The 2025 Texas high school football season is weeks away. These emerging talents have demonstrated moments of excellence on film and may transition from hopeful prospects to well-known figures. Today, we analyze the class of 2026 linebackers who possess the skills, talent, and chance to achieve a genuine breakout year.

Giavani Baker, LB, Shadow Creek, 6-2 / 225

A breakout season could be on the horizon for Baker, who has already received four Division I offers from schools like Arkansas State, Lamar, New Mexico State, and UTEP. He has the size and ability to be a playmaker not only for the Sharks this season but also at the next level.

Haven Garrett, LB, Mesquite Horn, 6-2 / 2

Haven could generate more interest this season and add to his four Division I offers from schools like North Texas, Texas State, Tulsa, and UNLV. He is an explosive linebacker who can terrify quarterbacks or lock down the edge to stop runs from progressing. Keep an eye on Garrett this season, as he could have a breakout year and increase his Division I interest.

Kenneth Youngblood Jr., LB, Cedar Hill, 6-1 / 200

After the 2024 season, college football programs began to notice Youngblood, a talented and physically gifted linebacker, who received offers from UTSA, UNLV, and Tulsa. During spring ball, Kenneth added to his highlight reel with impressive plays, and he will undoubtedly do the same this fall.

Jarone Bell, LB, Shadow Creek, 6-1 / 190

Two programs have already offered Bell in Arkansas State and Utah after he posted some solid stats in 2024, including 32 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and 3 sacks. Bell can contribute on special teams as well as on defense as an outside linebacker. More tape should strengthen Bell’s case for a breakout season this fall.

Joaquin Martinez, LB, Waco University, 5-10 / 190

Joaquin has been a leader on defense for Waco U and a strong contributor, recording multiple seasons with over 100 tackles, double-digit tackles for loss, and sacks. Combining his stats from 2023 and 2024, he has achieved a total of 243 tackles, 32 tackles for loss, and 7 sacks in his high school career so far. Arkansas State and Georgia Southern have both taken notice this past spring and have offered this athletic linebacker, who can cover sideline to sideline with a high motor and explosiveness into backfields.

Braeden Lott , LB , Lake Travis , 6-1 / 205

College coaches shouldn’t overlook this linebacker recruit who has already earned Division I offers from schools like Dartmouth, North Texas, and Texas State. Lake Travis consistently produces top-tier next-level talent, and Lott is no exception.

Honorable Mentions

Broderick Sublet Jr., LB, Community, 6-1 / 190

Travis Johnson II, LB , Episcopal, 6-0 / 215

Kingston Hurst, LB, Brewer, 5-11 / 175

Madden Morgan, LB, Episcopal, 6-1 / 220

With the upcoming season, these 2026 linebackers have the opportunity to showcase their skills against the top talent in Texas high school football. If they can capitalize on their initial glimpses of promise, they won’t merely be standout players this year—they’ll become names that college recruiters and fans will recall for years ahead. The film speaks for itself, and these recruits are prepared to leave their imprint.