Spring football begins in earnest across the country following Spring Break. The state of Texas is primed for another memorable year at the FBS level in 2024 with the Longhorns joining the SEC and new coaching staffs at Texas A&M, Houston and UTEP. UTSA begins a new chapter without long-time quarterback Frank Harris as rival Texas State appears set for a Sun Belt title run. The Lone Star State is home to 13 FBS programs. 

Dave Campbell’s Texas Football will rank the 10 best players at each position continuing with LINEBACKERS. 

Previous rankings: QB | RB | WR | TE | EDGE | DT 

1. TAUREAN YORK, TEXAS A&M 

2023 production: 74 tackles, 8.5 TFL, 3 sacks, 1 FF

The three-star prospect from Temple overachieved as a true freshman starter for the Wrecking Crew, ending the season on the SEC All-Freshman Team and on the ESPN Freshman All-America list. York was the Dave Campbell’s Texas Football Defensive Freshman of the Year, as well. He’ll be the leader of the defense without Edgerrin Cooper playing next to him. 

2. ANTHONY HILL JR., TEXAS

2023 production: 66 tackles, 8 TFL, 5 sacks, 1 FF

Hill shared 2023 Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year honors after starting six times in 14 appearances. The former five-star recruit from Denton Ryan was a terror off the edge who improved as an off-ball backer as his true freshman season advanced. His versatility is his best weapon, but he’ll start as a middle linebacker for the Longhorns. Don’t be surprised to see him play off the edge on passing situations, however. 

3. BEN ROBERTS, TEXAS TECH

2023 production: 107 tackles, 6.5 TFL, 1 INT, 2 FF

Roberts started in 12 games as a freshman after taking over the starting linebacker spot in Week 2 against Oregon. He led the Red Raiders in tackles and was one of the top freshman linebackers in America. His 107 tackles were the most for a freshman at Texas Tech since 1980.

4. MATT JONES, BAYLOR 

2023 production: 82 tackles, 11.5 TFL, 3 sacks 

Jones started all 12 games in 2023 and led the Bears in tackles and tackles for loss. He also broke up five passes and recorded double-digit tackle numbers in two contests. The return of Mike Smith from injury should make the Baylor linebacker duo a true strength. 

5. AHMAD WALKER, SMU 

2023 production: 65 tackles, 6.5 TFL, 1 sack, 1 FR

A starter in all 14 of SMU’s games last season, Walker led the Ponies in solo tackles with 48 and was second on the team in total tackles. The former Liberty transfer was a PFF All-ACC Team selection who also recorded five pass breakups. Walker and Kobe Wilson form arguably the best linebacker tandem in Texas. 

6. JOHNNY HODGES, TCU

2023 production: 28 tackles, 4 TFL, 2 sacks 

Hodges struggled through multiple injuries in 2023, resulting in a redshirt after playing in four games. As a junior in 2022, Hodges was a key cog in the Horned Frogs defense while registering 87 tackles, including 9.5 for loss and two sacks. He’ll return healthy and ready to spearhead new defensive coordinator Andy Avalos’ defense.

7. JAMAL LIGON, UTSA

2023 production: 62 tackles, 7 TFL 

The multiple-time all-conference selection at linebacker is back for one final run with the Roadrunners. He was second on the team in tackles in 2023 after leading UTSA in that category back in 2022. The linebacker room is crowded thanks to returners and transfer additions, but Ligon is a mainstay who remains a leader on the team. 

8. KAVIAN GAITHER, SAM HOUSTON 

2023 production: 72 tackles, 5 TFL, 1 sack, 1 INT, 2 FF

Gaither played in 10 games last season, finishing second on the team in tackles. He’ll be the leader of the linebacker room as a senior with Trevor Williams no longer on campus. Sam Houston’s defense was the strength of the team last season, and the Bearkats need Gaither and other elder statesmen to lead them to a bowl bid in 2024.

9. MYRON MORRISON, RICE 

2023 production: 80 tackles, 2.5 TFL, 1 sack, 1 FF, 1 FR

A co-captain who earned honorable mention All-AAC honors in 2023 after finishing second on the team in tackles in a career-best 682 snaps. Morrison, who is from nearby Humble Atascocita, has started 18 straight games entering the 2024 season and will lead the linebacker core alongside Chris Conti.

10. NAMDI OBIAZOR, TCU

2023 production: 84 tackles, 6 TFL, 4 sacks, 1 FR 

The converted safety took to the outside linebacker position like a frog on a lily pad in 2023, leading TCU in tackles and sacks. He was second on the team with six quarterback hurries and third with six tackles for loss. Namdi started all 12 games.