment reflects his current ceiling — solid production but the 6'0" 205 frame and lack of verified athletic testing limit FCS upside.
Back-to-back 100+ tackle seasons with a 67% solo tackle rate and the toughness to play through a snapped hamstring in a state championship game show elite motor and instincts. The 5'10" 172 lb frame and D3 Luther College commitment reflect physical limitations, but the late growth (two inches between sophomore and senior year) hints at possible continued development.
A 6'1" 170 lb sophomore who posted 129 tackles and a 4x100 state track qualifier at Harrison has two full years of physical development ahead — the frame is projectable and the speed is verified through track. At just 170 lbs and playing 3A, he needs significant weight and camp exposure, but the combination of length, speed, and production this early makes him worth monitoring closely.
121 tackles and 4 INTs on defense plus 808 receiving yards and 7 TDs on offense at 6'1" show legitimate two-way versatility and ball skills. However, at 165 lbs in 1A competition with no offers, he needs to add 25-30 lbs and prove himself against higher-level competition — projects more as a safety or slot receiver than a linebacker at the next level.
114 tackles with 99 solo and 12 TFL show excellent instincts and finishing ability at the 3A level, and the First Team All-Area recognition validates his dominance. At 6'0" 170 lbs with no verified athletic testing or offers, he needs to add 25+ lbs and get to camps — the production is there but the body isn't ready yet.
Luciano 'Lucky' Taraborelli is a high-motor, productive linebacker who led Coronado with 114 tackles, 12 TFL, and 1 sack in a breakout senior season, earning First Team All-Area honors in the Colorado Springs area. However, at 6'0" and 170 lbs with no verified athletic testing and playing Colorado 3A competition, he projects as a lower-level D2/D3/NAIA prospect who would need to add significant size and get verified camp measurables to generate D1 interest. His tackle production and leadership are undeniable, but the lack of offers, testing data, and exposure represent significant hurdles at the FBS/FCS level.
120 tackles with 9 TFL and 3 INTs at the 3A level from a multi-sport athlete with basketball ball-hawking instincts (20 pts, 15 steals in a game) is intriguing. At 5'9" 170 lbs with no offers and a #486 PRZ ranking, the physical ceiling is very limited — projects as a small-college prospect who wins with instincts.
All-State First Team in 8-man with 139 tackles, 10 TFL, 2 sacks, and 1,040 rushing yards as a two-way player on back-to-back state championship teams shows elite motor and competitiveness. The 8-man competition level and uncertain size (165-185 lbs depending on source) limit his projection, but the championship pedigree and production suggest a quality small-college player.
157 tackles and 1,165 rushing yards as a two-way 8-man player with impressive strength numbers (405 deadlift, 365 squat at 165 lbs) and a 33.2" vertical show a powerful, compact athlete. The 5'8" 165 lb frame and 4.6 forty in 8-man competition cap his ceiling at the small-college level, but the motor and strength profile could translate to NAIA ball.
34 TFL is an absurd number at any level, and combined with 126 tackles and 3 INTs it shows elite backfield disruption instincts in 8-man football. At 5'8" 165 lbs with no measurables and no offers in the smallest classification, the competition gap is too wide to project D1, but the TFL rate alone warrants a small-college look.
Nicholas Aragon is a highly productive two-way 8-man football player who dominated at the small-school level with elite tackle and TFL numbers defensively and 1,000+ yard rushing seasons offensively. However, at 5'8" 165 lbs with no verified athletic testing, no college offers, and competition limited to Colorado 8-man football, his projection as a D1 prospect is extremely limited. He profiles best as a small-college (D3/NAIA) two-way athlete with intriguing instincts and motor.
31 career interceptions is a staggering number regardless of level, and his dual Offensive/Defensive Player of the Year honors with 26 passing TDs show elite football IQ and playmaking ability. However, 6-man competition with zero verified measurables (not even a listed height/weight) makes this impossible to project — he needs camp exposure and physical data to generate any recruiting interest.
Von Isenbart is a prolific two-way 6-man football player with elite ball-hawking instincts (31 career INTs) and significant passing production (2,791 career passing yards, 51 TDs), but he plays in Colorado's smallest classification with no verified measurables and zero recruiting interest from any level. While his football IQ, competitiveness, and multi-sport athleticism are evident, the 6-man competition level and complete absence of physical data make him a project at best for NAIA/D3, and he would need verified measurables and camp exposure to generate any D1 interest.
Younger brother Judson Isenbart is a sophomore at Stratton who plays WR/RB and also serves as backup QB. Judson was a key offensive contributor in 2025, catching passes from Von and stepping in at QB when Von was injured in the 2024 state championship game.