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Athlon Sports
College Football's Top 15 Linebacker Units for 2024
By Steven Lassan,
2024-08-16
Georgia takes the top spot in Athlon's top linebacker units for the 2024 college football season, but behind two All-America players in Nick Jackson and Jay Higgins, Iowa isn't far behind at No. 2. Clemson checks in at No. 3, followed by Texas, LSU, and Michigan in the top six.
How did we come up with these rankings? A couple of factors were considered. Depth, overall talent, production, level of competition and projected output in 2024 all factored into the rankings for the linebackers. While some teams may have experienced a down year last season, a new assistant, top recruit or a change of scheme can make a huge difference. These rankings reflect projections for '24, not solely what teams accomplished in '23.
College Football's Top 15 Linebacker Units for 2024
Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart
Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports
1. Georgia
Kirby Smart's defense is overflowing with talent at the second level and is the easy No. 1 pick for the best linebacker unit for the 2024 season. Defensive lineman Mykel Williams (6.5 TFL last year) is expected to spend more time at linebacker this year, adding more depth and talent to a unit already slated to feature Athlon Sports preseason All-American Smael Mondon (68 tackles last year). Additionally, CJ Allen (41 tackles) impressed in the second half of '23, with Jalon Walker and Raylen Wilson joining him as breakout candidates at this position.
The Hawkeyes return two All-America players at this spot in 2024. Senior Jay Higgins is a first-team pick by Athlon Sports after recording 171 stops last year, while running mate Nick Jackson takes second-team honors for '24. The Virginia transfer collected 110 stops, four sacks, and two forced fumbles in 14 games for Iowa last fall. Karson Sharar and Kyler Fisher are back to provide depth.
Jeremiah Trotter Jr. leaves big shoes to fill in the second level of Clemson's standout defense, but coach Dabo Swinney's group caught a break when Barrett Carter (an Athlon Sports first-team All-American for '24) opted to return instead of bolting for the NFL Draft. Junior Wade Woodaz is expected to settle in at middle linebacker after working as a solid reserve the last two years. True freshman Sammy Brown is a name to watch at this position as well, with Kobe McCloud and Jamal Anderson also likely to factor into the mix for reps.
Jaylan Ford (101 tackles last season) will be missed, but the development of rising star Anthony Hill Jr. should keep this linebacker unit among the nation's best. In 14 games as a true freshman last year, Hill Jr. recorded 67 tackles (eight for a loss), five sacks, one forced fumble, and two pass breakups. The Texas native is primed to emerge as one of the SEC's top linebackers in '24. Senior David Gbenda returns to the starting lineup after collecting 50 stops last fall. Expect Morice Blackwell Jr., Liona Lefau, and Derion Gullette to work as the top depth options.
LSU's defense struggled last season, but coach Brian Kelly hopes a revamped staff led by coordinator Blake Baker quickly helps this unit get back on track in 2024. One of Baker's top priorities is to help junior Harold Perkins Jr. take the next step in his development after an up-and-down sophomore campaign. Through two years in Baton Rouge, Perkins Jr. has accumulated 147 tackles (26 for a loss), 13 sacks, seven forced fumbles, and two interceptions. Senior Greg Penn III (89 tackles) returns, with Whit Weeks (49 stops) back as the top depth piece on the second level.
6. Michigan Maryland transfer Jaishawn Barham and Ernest Hausmann should effectively replace Junior Colson and Michael Barrett at the second level for new coordinator Wink Martindale.
7. Kentucky The arrival of Georgia transfer Jamon Dumas-Johnson only adds to one of the nation's most underrated linebacker groups.
8. Oklahoma Danny Stutsman returns as one of college football's top defenders for 2024. The senior has help in the form of running mates Kip Lewis, Jaren Kanak, Lewis Carter, and Kobie McKinzie.
9. Oklahoma State Nick Martin (140 stops) and Collin Oliver (15.5 TFL for a loss last year) are back to anchor the second level for coach Mike Gundy's defense.
10. Alabama If all of the pieces fall into place for new coordinator Kane Wommack, this unit could finish much higher on this list by the end of '24. Deontae Lawson (67 tackles) and Jihaad Campbell (66) are back to lead the way this fall.
The Next Tier
11. Penn State 12. Ohio State 13. Oregon 14. Notre Dame 15. Utah
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