[2024] SB+ Best Linebacker Groups

[SageBow]

Follow up on my previous article noting defensive lines. Here is what the SB+ Algorithm has on the top linebacker groupings in the nation. As the current defensive schemes have a maximum of (4) LB on the field at once, that will be our basis. I will take the top 2 OLB and top 2 ILB of every team and rank them. Please see below for the SB+ Top Linebacker Rooms of 2024

10.  Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets - 261.43

Newer user @ATonOfLaw has the 10th best linebacker grouping in the country. Led by redshirt senior ILB Blake McCloud, the Yellow jackets combination of Field General/Coverage/Pass Rush/Run Stopper means this is an extremely versatile group that can handle most situations. Pass Rush specialist OLB Anthony Singleton is a redshirt junior that's one to watch in the coming years.

9.  Western Michigan Broncos - 271.89

@Jieret has an excellent group behind him, led by senior ILB Robertson Moore. This is another well balanced group, with a senior, two juniors, and a sophomore projected to be their starters. Former 5* and current junior OLB Seantrel Garate is an extremely talented edge player that is already in the top 10 of his position rankings.

8.  UCLA Bruins - 277.13

This is an extremely specialized group under @Jmjacobs. Two run stopping ILBs in the middle, two coverage OLBs on the outside. Senior OLB Trevor Hamilton is a top 10 OLB in the nation to lead this group, bt there's talent all around him. Sophomore OLB Paul Garcia has the makings of a future star.

7.  Tulane Green Wave - 280.40

Redshirt senior ILB Montrezl Holcomb leads @kgreene829's linebacker group, but he's not the only one that can bring the heat. Redshirt sophomore ILB Kevin Robles is a former 5* recruit that has the makings of being a top field general ILB for the next few seasons. At OLB, redshirt freshman Jose Hernandez is going to see action as yet another former 5* recruit. This Green Wave room will only improve in the years to come.

6.  Texas A&M Aggies - 283.00

Texas A&M and new coach @VerifiedThing just barely miss out on the Top 5. Redshirt senior OLB Steve Thuney is a very quick linebacker that leads this group, and is a top 5 OLB in the nation. Behind him the guys are good, but redshirt junior OLB Bruce Williams is likely the next NFL prospect out of this grouping, and even so scouts will be looking to see him make a big jump this year. 

5.  Baylor Bears - 283.01

@Vivid by the skin of his teeth gets in at the #5 spot. This room doesn't have a star right now, but the only lose Senior ILB Marc Chark to eligibility and everyone else returns. Former 5* recruit junior ILB Kevin Cole is a phenomenal player that will only improve.

4.  Tulsa Golden Hurricane - 283.66

And right ahead of them is @acewulf's group. Redshirt senior ILB Jordan Virgin is one of the top run stoppers in the nation, and behind him is the pass rush OLBs Duron Motte and Kyle Witzmann that will grow and develop over time. Should be a great room for years. 

3.  Kentucky Wildcats - 292.81

Notice the big jump in scores there. @Ezaco's Kentucky has some real deal studs. 3 of the 4 are former blue chip prospects, and redshirt senior ILB Yohan Moore might be the best Coverage linebacker in the country. Redshirt junior OLB Greer Daniels is one of the best in his class, and if he returns should be a very early draft pick in 2026.

2.  Missouri Tigers - 308.50

Now we're really cooking with gas. The first team above 300 is the coachless Missouri Tigers. Mizzou's 1-2 combo of seniors ILB David Mejri and OLB Joshua Bacon are both guys that will get their names called in next year's draft. Bacon is top 3 in his position nationally. Behind them, former 4* juniors ILB Michael Cabinda and OLB Dean Treadwell make this a formidable group. 

1.  Purdue Boilermakers - 323.54

And the best of all is @BabaYaga's Boilermakers. Four seniors man his group, with ILB Bruce Johnson and OLB Daniel Piscotty being the likely draft picks. An extremely versatile group, all with different archetypes, Babayaga will have options to scheme them defensively to use his guys to the best of their ability.