Linebacker is not the deepest position in California heading into this season, but there are still some talented linebackers in the region.
With the rise of year-round 7-on-7 tournaments and the passing game steadily growing in high school football, linebackers are now asked to do more than ever before. They have to be able to stop the run, play in man and zone coverages and diagnose plays quickly.
There aren’t as many linebackers in California who will be playing at Power 4 schools after high school, but there is still plenty of talent at the position.
Breaking Down the Top 10 Linebackers in California
POSITION PREVIEWS: OL | DL | DBs | WRs | RBs | 2028 QBs
Here are the top 10 linebackers in California to watch in the 2026 season.
Taven Epps
High School: Tustin
Commitment: Oklahoma
Breakdown: Taven Epps led Tustin with 72 tackles, 12 for a loss, 3 sacks, 13 hurries and 8 pass deflections last season. He is one of the better cover linebackers in the state and can overwhelm offensive skill players with his size. Epps can play inside or outside backer and can rush the passer a bit.
Isaiah Leilua
High School: Servite
Commitment: Washington
Breakdown: Isaiah Leilua had 27 tackles, 7 for a loss and a sack for Servite last season and has been named All-Trinity League multiple times. He missed much of his junior season with an injury but had 156 tackles in his first two varsity seasons. Leilua plays downhill with short-area quickness and can shoot the gap before the offensive linemen can pick him up.
Isaiah Phelps
High School: Pacifica (Oxnard)
Commitment: San Diego State
Breakdown: Isaiah Phelps led the state with 232 tackles, 23 for a loss, 4 sacks, 2 forced fumbles and a fumble recovery for a Pacifica team that reached a State championship game. He’s also a running back who ran for 979 yards with 11 touchdowns. Phelps reads his guards well and is often in the backfield before the offensive linemen can bounce to him at the second level. He is a big hitter who can tackle in the box or in the open field.
Josiah Poyer
High School: St. John Bosco
Commitment: USC
Breakdown: Josiah Poyer had 54 tackles, 10 for a loss, 7 sacks and a fumble recovery for St. John Bosco last season and earned First Team All-Trinity League honors. He is the leader of Bosco’s defense that the coaching staff raves about. Poyer moves well laterally and can get downhill in a hurry on blitzes or to stop the run. He has a high football IQ with a motor to match.
Ethan Coach
High School: St. John Bosco
Commitment: Washington
Breakdown: Ethan Coach had 17 tackles, 2 for a loss, a sack and a fumble return for St. John Bosco last season. He had a standout performance at the Battle at the Beach passing tournament this summer and was named MVP at the National Preps Showcase a year ago. Coach excels in pass coverage with his range and takes good pursuit angles to the ball.
Justin Coach
High School: St. John Bosco
Commitment: Washington
Breakdown: Justin Coach had 36 tackles, 2 for a loss and a fumble recovery for St. John Bosco last season. He has a similar skillset as his twin brother and was MVP at the Under Armour Next Camp in 2025.
Allen Kennett V
High School: Servite
Top Offers: Notre Dame, Oregon, Texas, Michigan
Breakdown: Allen “Cinco” Kennett led Servite last season with 69 tackles, 7 for a loss, two sacks and an interception last season. He transferred to Santa Margarita this offseason but went back to Servite to avoid having to sit out five games due to transfer rules. Kennett can play inside or off the edge and often makes plays on the opposite side of the line due to his speed.
Landon Miller
High School: De La Salle
Top Offers: Oregon, Ohio State, Notre Dame, USC
Breakdown: Landon Miller had 38 tackles, 6 for a loss, 2 sacks, a forced fumble and an interception for De La Salle as a sophomore last season. He’s a physical linebacker at the point of attack and moves fluidly. Miller is good in the open field and has a frame college coaches love.
DJ Clanton
High School: Mater Dei
Commitment: New Mexico
Breakdown: DJ Clanton led Mater Dei in tackles last season with 63 and had 2 sacks. He was more of an edge rusher as a sophomore but moved to a traditional linebacker role last season and it was impressive how quickly he learned to play in space. Clanton can play middle or outside linebacker depending on the scheme and can close to the ball quickly.
Jeremy Davis
High School: Helix
Commitment: Fresno State
Breakdown: Jeremy Davis is the best linebacker in San Diego and he led Helix in tackles with 94, had 10 for a loss, 4 sacks with an interception last season. He was a top performer at the Prep Redzone Stock Up Showcase in January. Davis can play inside or off the edge and is a long-strider with good closing speed. He is effective in pass coverage and often plays spy against running quarterbacks.
