Tuscaloosa's 2026 Linebacker Surge
The upcoming 2026 high school football season in the Tuscaloosa area is shaping up to be defined by an unusually deep pool of linebackers, with roughly thirty players poised to make their mark on both sides of the ball.
Among them, Bennett Green of Northside stands out after a breakout year in which he logged 126 tackles, added three tackles for loss, recorded two sacks and intercepted two passes, while also rushing for 1,361 yards and 20 touchdowns, showcasing a rare blend of defensive grit and offensive explosiveness.
Brody Abernathy, also from Northside, anchored the defense with 141 total tackles, six tackles for loss, two sacks and contributed a 24‑yard touchdown run on offense, underscoring his versatility as a leader of the unit.
Miles Madden from Hillcrest entered the conversation with 94 tackles, six tackles for loss, three sacks and an interception in Class 7A competition, highlighting his ability to disrupt opposing offenses.
Sawyer Summerlin of Tuscaloosa Academy posted 137 tackles, including 22 for loss, and two sacks last season, establishing himself as a relentless presence in the middle of the field.
Additional standouts include Henry Guthrie of American Christian, who finished with 99 tackles, 15 for loss and eight sacks, and Barrett Jackson, also from American Christian, who tallied 96 tackles, 10 for loss, six sacks and three interceptions. Ryan Crews from Bibb County contributed 125 solo stops, eight tackles for loss and a forced fumble, while Catcher Duncan of Lamar County combined 95 tackles, 10 for loss, a sack and an interception with a 1,255‑yard rushing campaign that produced 14 touchdowns.
Perhaps the most anticipated storyline is the return of Isaiah Brown from Linden, who overcame an ACL injury and is expected to resume his role at linebacker while also seeing time at running back and wide receiver, adding depth and flexibility to his team's lineup.