The Enquirer’s latest high school football spotlight shines on the region’s most promising linebackers for the class of 2026, highlighting a mix of seasoned seniors and emerging underclassmen who are already turning heads across Ohio and beyond.
Rising Stars on the Defensive Side
Judah Blair of Lakota West has vaulted to No. 3 in Ohio’s 2028 rankings and already holds 19 Division I football offers, a testament to his elite performance on the field. Pete Fortkamp from Elder contributed 81 tackles last season and is being pursued by both Ohio University and Miami University, underscoring the respect he commands from college scouts.
Derrick Jeffries of Princeton, the second‑leading returner in the Greater Miami Conference with 100 tackles, has secured eight Division I prospects, while Tyler Johnson‑Huff from Wyoming tops the Cincinnati Hills League with 132 tackles and a commitment to Central Michigan University, blending statistical dominance with a clear collegiate destination.
Other notable performers include Windon Lowe of Talawanda, Cash Myers of Covington Catholic, Jojo Pouncy of North College Hill, Brad Roaden of Dixie Heights, Lincoln Tomlinson of Lloyd Memorial and Sam Whitcomb of McNicholas, each of whom posted impressive tackle numbers, earned all‑area honors and attracted attention from a variety of programs.
Voting Open for the Region’s Best
The Enquirer invites readers to weigh in on who deserves the crown of top linebacker, urging votes in an interactive poll that will shape the conversation heading into the next season and highlight the community’s investment in these young athletes.
Beyond raw statistics, these players share a common thread of work ethic, coachability and a desire to continue their careers at the collegiate level, a narrative that resonates with local fans, coaches and recruiters alike, promising a vibrant future for high school football in Greater Cincinnati.