The dust has (mostly) settled from the spring transfer portal and we’re less than 100 days until kickoff of the 2024 season. As the calendar turns to June, Dave Campbell’s Texas Football takes stock at each position room at the 13 FBS programs to provide a feel for how each stack up relative to conference strength. We provide explanations for our top five and then list 6-13 below starting with the linebackers. 

PREVIOUS RANKINGS: QB | RB | WR | OL | DL 

LINEBACKER ROOMS 

1. TEXAS A&M AGGIES 

The players: Taurean York, Scooby Williams, Solomon DeShields, Alex Howard 

The outlook: York is the best linebacker in Texas and one of the top young linebackers in college football. He was an SEC All-Freshman selection in 2023. New head coach Mike Elko brought in reinforements to fill Edgerrin Cooper’s spot with Williams (Florida), DeShields (Pitt) and Howard (Yale). Martrell Harris Jr. and Chantz Johnson are also in the mix. 

2. TEXAS LONGHORNS

The players: Anthony Hill, David Gbenda, Liona Lefau, Morice Blackwell

The outlook: The young bucks are about to take the Texas linebacker room over starting in 2024. The headliner is Hill, a former five-star from Denton Ryan who exceled in his role as a true freshman. He’ll be asked to lead the middle of the defense as a breakout sophomore. Gbenda is an experienced and steady hand, while Lefau and Tausili Akana waited in the wings last season. Blackwell is a stellar athlete with coverage skills and versatility. 

3. TCU HORNED FROGS 

The players: Namdi Obiazor, Johnny Hodges, Kaleb Elarms-Orr, Shad Banks Jr.  

The outlook: Obiazor is back for his second year at linebacker after transitioning from safety in 2023. He’ll move inside in new defensive coordinator Andy Avalos’ preferred scheme. Hodges is back after missing the final eight games of the 2023 season with an injury. The former Navy transfer was instrumental in the Frogs reaching the championship game in 2022. Cal transfer Elarms-Orr can take the unit to the next level. Banks is a plus athlete. 

4. SMU MUSTANGS 

The players: Ahmad Walker, Kobe Wilson, Alex Kilgore, Justin Medlock 

The outlook: We won’t argue too hard with anyone who feels the SMU linebacker room should be higher on this list. Walker and Wilson are both all-conference caliber players with championship pedigree following the 2023 campaign. Kilgore is a talented young player who could breakout in the ACC this season. Medlock, a Utah transfer, has P4 experience. 

5. TEXAS TECH RED RAIDERS

The players: Ben Roberts, Jacob Rodriguez, John Curry, Bryce Ramirez, Miquel Dingle

The outlook: Roberts and Rodriguez are a formidable linebacker duo in the Big 12. Roberts broke out as a redshirt freshman last season while Rodriguez is a consistent force at the second level. Ramirez is considered the spiritual leader of the program. Curry and Dingle are track stars with high upsides. 

BEST OF THE REST

6. UTSA ROADRUNNERS

UTSA is talented enough at linebacker to knock a P4 squad out of the top five because of Jamal Ligon & Co. Brevin Randle impressed in the spring. 

7. BAYLOR BEARS 

Matt Jones leads a group that is being coached daily by Dave Aranda. 

8. HOUSTON COUGARS

Jamal Morris leads a solid linebacker room that includes transfers Michael Batton and Kendre Gant. 

9. TEXAS STATE BOBCATS 

Replacing Brian Holloway is the toughest task facing the Bobcats in 2024. 

10. RICE OWLS

Josh Pearcy is a menace off the edge. Myron Morrison and Chris Conti hold down the middle. 

11. SAM HOUSTON BEARKATS

Losing Trevor Williams hurts, but Kevin Gaither and Sincere Jackson are all-conference level players. 

12. NORTH TEXAS MEAN GREEN

The Mean Green need the linebacker room to make big strides in Year 2. 

13. UTEP MINERS

The Miners brought in some FCS stars who need to quickly adapt to FBS football.