Spring football is on the horizon for the 13 FBS programs in the state of Texas and that means it is time to shift focus toward the 2026 season and rank the 10 best players at each position, continuing with linebackers.  

The Lone Star State sent 10 programs to bowl games and two to the College Football Playoff in a historic year for college teams here in Texas. Five of the 13 finished inside the AP Top 25 and only Baylor, Sam Houston, and UTEP failed to reach the postseason. Nine of the 13 teams finished with a winning record. 

Previous rankings: QB | RB | WR | TE | OL | EDGE | DT

1. Ben Roberts, Texas Tech 

2025 stats: 85 tackles, 4 TFL, 2 INT, 6 PBU, 2 FF, 1 FR 

The Big 12 Championship game MVP and All-Big 12 Third-Team selection leads the Texas Tech linebacker room heading into his senior season and will replace Jacob Rodriguez as the heart and soul of the Red Raider defense. Roberts was the Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year in 2023 but was overshadowed by Rodriguez in the last two seasons. Roberts gets his turn in the spotlight in 2026 and will be on nearly every preseason watch list. 

2. Rasheem Biles, Texas 

2025 stats: 101 tackles, 17 TFL, 4.5 sacks, 2 INT, 4 PBU, 2 FF, 1 FR (Pitt)

The best linebacker in the transfer portal chose Texas and will be a seamless replacement for Anthony Hill Jr., who might become a first-round NFL Draft pick in April. Biles was a disruptive force at Pitt, ranking in the top 10 nationally in tackles for loss. Biles started nine games for the Panthers last year and was a Second-Team All-ACC selection. He returned one of his two interceptions for a touchdown. 

3. Ray Coney, Texas A&M 

2025 stats: 129 tackles, 7.5 TFL, 2 sacks, 2 PBU, 1 FF (Tulsa)

Coney was tied for 10th in the country in tackles last season with a staggering 129, earning First-Team All-American Conference honors at Tulsa. Coney began his career at East Tennessee State and arrives in College Station with 273 career tackles, including 21 for loss and eight sacks. He’s played in 35 games during his college career and will help the Aggies replace production from the departing linebackers Taurean York and Scooby Williams. 

4. Austin Romaine, Texas Tech 

2025 stats: 66 tackles, 7 TFL, 0.5 sacks, 1 INT, 3 PBU, 3 FF, 1 FR (Kansas State)

Texas Tech continues to dominate in the portal, adding one of the best returning linebackers in the Big 12 from Kansas State. Romaine led the Wildcats in tackles en route to an All-Big 12 Second-Team selection. Romaine and Roberts will form the best linebacker duo in the Big 12. 

5. Daymion Sanford, Texas A&M 

2025 stats: 57 tackles, 9.5 TFL, 3.5 sacks, 1 INT, 3 PBU, 2 FF, 1 FR

Sanford was a part-time starter over the last two years who is expected to slide into a full-time starting spot alongside Coney for the Wrecking Crew in 2026. He registered at least seven tackles in five games last year, including on the road against Notre Dame and in the CFP against Miami. His 9.5 tackles for loss rank third on this list. Sanford was a four-star prospect out of Katy Paetow. 

6. Ty’Anthony Smith, Texas 

2025 stats: 60 tackles, 5.5 TFL, 2 sacks, 2 INT, 3 PBU, 2 FF, 1 FR

Speaking of young linebackers ready for breakout seasons, Smith could quickly climb up the list of the state’s top linebackers with a big 2026. The Jasper native has played 28 games over his first two seasons on campus and should be a full-time starter as a junior next to Biles. Texas fans saw glimpses of his potential in the bowl win over Michigan when Smith recorded nine tackles, a sack, and two interceptions. He’s special. 

7. Alexander Kilgore, SMU 

2025 stats: 60 tackles, 3.5 TFL, 2 INT, 2 PBU

An early-season injury kept Kilgore from putting up the numbers many expected in 2025, but he’s one of the state’s best linebackers and the leader of the Mustang defense heading into 2026. His position coach, Maurice Crum, is now the play-caller on defense. Kilgore started 11 games last year and notched a season-high 11 tackles in the road win over Clemson. He also snagged an interception in the bowl win over Arizona State. 

8. Kyland Reed, Baylor  

2025 stats: 50 tackles, 1.5 TFL, 1 PBU, 1 FF, 1 FR

Reed played in all 12 games and started the final eight for a Bears defense that dealt with injuries at the position. He’ll likely start alongside Travion Barnes, who missed the final eight games of the regular season to injury. Reed finished the season with nine quarterback hurries and should thrive under new defensive coordinator Joe Klanderman. 

9. Sione Fotu, Houston 

2025 stats: 56 tackles, 0.5 TFL, 0.5 sacks, 2 PBU, 3 FR

Fotu started 12 games at middle linebacker for a solid Houston defense in 2025 and his three fumble recoveries ranked second in the country and led the Big 12. He was the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week in late September after tallying 15 tackles in a win over Oregon State. Fotu doesn’t make a ton of plays behind the line of scrimmage, but he’s one of the more reliable tacklers in the state. 

10. Max Carroll, TCU 

2025 stats: 34 tackles, 4 TFL, 1 PBU, 1 FF

Defensive coordinator Andy Avalos’ defense funnels play to its linebackers and there is plenty of production to replace now that Kaleb Elarms-Orr and Namdi Obiazor are out of eligibility. Carroll has waited his turn and is poised to be one of the top tacklers in the Big 12.