Thirty-five blue-chip linebackers in the 2027 class, and only two haven’t picked a school yet. That’s the reality according to the Rivals Industry Ranking as of July 17, which means 33 pledges have already landed at 25 different programs. The recruiting trail has moved faster than a slot jet sweep this cycle, and if you’re a coordinator still hunting for a mike backer, the cupboard is about bare.
Texas A&M sits alone at the top. The Aggies are the only program holding commitments from three blue-chip linebackers, and they’ve got the No. 1 class in the Rivals Industry Team Recruiting Rankings to show for it. The crown jewel is Kaden Henderson — a five-star out of Tampa Jesuit, ranked No. 31 nationally and the No. 1 linebacker in the cycle. He committed last month during official visit season, choosing A&M over Miami and Notre Dame. He’s the No. 4 player in Florida, and in this state we know what that means: the kid can run.
Henderson’s pledge came roughly two weeks after Aston Whiteside jumped on board. Whiteside was a three-star when he committed and has since climbed to No. 374 nationally — stock rising like a July thermometer. The third piece, Mikahi Allen, committed on July 11. The No. 5 player in New Jersey is described by Rivals as a versatile playmaker who drew interest from programs coast to coast.
Oklahoma is the only school with two top-10 linebackers locked in. Cooper Witten, ranked No. 45 nationally and No. 2 at the position, went public in March. He’s the son of new OU tight ends coach and former NFL tight end Jason Witten, and he’s the No. 5 player in Texas. Rivals notes he remains on the cusp of five-star status and could crack the final 32 this fall. His running mate, Taven Epps, was originally slotted as an EDGE prospect before Rivals’ scouting team reclassified him to linebacker this week. The No. 10 player in California, Epps has been committed since January.
Miami went up the East Coast for both of its linebacker pledges. AJ Randle Jr. — a 6-foot-3, 210-pound thumper and the No. 5 player in North Carolina — committed on May 21, picking the Hurricanes over South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. Ten days later, Noah Glover followed after his official visit to Coral Gables. The No. 3 player in Virginia has since shut down his recruitment, set on playing for Mario Cristobal and defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman.
Ohio State, Auburn, Oregon, and Florida each landed a pair of blue-chip linebackers as well. Ohio State holds Prince Goldsby (No. 101 nationally, No. 8 LB) and Quinton Cypher (No. 213, No. 19 LB). Auburn counters with Isaac McNeil (No. 90, No. 7 LB) and Kareem Palmer (No. 330, No. 26 LB). Oregon snagged Toa Satele (No. 77, No. 6 LB) and Brandon Lockley Jr. (No. 395, No. 35 LB). Florida rounded out its group with Ja’Bios Smith (No. 160, No. 14 LB), Ellis McGaskin (No. 373, No. 30 LB), and three-star Tre Geathers.
Two blue-chip linebackers remain on the board. For the programs still calling, the film doesn’t lie — but the pickings are thin, and the phone’s about to stop ringing.
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