After taking a look at the top Big 12 defensive linemen in the 2026 class, we now shift our focus to the top linebackers in the conference. The Big 12 has plenty of linebacker talent in the 2026 NFL Draft, led by one of the most productive backers in the nation in Texas Tech’s Jacob Rodriguez. The group also features Utah’s Lander Barton, who like Rodriguez carries a fourth-round grade.
Top five linebackers in the Big 12
1. Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech
Preseason NFL Draft Grade: 4th Round
Ideal NFL team: Tennessee Titans
Jacob Rodriguez enters 2025 as one of the most productive defenders in college football. He led the Big 12 with 127 tackles last season, the highest total by a Red Raider since 2002. His high football IQ consistently puts him in the right spot to make plays. He’s also an underrated pass rusher, notching five sacks as a blitzer. With the Tennessee Titans ranked dead last in linebacker play according to Pro Football Focus, Rodriguez would be a smart Day 3 target who could step in and upgrade a weak unit immediately.
2. Lander Barton, Utah
Preseason NFL Draft Grade: 4th Round
Ideal NFL Fit: Indianapolis Colts
Lander Barton is a high-upside linebacker prospect with rare size at 6-foot-5 and 236 pounds and impressive movement skills for his frame. He flashes on tape but needs to clean up key areas of his game to boost his draft stock. Missed tackles and lapses in man coverage have held him back. If he improves in those areas, he could rise above Day 3. With the Panthers potentially looking to move on from Josey Jewell after a disappointing season, Barton could develop into a quality long-term option.
3. Austin Romaine, Kansas State
Preseason NFL Draft Grade: 5th Round
Ideal NFL Fit: Dallas Cowboys
The highest-graded linebacker in the Power Four conferences last season, according to Pro Football Focus, was Kansas State’s Austin Romaine. He earned a stellar 90.8 defensive grade and led the Wildcats with 96 tackles. Romaine checks a lot of boxes for a traditional middle linebacker with his size, closing burst, and football intelligence. But he plays a bit too fast at times, which led to 20 missed tackles in 2024. If Kenneth Murray Jr. continues to disappoint in Dallas, Romaine could be an intriguing Day 3 addition to compete for that middle linebacker job.
4. Isaiah Glasker, BYU
Preseason NFL Draft Grade: 7th Round
Ideal NFL Fit: Arizona Cardinals
Isaiah Glasker is one of the biggest playmakers in this year’s Big 12 linebacker group. He led the conference with 14.5 tackles for loss and added three interceptions, showing his ability to impact both the run and pass game. His biggest drawback as a prospect is athleticism — he lacks ideal fluidity and overall twitch, which limits his upside. That said, he plays with power and shows solid instincts in coverage. The Cardinals are thin at linebacker and could use a physical, high-motor depth piece like Glasker late in the draft.
5. Romello Height, Texas Tech
Preseason NFL Draft Grade: 7th Round
Ideal NFL Fit: Los Angeles Rams
Romello Height is one of the most well-traveled prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft, now at his fourth school with Texas Tech. That lack of stability will be a red flag for some NFL teams and raise questions about fit and development. On the field, Height has tools that fit well in a 3-4 defense, with the Rams being a logical landing spot given their scheme. If he can finally put it all together in Lubbock, he could be worth a flyer in the later rounds.