The linebacker position in the NFL is as divisive as any. From those pass-rush specialists to the old-school thumpers, the linebackers can impact the game in a way most other positions can’t. Continuing our collaborative series, the Last Word writers came together for our official linebacker rankings by division heading into the 2026 season.
ALSO READ: QB | RB | TE | WR | OL | DL
Last Word on NFL’s Official 2026 Linebacker Rankings by Division
AFC North
According to Liam Rebellato
“The top five AFC North linebackers entering the 2026 NFL season feature a combination of elite inside linebackers and outside linebackers. For this ranking, all linebackers are considered regardless of alignment, meaning traditional inside linebackers and outside linebackers are both eligible. The AFC North continues to boast one of the deepest linebacker groups in football with several players capable of taking over games every Sunday…” READ MORE
AFC South
According to Colby Allfrey
“The AFC South is a division full of intrigue heading into this season.
Last season, the Jaguars and Texans made the playoffs with double-digit winning seasons. The Colts started the season 8-2 before losing seven straight to finish 8-9. The Titans lagged behind with a 3-14 record.
The division has a plethora of fascinating storylines heading into 2026, and each team’s play at linebacker will play a huge role in determining who succeeds and who fails.
There is a wide variety of talent at linebacker in the division this year. Some are up-and-coming breakout stars, some are veterans who have sustained their strong play, and others are rookies trying to make an impact in their first year.
The AFC South doesn’t have many household names or any returning All-Pro linebackers this season, but there is still plenty of talent in the middle of the field.
Here are the five best linebackers in the AFC South entering the 2026 season…” READ MORE
AFC East
According to James Gruter
“In football, it is widely accepted that the core of a football team, the position a team cannot live without, is the quarterback. Don’t get it twisted, this is true. However, an unsung position whose importance isn’t talked about enough is linebacker. Oftentimes, these players are in close communication with the defensive coordinator, calling out the plays for the defense. The AFC East linebackers feature some highly talented players. Let’s see where these players rank amongst each other in the AFC East linebackers edition of the LWOS “Best Of” series!…” READ MORE
AFC West
According to Jordan Coburn
“The AFC West has a diverse list of linebackers, which is an extremely important position, especially with how differently each team can use players who play this position. Each team in this division will be tasked with containing one another’s offense, and whoever produces the best core of linebackers in 2026 will most likely be the best in the division. Now it’s time to rank the best linebackers in this division…” READ MORE
NFC North
According to Jason Klingensmith
“There are plenty of great NFC North linebackers heading into the 2026 season.
Even though it is now loaded with explosive offenses, there are still several NFC North linebackers who can have the North live up to its “Black and Blue” nickname from the old NFC Central days. Whether it’s stuffing the run, getting to the quarterback, or creating a game-changing turnover, NFC North linebackers will make their presence felt throughout the season.
The NFC North is set to be possibly the NFL’s best in 2026. All four teams have the talent to become Kings of the North this season. Although the Chicago Bears won the division in 2025, ending the Detroit Lions‘ two-year reign, the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings will likely make the North a legit four-team race all the way until the season’s end.
The NFC North linebackers will certainly have a big say as to who conquers the division this year. Each team boasts at least one LB who ranks as one of the division’s top-five at the position.
Let’s see who they are…” READ MORE
NFC South
According to Alain Pierre
“The NFC South has one of the better groups of linebackers in the NFL. Every team in the division runs a 3-4 defense, which makes comparing players a little different than in other divisions.
Outside linebackers aren’t only asked to rush the quarterback. They also drop into coverage against running backs, tight ends, and sometimes slot receivers. Inside linebackers have to stop the run, cover the middle of the field, and make sure everyone is lined up correctly before the snap. Since their jobs overlap so much, separating them into inside and outside linebackers didn’t make much sense. Instead, this list looks at which linebackers have the biggest overall impact on their defense.
For years, the NFC South was defined by veterans like Lavonte David and Demario Davis. With David now retired and Davis signing with the New York Jets, a new generation of linebackers has taken over, making this one of the most intriguing position groups in the division.
A few good players just missed the cut, but these are the five linebackers who stand out heading into the 2026 season…” READ MORE
NFC East
According to Zach Wolpin
“During the 2026 offseason, several NFL teams made changes to their roster defensively. That was true for a majority of the NFC East. After a down year in 2025, the entire division is eager to bounce back in 2026. Arguably, the most important position defensively is linebacker/edge rusher. They disrupt the quarterback and wreak havoc on the field. Ahead of the upcoming season, who are the top NFC East Linebackers?…” READ MORE
NFC West
According to David Keech
“Linebackers are critical for any defense to succeed, and thirty-one linebackers are enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. From Butkus to Nitschke to Taylor, linebackers have quarterbacked their defenses and put pressure on the quarterbacks. In 2026, the NFC West Linebackers stand out as a top position group for sure.
The top three in the NFC West are clearly head and shoulders above the rest. In fact, this group of five has a good chance of netting at least one future Hall of Famer. Read on to learn more about the Top NFC West Linebackers for 2026…” READ MORE
