Spring football is on the horizon for the 13 FBS programs in the state of Texas. That means it is time to shift focus forward and rank the 10 best players at each position across the state, continuing with linebackers. 

The Lone Star State sent 10 programs to bowl games and two to the College Football Playoff as only Rice, UTEP, and Houston missed out on the postseason after the 2024 season. The 2025 season looks like another big year for the Great State because of the returning talent and added star power from the transfer portal. 

Previous: QB | RB | WR/TE | OL | Edge | DT | 

1. Anthony Hill Jr., Texas 

2024 recap: 113 tackles, 16.5 TFL, 8 sacks 

The former five-star recruit from Denton Ryan has evolved into one of the top linebackers in America over his first two years on the Forty Acres. He’s started 22 times in 30 appearances as he enters his junior season as the unquestioned leader of the front seven in Austin. Hill was a second-team All-American last year and was Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year in 2023. His big-play ability as a pass rusher sets him apart from most other middle linebackers in the FBS. He and Liona Lefau form one of the best linebacker duos in recent Texas history. 

2. Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech 

2024 recap: 112 tackles, 12.5 TFL, 4 sacks

Rodriguez reminded the Big 12 why he carried so much hype into the 2023 season before a season-ending injury in the opener against Wyoming by ending the 2024 campaign as the leading tackler in Texas. He was a first-team All-Big 12 selection and added an interception and three forced fumbles to his tackle total. Fellow linebacker Ben Roberts is another player good enough to make this list. 

3. Keaton Thomas, Baylor 

2024 recap: 114 tackles, 7 TFL, 2.5 sacks

The former JUCO star became the leader for the Bears' defense in Year 1 in Waco. He was a first-team All-Big 12 selection after finishing 25th in the nation in total tackles. All that while wearing a cast. Thomas had 10 or more tackles in four games and returned an interception for a touchdown against Tarleton. Former Baylor analyst and long-time TCU head coach Gary Patterson thinks Thomas is destined for a 10-year NFL career. 

4. Taurean York, Texas A&M 

2024 recap: 82 tackles, 9.5 TFL, 2 sacks 

York is one of the best leaders in college football, illustrated by being named a team captain at Texas A&M before his 20th birthday. He’s started all 26 games of his college career and was second on the team in 2024 with 9.5 tackles for loss. He’s overperformed his three-star status out of Temple High School and is one of the best run-stuffing linebackers in the SEC. 

5. Namdi Obiazor, TCU 

2024 recap: 81 tackles, 6.5 TFL, 2.5 sacks

Obiazor has racked up 165 tackles over the last two years as a starting linebacker for the Frogs. He began his college career as a safety who transferred to TCU from Iowa Western Community College. Obiazor has bulked up to 220 pounds and is a consistent and productive Big 12 linebacker. He led the Horned Frogs in tackles in 2023 and was second on the team in that category last year. 

6. Travion Barnes, Baylor 

2024 recap: 129 tackles, 10.5 TFL, 3 sacks 

The FIU transfer was the Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year after posting video game numbers at linebacker in 2024. He’ll pair with Thomas to form the top linebacker duo in the Big 12. He also added two interceptions. Barnes was the fifth-leading tackler in FBS last year. 

7. Alexander Kilgore, SMU

2024 recap: 56 tackles, 3 TFL, 1 sack

Kilgore is ready to become an every-down starter for the Ponies after spending his first two years on the Hilltop as a reserve behind linebacker stalwarts Kobe Wilson and Ahmad Walker. The Katy Paetow product has played in 28 games over his first two years at SMU, including a five-tackle performance in the College Football Playoff game against Penn State. He’s a true breakout candidate in the ACC. 

8. Trey Fields, North Texas

2024 recap: 80 tackles, 6 TFL, 1 sack

Fields arrives from Sam Houston after spending five years with the Bearkats. He became a starter under defensive coordinator Skyler Cassity, who is the new defensive coordinator for the Mean Green and Fields is one of numerous Sam Houston players to follow him to Denton. The 6-foot, 212-pound Sweeny product should slide into a starting spot at the weakside linebacker position. 

9. Ty Morris, Rice 

2024 recap: 65 tackles, 7.5 TFL, 4 sacks 

Morris is a playmaker at the second level who should continue to thrive under new defensive coordinator Jon Kay, a legend in the Houston area after leading Galena Park North Shore to multiple state championships. Morris is from nearby Spring Dekaney. He’s tallied 8.5 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss over the last two seasons for the Owls. 

10. Nate Dyman, UTEP

2024 recap: 85 tackles, 9.5 TFL, 1.5 sacks 

The former Blinn Junior College export played his way into the starting lineup in Year 1 of the Scotty Walden era. Dyman was second on the team in tackles and tied for second in tackles for loss. He also broke up four passes, hit the quarterback three times, and recovered a fumble in 2024.