Top 15 Best Linebackers in College Football |  Ranking

Linebackers are required to accomplish so many different things in today’s game. Given the prominence of high-tempo, spread-based offenses, playing inside linebacker frequently entails both pass coverage and run defense.

We looked at several facets of inside linebacker play in this article to rank the best linebackers in college football. These interior linebackers play in 3-4 and 4-3 formations, but they all patrol the center of the field.

This rating was created after considering pass rushing, run defense, pass coverage, and tackling abilities. If there were any ties, the advantage went to the player we preferred.

Keep in mind that these inside linebackers are being evaluated based on their college success, not their NFL prospects.

So, these are the top 15 best linebackers in college football

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Top 15 Best Linebackers in College Football

They are the most fearsome defenders on the field.

Every game, linebackers set the tone, and the rest of the defense feeds off of their enthusiasm. It’s a position that needs physicality as well as intuition. Elite players have excellent vision and can fly from sideline to sideline. These top 15 best linebackers in college football demonstrated their abilities on the field.

Still, there are more objectives to achieve. And, with the spring ball in the air, expect them to pick up where they left off.

1. C.J. Mosley, Alabama

Pass Rush – 11/15

Mosley seldom gets the chance to rush the quarterback because he is so good in pass coverage. When he’s let go after the quarterback, he knows just how to contribute to the rush.

Run Defense – 30/35

Mosley has emerged as an effective every-down run defender. He sticks his nose into the action, shedding blocks and making the majority of his tackles downhill. He understands how to fill up spaces when he comes over the top on plays.

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Coverage – 15/15

He is the greatest covering linebacker in the country and one of the best linebackers in college football. He knows zone defense and how to keep receivers from getting to the weak interior. Mosley can run with backs out of the backfield when asked to play man coverage, and he knows when backs remain in to block and adds himself to the rush.

Tackling – 32/35

Mosley is an excellent tackler. He sprints into contact, squares up on his targets, and knocks opponents to the ground. When allowed to tackle in close quarters, he packs a punch.

Overall – 88/100

Mosley is everything a coach could want in an inside linebacker. Every week, he learns the plan, lines up his squad, and then goes out and makes plays. He is a coach on the field who is effective against both the run and the pass.

NFL Draft Projection

Early in the first round. NFL abilities as inside or outside linebacker

2. Max Bullough, Michigan State

Pass Rush – 12/15

Bullough has to be one of the best rushers at the position. He is also one of the best linebackers in college football. His defense relies on pressures to get to the quarterback, and that push to produce pressure requires the linebackers to be at ease and understand how to reach the quarterback. Although Bullough may not have a huge sack total, he does an excellent job of flushing the pocket.

Run Defense – 32/35

Bullough is very effective while playing downhill, particularly against the inside run. Despite struggling through contact, the Spartans senior is a muscular presence who takes on blocks, sheds linemen, and still has a huge influence on the play.

Coverage – 9/15

Bullough’s worst flaw is his inability to get into coverage. Moving backward is difficult for him since he is not fluid in space. He does a good job of walling off the inside, but he is not a pass-coverage option.

Tackling – 33/35

Bullough is one of the top tacklers in the country. He does not overrun plays, but instead breaks them down and finds a method to send ball carriers to the ground frequently. He’s delivering the hit, even if it means losing linemen in the process.

Overall – 86/100

This is the standard middle linebacker for a 4-3 defense. He moves quickly downhill, can shed linemen, and wants to play hard at all times. He’s improving in coverage, but as long as he’s on the field as a pass-rusher, he can contribute to his team without posing a coverage risk. This is the standard middle linebacker for a 4-3 defense. He moves quickly downhill, can shed linemen, and wants to play hard at all times. He’s improving in coverage, but as long as he’s on the field as a pass-rusher, he can contribute to his team without posing a coverage risk.

NFL Draft Projection

The third round. A strong run defender with minimal athleticism.

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3. Telvin Smith, Florida State

Pass Rush – 10/15

Smith is a capable pass rusher, but he lacks opportunities to get after the quarterback since he is more important in pass coverage. The capacity to go downward exists. He’s simply better suited for something else.

Run Defense – 29/35

Although Smith is not the conventional downhill-first player, his speed allows him to scrape across the field and produce explosive plays. Despite not being a shed-type linebacker who is willing to take on blocks, he gets downhill quickly.

Coverage – 15/15

Smith, like C.J. Mosley, is an excellent pass defender and one of the best linebackers in college football. The Florida State linebacker can run with backs and tight ends and is at ease in zone coverage, carrying or passing off crossers.

Tackling – 31/35

Smith is an excellent tackler. His speed lets him follow down backside runs, and despite being a smaller player in size, his speed allows him to bring down larger ball carriers. Nobody can outrun him to the edge, which is a big benefit.

Overall – 85/100

He’s been a genuine revelation for the Seminoles at the position. Smith filled a hole, allowing Florida State to spread its top players over the field. He’s not the model, but he’s precisely what the ‘Noles needed on the inside of their defense.

NFL Draft Projection

The second round. A fantastic athlete with the physique of a safety.

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4. Shayne Skov, Stanford

Pass Rush – 14/15

Skov has played both inside and outside for the Cardinals, and he provides a lot of expertise in the pass-rush game from the inside place. The linebacker understands how to use stunts and exploit offensive line flaws to not only free himself for plays, but also to guarantee teammates come unblocked and get to the passer.

Run Defense – 33/35

Skov is another downhill-run defender. He’s a guy who takes his first steps toward the line of scrimmage, which allows him to get there and be disruptive between the tackles. Skov has also demonstrated the athleticism to play against zone reads.

Coverage – 7/15

The Stanford senior is most suited as a secondary rusher rather than a pass defender. He recognizes the locations but finds it difficult to open his hips and sprint after committing to halting first.

Tackling – 30/35

He’s a strong tackler who likes to go rough, especially in the run game. Skov understands when to hammer and when to splatter runs, giving his teammates a chance to clean up after him even when he gets out of control.

Overall – 84/100

He is one of the best interior linebackers in the country. Skov excels in the hash marks. He likes to come up and make tackles, and when he has a chance to make a play below the line of scrimmage, he throws a punch.

NFL Draft Projection

Early in the second round. After a difficult 2012, he recovered to look like a 10-year NFL starter.

5. Chris Borland, Wisconsin

Pass Rush – 12/15

When added to the pass rush, Borland is effective at being aggressive behind the line of scrimmage. He’s a thug who will take on a blocker and put pressure on an interior lineman to liberate teammates.

Run Defense – 33/35

Borland is a standout against the run. When it comes to putting a stop to it, he’s a genuine banger. He’s a unique linebacker who can pound and splatter runs as well as shed blocks to make tackles.

Coverage – 7/15

Borland isn’t particularly good at coverage, but he does have a talent for driving to the football after reaching his landmark. He can come downhill to make a tackle, which is a positive.

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Tackling – 31/35

In this position, Borland stands out as a tackling machine. He’s a thumper who wants to get his nose in the game and knock ball carriers to the ground. He is one of the best linebackers in college football.

Overall – 83/100

Borland, another traditional interior linebacker, can take on blocks, shed blocks, and go to the ball despite his 5’11” stature. He delivers a lot of force to the field. He’s a physical player who contests every play.

NFL Draft Projection

Late in the second round. Although he lacks NFL height, he is a playmaker on the field.

6. Preston Brown, Louisville

Pass Rush – 11/15

Brown is yet another best linebackers in college football who can get to the quarterback. In 2013, his squad deployed blitz packages well, and he showed an ability to apply pressure and flash to loosen up his teammates.

Run Defense – 32/35

Brown is a powerful downhill player. Moving near the line of scrimmage and sifting through the wash to make a play is where he excels. He can take on a larger-bodied lineman and shed while still making tackles.

Coverage – 9/15

Despite his size, Brown appears to be at ease under coverage. He can move out of the backfield to chase defenders and, if forced to carry crossers, understands how to trail with nice angles.

Tackling – 31/35

He’s yet another tackling machine, aided by Louisville’s policy of allowing him to scrape and funneling plays to its inside backer. Brown accelerates downhill, forcing backs to make a choice and reacting quickly to narrow the distance and get them on the ground.

Overall – 83/100

Brown is another excellent interior linebacker in a crowded field. Brown’s ability to flourish in both schemes makes him a significant asset as Louisville shows great confidence switching from 4-3 to 3-4 looks.

NFL Draft Projection

Round seven. A large, powerful player who is slow.

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7. Eric Kendricks, UCLA

Pass Rush – 9/15

Kendricks is better in coverage, which keeps him out of the Bruins’ pass-rush mix and qualifies him as one of the best linebackers in college football. It helps that Anthony Barr is on the edge in rush situations, decreasing the need for inside blitzers.

Run Defense – 30/35

The UCLA junior is an excellent illustration of the flexibility that coaches seek in linebackers. Despite not being the prototype, Kendricks knows how to go downhill, is quick enough to fill a vacated space, and prefers to tackle at the moment of impact.

Coverage – 13/15

As a smaller player, Kendrick possesses the skill and mobility to excel in covering. He can expand his hips, moves well away from the line of scrimmage, and knows how to carry receivers in the open field.

Tackling – 31/35

Kendricks is an unstoppable tackler. He is the sort of player that scrapes across the top nicely and rushes straight into tackles because his teammates can set the edge. He is quick enough to follow down runs on both sides of the formation.

Overall – 83/100

He belongs to the new crop of inside linebackers. Kendricks runs well, understands his role in the defense, and desires to make tackles at the line of scrimmage. He’s also strong versus the pass, which is essential in today’s college football scene.

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NFL Draft Projection

The third round. Despite having all of their talents, he failed to remain healthy in 2013.

8. Antonio Morrison, Florida

Pass Rush – 9/15

Morrison, like the rest of the Gators after Dominique Easley’s departure, was not a strong pass-rusher. The center was choked because there was no internal presence, and there was no way to come off the edge and supply heat.

Run Defense – 32/35

Morrison excelled in this area. He is a downhill player who loves to make plays by colliding with linemen and backs at the line of scrimmage. He’s a confident scraping player who fills openings with strength.

Coverage – 10/15

Morrison knows where to get in his drops, but he lacks fluidity in space versus the pass.

Tackling – 31/35

Morrison is an unstoppable tackler. He flies to the football, staying behind the ball carrier and exploding to make tackles. Morrison set the tone for the defense’s interior.

Overall – 82/100

When he was healthy, the Gators linebacker was a force deserving of being ranked among the finest linebackers in the country. He filled gaps effectively, scraped to contact, and constantly looked down the hill to play.

NFL Draft Projection

The fourth round. Not quick enough for someone with a smaller frame.

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9. Hayes Pullard, USC

Pass Rush – 10/15

When given the chance, Pullard may push to the quarterback. When he joins the rush, he may also free up his teammates by drawing the protection.

Run Defense – 31/35

The USC linebacker is a solid run defender who fits in well with the Trojans’ new-look defense. He is also one of the best linebackers in college football. Pullard is allowed to run through holes when the line fills them, and he makes good tackles as the run-through player.

Coverage – 11/15

Pullard, USC’s top interior linebacker, is comfortable in coverage when given the opportunity. He’s fast enough to cover running backs and can go from monitoring the run to diving into coverage.

Tackling – 30/35

Pullard has improved from a question mark in the new plan to a superb fit under new coordinator Clancy Pendergast. He gets over to the play side well and then squares up to routinely bring down the ball carrier.

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Overall – 82/100

Pullard is another linebacker who moved effectively from a 4-3 to a 3-4 role and found a way to continue playing at a high level. Pullard moves effectively in the box, and the new strategy will enable him to thrive at chasing down ball carriers.

NFL Draft Projection

The second round. Aggressive and quick, yet too small for the interior.

10. Curtis Grant, Ohio State

Pass Rush – 9/15

Grant is not a pass-rusher and is not frequently used in that capacity for the Buckeyes. As a result, he doesn’t have many sacks or quarterback pressures.

Run Defense – 32/35

The junior Buckeye is another terrific downhill player. Although most people consider tackles to be a sign of run defense, Grant’s value extends beyond tackles. He’s the type of player that splatters run to his outer defenders, allowing tackles to be made in run-through channels.

Coverage – 10/15

Grant in coverage is best described as adequate since he possesses the athleticism and knowledge to excel in that area. He is one of the best linebackers in college football and his significant step is becoming more comfortable with how to communicate his drops to the quarterback and probable route combinations around him.

Tackling – 31/35

Although Grant is not a tackling machine-like colleague of Ryan Shazier, he does not hesitate to put the ball carrier on the ground when the opportunity arises. He’s a solid tackler who keeps an eye on offensive guys.

Overall – 82/100

Grant is sometimes overlooked in the Ohio State linebacking corps due to his lack of flare. In that strategy, though, he collides with lead blocks and linemen, allowing Noah Spence and Shazier to rush. That is an underappreciated talent at the position, yet it is required for a defensive scheme to function well.

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NFL Draft Projection

The fourth round. He can play inside or outside linebacker, but his strength needs to be improved.

11. Tariq Edwards, Virginia Tech

Pass Rush – 10/15

Edwards is a one-of-a-kind linebacker who can do it all and for that, he is one of the best linebackers in college football. He’s quite comfortable coming off the edge or through the inside to disrupt the quarterback. He’s skilled not only at getting to the quarterback but also in flushing him to other defenders.

Run Defense – 30/35

At his core, the Virginia Tech inside linebacker is a run-first athlete. Every initial stride is down toward the line, and defensive coordinator Bud Foster expects the same from his guys. Edwards breaks rapidly into the line and dumps the run wide to his athletic teammates.

Coverage – 12/15

The Hokies play a base 4-2-5 defense and, as a result, do not make many situational alterations. As a consequence, Edwards is at ease with the throw, can follow running backs, and is not afraid to sink with a quarterback to mimic the drop.

Tackling – 30/35

Edwards makes a lot of tackles, especially when he has a run lane or a chance to get to a running back in the backfield. He can run down his mistakes and track the ball proficiently from inside to outside.

Overall – 82/100

The Hokies have a quality linebacker in Edwards who can stop the run first and be active against the throw second. He can get after the quarterback, return to coverage, and is strong against the run.

NFL Draft Projection

Round seven. Athletic, but has trouble getting off blocks to make plays.

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12. Desmond Morgan, Michigan

Pass Rush – 9/15

Morgan is another linebacker who is rarely used in the rush, but he understands his position when given the chance. He is a spectacular player that has sure earned his spot as one of the best linebackers in college football. He’s a splatter player who shows up early to let other rushers get to the quarterback.

Run Defense – 32/35

Morgan makes first contact with lead blocks and aids in the spill of rushes to the edge, allowing James Ross III to make the tackle in a run-through lane. He fits in nicely with the defense and understands his run fits completely.

Coverage – 9/15

This season, the Michigan “Mike” linebacker has improved his covering abilities. He is still ineffective at blocking the middle, which has harmed the Wolverines at times.

Tackling – 31/35

Morgan is an underestimated tackler who is known mostly for his ability to fill quickly and push runs to his teammates. He can overcome a block and make a play. And once in the open field, he effectively shuts the cutback path.

Overall – 81/100

Morgan, an underappreciated player, knows his role in defensive coordinator Greg Mattison’s scheme. He makes the tackle when it’s there, but he’s also at ease when the purpose is to help his teammates get to the ball.

NFL Draft Projection

Round six. Although he is built like a safety, he sprints like a middle linebacker.

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13. Jack Tyler, Virginia Tech

Pass Rush – 11/15

Tyler excels at pursuing the quarterback. He contributes to Bud Foster’s confidence in employing unusual pressure looks to confound quarterbacks and offensive linemen.

Run Defense – 31/35

Tyler and his partner inside linebacker made this list because they operate so well together. Tyler is the stand-in. As Tariq Edwards twists the runs inside or pushes them to bounce wide, he has a knack for scraping to find the run lanes and get to the running back.

Coverage – 8/15

Tyler, unlike his linebacker teammate, is considerably better downhill than in space. As a result, he is brought to the rush more frequently than he is expected to dive into cover. He’s a good athlete in the future, but he’s not the best choice away from the line.

Tackling – 31/35

Tyler is an excellent and sure tackler. He gets guys on the ground as near to the line of scrimmage as he can. He runs effectively laterally and monitors the ball, understanding when players will cut back to allow him to fill.

Overall – 81/100

Tyler is a good one for the Hokies. He’s a tough player who prioritizes stopping the run. He has good ball tracking skills and can get to the quarterback in passing situations.

NFL Draft Projection

Round seven. Instinctive and combative, but lacks NFL size.

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14. Dalton Santos, Texas

Pass Rush – 8/15

Given his role on the team, Santos is a larger assist in coverage, which explains his lack of participation in the Longhorns’ pass-rush. Even with a larger body, he’s a fluid athlete, which helps him more in coverage, especially because the ‘Horns have Jackson Jeffcoat to come off the edge.

Run Defense – 30/35

Santos is another rules player that jumps right into the run game. He tries to hammer and splatter runs to his teammates while also shooting run-through lanes when given the chance.

Coverage – 10/15

Santos’ coverage is really pretty fluid. That’s why the Longhorns don’t mind having him on the field during throwing situations. He has a fluid transition from forward to backward and can break on the ball.

Tackling – 32/35

Texas’ inside linebacker is a strong tackler. He possesses good speed, allowing him to rush to the ball carrier and knock him down. Santos closes the gate effectively, can shed blockers, and continues to strive to secure the tackle.

Overall – 80/100

He’s a capable interior linebacker who can play the spill position or make tackles alone. He follows his rules and understands how to inject himself into the game based on the glances he receives.

NFL Draft Projection

The fourth round. He has a lot of talent, but his on-field impact has been lacking.

15. Myles Jack, UCLA

Pass Rush – 7/15

Jack is not in the least bit of a pass-rusher. He’s a larger asset for the Bruins when it comes to coverage. Rather than squandering the fast linebacker by allowing him to get eaten up by lines, UCLA’s coaching staff allows him to do what he does best: run.

Run Defense – 30/35

Because of his quickness, the freshman is an important contributor against the run. He comes downhill from the inside out and makes tackles when the Bruins’ front turns and runs inside.

Coverage – 14/15

Jack is one of the top covering linebackers in the country. He knows how to watch prospective receivers while lowering into his zone and is comfortable sliding backward.

Tackling – 29/35

Even as a true freshman, Jack is one of the best tacklers in the country. His speed allows him to get to ball carriers from all over the field, and when he gets to the football, he is a sure tackler.

Overall – 80/100

In the position, Jack is a fighter. He’s at ease playing up inside and outside, and his versatility allows him to be effective against both the run and the pass. He’s great at covering, which is something that many inside players lack.

NFL Draft Projection

The first round. On either side of the ball, he has the potential to be an NFL standout.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

These are some of the Top 15 Best Linebackers in College Football. They don’t only know what a linebacker does but they do it well. If you watch college football do keep an eye out for these awesome players.

References

• stayaliveinpower5.com – College footballs 20 best linebackers of 2023
• htpff.com/news – College football top returning linebackers 2023
• on3.com/news – Top 10 linebackers in the on3 college football impact 300
• athlonsports.com  – College footballs top 50 linebackers bcs era

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