TOP 2027 LINEBACKER RECRUITS
College Football Now top 2027 linebacker recruits features the best rising junior LB recruits in the world of CFB recruiting! (83)
Updated January 26th, 2026 at 10:59 a.m. EST
Updated January 26th, 2026 at 10:59 a.m. EST
2027 TOP LB RECRUITS
College Football Now 2027 top LB recruits are under evaluation year around with links to pertinent scouting data for CFB recruiters, coaches & fans nationally! (83)
🛡️ S.T.E.P™ LINEBACKER FRAMEWORK
(OLB & MLB – Position-Specific Translation)
S.T.E.P™ = Sustainability | Technique | Execution | Presence
Each trait feeds one of the four STEP pillars.
🔵 OUTSIDE LINEBACKER (OLB) – STEP FORMULATION
Scout Trout Original Formula
(LI) + (LA) + (ZC) + (MC) + (EB) + (RS) + (MV) = OLB
STEP TranslationS — Sustainability
Traits that project long-term viability, role flexibility, and snap durability.
“Can this OLB stay on the field in modern hybrid defenses?”
T — Technique
Refined skill execution independent of raw athleticism.
“Does this OLB understand what he’s doing—and why?”
E — Execution
How effectively traits translate to results in live action.
“Does production show up when the lights are on?”
P — Presence
Impact on game flow, physicality, and opponent decision-making.
“Do offenses have to account for this OLB on every snap?”
✅ OLB STEP SUMMARY
🔴 MIDDLE LINEBACKER (MLB) – STEP FORMulation
Original Formula(LI) + (LA) + (RS) + (PC) + (BA) + (HS) + (V) = MLB
STEP Translation
S — Sustainability
Ability to anchor a defense long-term.
“Can this MLB survive modern spread football?”
T — Technique
Mental processing and coverage discipline.
“Is this MLB a processor—or just a hitter?”
E — Execution
Live-play effectiveness.
“Does he finish plays and affect outcomes?”
P — Presence
Physical and psychological impact.
“Does this MLB change how offenses run the ball?”
✅ MLB STEP SUMMARY
🧩 WHY THIS MATTERS (BIG PICTURE)
This keeps every position unique, but:
(OLB & MLB – Position-Specific Translation)
S.T.E.P™ = Sustainability | Technique | Execution | Presence
Each trait feeds one of the four STEP pillars.
🔵 OUTSIDE LINEBACKER (OLB) – STEP FORMULATION
Scout Trout Original Formula
(LI) + (LA) + (ZC) + (MC) + (EB) + (RS) + (MV) = OLB
STEP TranslationS — Sustainability
Traits that project long-term viability, role flexibility, and snap durability.
- Motor & Versatility (MV)
→ High-motor players survive scheme changes and special-teams demands - Lateral Agility (LA)
→ Ability to play in space over time without wear-down
“Can this OLB stay on the field in modern hybrid defenses?”
T — Technique
Refined skill execution independent of raw athleticism.
- Zone Coverage (ZC)
→ Hook/curl drops, spacing, break angles - Man Coverage (MC)
→ Footwork, leverage, route recognition - Linebacker Instincts (LI) (technique component)
→ Read keys, eye discipline, play diagnosis
“Does this OLB understand what he’s doing—and why?”
E — Execution
How effectively traits translate to results in live action.
- Edge Blitz (EB)
→ Timing, angles, sack/pressure creation - Run Stopping (RS)
→ Block defeat, tackling efficiency
“Does production show up when the lights are on?”
P — Presence
Impact on game flow, physicality, and opponent decision-making.
- Motor & Versatility (MV) (presence component)
→ Relentless pursuit, multi-role stress on offenses - Run Stopping (RS) (presence component)
→ Tone-setting physicality in the box
“Do offenses have to account for this OLB on every snap?”
✅ OLB STEP SUMMARY
- S: LA, MV
- T: ZC, MC, LI
- E: EB, RS
- P: RS, MV
🔴 MIDDLE LINEBACKER (MLB) – STEP FORMulation
Original Formula(LI) + (LA) + (RS) + (PC) + (BA) + (HS) + (V) = MLB
STEP Translation
S — Sustainability
Ability to anchor a defense long-term.
- Versatility (V)
→ Ability to shift to OLB, nickel LB, or sub-packages - Lateral Agility (LA)
→ Sideline-to-sideline endurance
“Can this MLB survive modern spread football?”
T — Technique
Mental processing and coverage discipline.
- Linebacker Instincts (LI)
→ Run/pass keys, anticipation - Pass Coverage (PC)
→ Man & zone technique, spacing - Blitz Agenda (BA) (technique component)
→ Disguise, timing, angles
“Is this MLB a processor—or just a hitter?”
E — Execution
Live-play effectiveness.
- Run Stopping (RS)
→ Gap control, tackle success - Blitz Agenda (BA) (execution component)
→ Pressure creation
“Does he finish plays and affect outcomes?”
P — Presence
Physical and psychological impact.
- Hit-Stick (HS)
→ Enforcing will in the box - Run Stopping (RS)
- (presence component)
“Does this MLB change how offenses run the ball?”
✅ MLB STEP SUMMARY
- S: V, LA
- T: LI, PC, BA
- E: RS, BA
- P: HS, RS
🧩 WHY THIS MATTERS (BIG PICTURE)
This keeps every position unique, but:
- ✅ All scores still roll up to a 40-point STEP scale
- ✅ Radar charts stay consistent across positions
- ✅ Recruit → Transfer → Draft evaluations stay aligned
- ✅ Film > offers > hype remains the foundation
2027 TOP LB RECRUIT GUARDIAN HARRIS
LB Guardian Harris
6'4", 220
Fond Du Lac HS
(WI)
GPA - 3.5
TOP 2027 LB RECRUIT
Scouting notes - Top 2027 LB recruit Guardian Harris out of Fond Du Lac High School (WI) is a high-motor defender who brings next-level versatility and disruption to the field. With the ability to track down ball carriers from sideline to sideline, Harris is a force in the run game, using his length, speed, and instincts to close on backs with authority. In pass coverage, he shows outstanding hip fluidity for his size, allowing him to drop smoothly into the flats, undercut routes, and create turnovers with his natural ball skills. Harris is a fundamentally sound tackler who diagnoses plays quickly and attacks the football with relentless tenacity, often seen plowing through lead blockers and setting a violent tone for his defense. He excels at maintaining inside leverage with highly active & disciplined hands while locating runners and finishing tackles & he displays the ability to collapse the pocket when deployed as an OLB or EDGE. His size, physicality, and versatility make him a matchup problem for offenses, as he can seamlessly transition between OLB, ILB, or EDGE roles depending on the scheme. With his disruptive presence, explosive athleticism, and relentless motor, Harris projects as a high-upside recruit with the tools to become a centerpiece of a collegiate defense & a game-changing playmaker at the next level. What makes Guardian Harris even more intriguing as a 2027 prospect is his ability to showcase his elite athleticism on the offensive side of the ball as an H-back/TE. At 6’4”, 220, he is a natural mismatch in the passing game, flashing soft hands and fluid movement when catching the ball out of the flat. His size and speed allow him to quickly turn upfield and pick up chunks of yardage after the catch, making him a dangerous safety valve and a versatile weapon in multiple offensive schemes. Just as impactful is his work as a lead blocker, where his defensive mentality translates into a devastatingly physical style that brutalizes defenders and clears massive lanes for his ball carriers. He engages defenders with explosive power, excellent leverage, and relentless leg drive, finishing blocks with the same intensity he brings to the defensive side of the football. Harris’s ability to line up as a two-way difference-maker not only highlights his rare athletic profile but also makes him one of the most versatile and valuable recruits in the 2027 class, with the potential to impact the game in multiple phases at the next level.
COMBINE STATS
40 yard dash - 4.9
5-10-5 shuttle - 4.47
Bench press - 225 (MAX)
Vertical - 29"
Broad jump - 8'10"
Squat - 385 (MAX)
Deadlift - 405 (MAX)
Clean - 225 (MAX)
CFB programs showing interest - Wisconsin, Michigan State, Minnesota & Austin Peay
Follow Top 2027 LB recruit Guardian Harris on X!
6'4", 220
Fond Du Lac HS
(WI)
GPA - 3.5
TOP 2027 LB RECRUIT
Scouting notes - Top 2027 LB recruit Guardian Harris out of Fond Du Lac High School (WI) is a high-motor defender who brings next-level versatility and disruption to the field. With the ability to track down ball carriers from sideline to sideline, Harris is a force in the run game, using his length, speed, and instincts to close on backs with authority. In pass coverage, he shows outstanding hip fluidity for his size, allowing him to drop smoothly into the flats, undercut routes, and create turnovers with his natural ball skills. Harris is a fundamentally sound tackler who diagnoses plays quickly and attacks the football with relentless tenacity, often seen plowing through lead blockers and setting a violent tone for his defense. He excels at maintaining inside leverage with highly active & disciplined hands while locating runners and finishing tackles & he displays the ability to collapse the pocket when deployed as an OLB or EDGE. His size, physicality, and versatility make him a matchup problem for offenses, as he can seamlessly transition between OLB, ILB, or EDGE roles depending on the scheme. With his disruptive presence, explosive athleticism, and relentless motor, Harris projects as a high-upside recruit with the tools to become a centerpiece of a collegiate defense & a game-changing playmaker at the next level. What makes Guardian Harris even more intriguing as a 2027 prospect is his ability to showcase his elite athleticism on the offensive side of the ball as an H-back/TE. At 6’4”, 220, he is a natural mismatch in the passing game, flashing soft hands and fluid movement when catching the ball out of the flat. His size and speed allow him to quickly turn upfield and pick up chunks of yardage after the catch, making him a dangerous safety valve and a versatile weapon in multiple offensive schemes. Just as impactful is his work as a lead blocker, where his defensive mentality translates into a devastatingly physical style that brutalizes defenders and clears massive lanes for his ball carriers. He engages defenders with explosive power, excellent leverage, and relentless leg drive, finishing blocks with the same intensity he brings to the defensive side of the football. Harris’s ability to line up as a two-way difference-maker not only highlights his rare athletic profile but also makes him one of the most versatile and valuable recruits in the 2027 class, with the potential to impact the game in multiple phases at the next level.
COMBINE STATS
40 yard dash - 4.9
5-10-5 shuttle - 4.47
Bench press - 225 (MAX)
Vertical - 29"
Broad jump - 8'10"
Squat - 385 (MAX)
Deadlift - 405 (MAX)
Clean - 225 (MAX)
CFB programs showing interest - Wisconsin, Michigan State, Minnesota & Austin Peay
Follow Top 2027 LB recruit Guardian Harris on X!
2027 TOP LB RECRUIT KHORI FAULKNER
LB Khori Faulkner
6'0", 210
Baylor School
(TN)
GPA - 3.6
TOP 2027 LB RECRUIT
Scouting notes - Top 2027 LB recruit Khori Faulkner out of the Baylor School in Tennessee is one of the most instinctive and athletic defenders in the 2027 recruiting class. With growing interest from programs like the University of Tennessee, Faulkner projects as a sideline-to-sideline enforcer at the next level thanks to his freakish lateral agility and high football IQ. He excels at quickly detaching from opposing blockers when scraping down the line of scrimmage, allowing him to consistently flow to the football and neutralize outside runs. What separates Faulkner is his ability to diagnose and explode on deceptive plays—especially screens—where he shoots gaps with lightning quickness to erase would-be chunk plays before they develop. In the box, he thrives in one-on-one situations with ball carriers, utilizing a rugby-style tackling technique that ensures efficiency, safety, and consistency in bringing down opponents. His toughness, physicality, and relentless motor make him a tackling machine, while his natural instincts and athletic frame project him as a multi-level linebacker capable of being an impact defender in both run support and coverage. Faulkner’s skill set and competitive edge give him the tools to develop into a Power Five caliber linebacker with high upside. Top 2027 LB recruit Khori Faulkner’s game has shades of Henry To’oTo’o during his early Tennessee years, with the same combination of sideline-to-sideline speed, physical toughness, and instincts against the run. Like To’oTo’o, Faulkner is a tackling machine who thrives inside the box, but what sets him apart is his natural coverage ability. He is extremely fluid when swiveling his hips and sinking into zone coverage, allowing him to blanket the middle of the field and stay balanced when reacting to the quarterback’s eyes. His agility and quick-twitch reaction time give him the ability to undercut passing lanes, creating opportunities for pass breakups and turnovers. This rare coverage skill for a linebacker complements his run-stopping prowess, making him a three-down linebacker at the next level. His combination of toughness, football IQ, and advanced coverage ability mirrors traits seen in Al Wilson, another Tennessee great, who was known for being both a punishing run defender and a savvy coverage linebacker. Faulkner’s versatility and athleticism give him the upside to become a defensive centerpiece at the Power Five level, capable of impacting every phase of the game.
COMBINE STATS
40 yard dash - 4.59
Bench press - 225 (MAX)
Broad jump - 9'7"
CFB offers - Liberty
CFB programs showing interest - Tennessee
Follow Top 2027 LB recruit Khori Faulkner on X!
6'0", 210
Baylor School
(TN)
GPA - 3.6
TOP 2027 LB RECRUIT
Scouting notes - Top 2027 LB recruit Khori Faulkner out of the Baylor School in Tennessee is one of the most instinctive and athletic defenders in the 2027 recruiting class. With growing interest from programs like the University of Tennessee, Faulkner projects as a sideline-to-sideline enforcer at the next level thanks to his freakish lateral agility and high football IQ. He excels at quickly detaching from opposing blockers when scraping down the line of scrimmage, allowing him to consistently flow to the football and neutralize outside runs. What separates Faulkner is his ability to diagnose and explode on deceptive plays—especially screens—where he shoots gaps with lightning quickness to erase would-be chunk plays before they develop. In the box, he thrives in one-on-one situations with ball carriers, utilizing a rugby-style tackling technique that ensures efficiency, safety, and consistency in bringing down opponents. His toughness, physicality, and relentless motor make him a tackling machine, while his natural instincts and athletic frame project him as a multi-level linebacker capable of being an impact defender in both run support and coverage. Faulkner’s skill set and competitive edge give him the tools to develop into a Power Five caliber linebacker with high upside. Top 2027 LB recruit Khori Faulkner’s game has shades of Henry To’oTo’o during his early Tennessee years, with the same combination of sideline-to-sideline speed, physical toughness, and instincts against the run. Like To’oTo’o, Faulkner is a tackling machine who thrives inside the box, but what sets him apart is his natural coverage ability. He is extremely fluid when swiveling his hips and sinking into zone coverage, allowing him to blanket the middle of the field and stay balanced when reacting to the quarterback’s eyes. His agility and quick-twitch reaction time give him the ability to undercut passing lanes, creating opportunities for pass breakups and turnovers. This rare coverage skill for a linebacker complements his run-stopping prowess, making him a three-down linebacker at the next level. His combination of toughness, football IQ, and advanced coverage ability mirrors traits seen in Al Wilson, another Tennessee great, who was known for being both a punishing run defender and a savvy coverage linebacker. Faulkner’s versatility and athleticism give him the upside to become a defensive centerpiece at the Power Five level, capable of impacting every phase of the game.
COMBINE STATS
40 yard dash - 4.59
Bench press - 225 (MAX)
Broad jump - 9'7"
CFB offers - Liberty
CFB programs showing interest - Tennessee
Follow Top 2027 LB recruit Khori Faulkner on X!
TOP 2027 LB RECRUITS
How are College Football Now top 2027 LB recruits rated for the College Football Today national 2027 LB recruit rankings?
2027 TOP OLB RECRUIT ALGORITHM
(LI) + (LA) + (ZC) + (MC) + (EB) + (RS) + (MV) = (OLB)
Linebacker Instincts (LI) - How quickly top 2027 outside linebacker recruit identifies pass or run, as well as overall schematics of play design.
Lateral Agility (LA) - How quickly top 2027 outside linebacker recruit can move from side to side and/or sideline to sideline.
Zone Coverage (ZC) - How quickly top 2027 outside linebacker recruit drops into hook/curl or flat zone coverage and is able to break on the football.
Man Coverage (MC) - How proficient top 2027 outside linebacker recruit operates in man to man coverage. - Bump & Run, WR's, TE'S, RB's out of the backfield.
Edge Blitz (EB) - How quickly top 2027 OLB recruit comes off the edge and as how effective OLB recruit is in blitz packages.
Run Stopping (RS) - How effective top 2027 OLB recruit plays up in the 8 man box. - Also includes tackling ability.
Motor & Versatility (MV) - Chances are if top 2027 OLB recruit plays with a high motor, he will be a highly versatile OLB recruit in the world of College Football Today.
2027 TOP OLB RECRUIT ALGORITHM
(LI) + (LA) + (ZC) + (MC) + (EB) + (RS) + (MV) = (OLB)
Linebacker Instincts (LI) - How quickly top 2027 outside linebacker recruit identifies pass or run, as well as overall schematics of play design.
Lateral Agility (LA) - How quickly top 2027 outside linebacker recruit can move from side to side and/or sideline to sideline.
Zone Coverage (ZC) - How quickly top 2027 outside linebacker recruit drops into hook/curl or flat zone coverage and is able to break on the football.
Man Coverage (MC) - How proficient top 2027 outside linebacker recruit operates in man to man coverage. - Bump & Run, WR's, TE'S, RB's out of the backfield.
Edge Blitz (EB) - How quickly top 2027 OLB recruit comes off the edge and as how effective OLB recruit is in blitz packages.
Run Stopping (RS) - How effective top 2027 OLB recruit plays up in the 8 man box. - Also includes tackling ability.
Motor & Versatility (MV) - Chances are if top 2027 OLB recruit plays with a high motor, he will be a highly versatile OLB recruit in the world of College Football Today.
2027 TOP ILB RECRUITS
TOP 2027 ILB RECRUIT ALGORITHM
(LI) + (LA) + (RS) + (PC) + (BA) + (HS) + (V) = (ILB)
Linebacker Instinct (LI) - How proficient top 2027 inside linebacker reads and reacts to run or pass plays, as well as play-making abilities.
Lateral Agility (LA) - How quickly top 2027 inside linebacker can move from side to side and/or sideline to sideline.
Run Stopping (RS) - How proficient top 2027 inside linebacker is at stopping the run and controlling their gap assignments.
Pass Coverage (PC) - How proficient top 2027 inside linebacker is in man to man coverage on inside receivers and in zone coverage schemes.
Blitz Agenda (BA) - How proficient top 2027 inside linebacker is at disguising blitz and the mayhem ILB is able to create upon blitzing.
Hit-Stick (HS) - How proficient top 2027 inside linebacker is at enforcing his will in the 8 man box. (refer to All-Madden Hit-Stick)
Versatility (V) - Can top 2027 inside linebacker play OLB or other positions on the field, if needed at the College Football level.
(LI) + (LA) + (RS) + (PC) + (BA) + (HS) + (V) = (ILB)
Linebacker Instinct (LI) - How proficient top 2027 inside linebacker reads and reacts to run or pass plays, as well as play-making abilities.
Lateral Agility (LA) - How quickly top 2027 inside linebacker can move from side to side and/or sideline to sideline.
Run Stopping (RS) - How proficient top 2027 inside linebacker is at stopping the run and controlling their gap assignments.
Pass Coverage (PC) - How proficient top 2027 inside linebacker is in man to man coverage on inside receivers and in zone coverage schemes.
Blitz Agenda (BA) - How proficient top 2027 inside linebacker is at disguising blitz and the mayhem ILB is able to create upon blitzing.
Hit-Stick (HS) - How proficient top 2027 inside linebacker is at enforcing his will in the 8 man box. (refer to All-Madden Hit-Stick)
Versatility (V) - Can top 2027 inside linebacker play OLB or other positions on the field, if needed at the College Football level.
2027 TOP LINEBACKER RECRUITS
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2027 TOP LB RECRUIT RANKINGS
The College Football Today top 2027 LB recruit rankings S.T.E.P ratings are released internally for our upcoming 2027 top linebacker recruit rankings release!
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