The 2026 Mississippi high school football season is poised to kick off, and the Clarion Ledger has compiled a list of the top returning linebackers who will anchor defenses across the MHSAA and MAIS divisions. The newspaper’s rankings, released alphabetically, spotlight players who combined massive tackle numbers with impressive sack totals and forced fumbles, underscoring the depth of talent on the defensive front.
Standout Returners
Among the standouts, Braydon Armstrong of South Jones posted 108 total tackles, 14 for loss, four sacks and two forced fumbles last season, while Rashad Bobo from Lake Cormorant matched that tackle count with 50 solo stops, four sacks and 15 tackles for loss. Devontray Brewer, a Mississippi State commit from Tupelo, recorded 120 tackles and 4.5 sacks, adding 10 tackles for loss, a combination that helped his team contend for a state title. Kaiden Buchanan, also from Tupelo, logged 75 tackles with 13.5 for loss and 6.5 sacks, drawing offers from Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Alabama, Notre Dame and Tennessee. Ayden Coleman, another Mississippi State commit from Louisville, added 84 tackles, 56 solo, 21 tackles for loss and eight sacks, reinforcing the Bulldogs’ recruiting pipeline.
College Commitments
The breadth of college interest — from Mississippi State and Alabama to Notre Dame, Auburn and Ohio State — highlights how these defensive standouts are shaping the next recruiting cycle. Wallyss Curry of Vicksburg tallied 142 tackles, 14 for loss, four sacks and two interceptions, earning a scholarship offer from Alcorn State. Fabian Davenport helped Warren Central capture the MHSAA 6A championship, finishing with 129 tackles, 88 solo, 13 tackles for loss and five sacks. Noah Elam from Hernando contributed 121 tackles and eight tackles for loss, while Frederrick Ford of Greenwood, a Michigan commit, played both linebacker and running back in a 6‑5 season. Titus Fortune of Leake Central logged 153 tackles with 90 solo, two sacks and 10 tackles for loss, drawing interest from UT Martin. Graham Hancock of Starkville recorded 48 tackles, 13 for loss and four sacks, earning offers from Jacksonville State, South Alabama and Nicholls State. Zyrenzo Hayes from Magee averaged 10.8 tackles per game, adding five tackles for loss.
Championship Impact
Several of these players were instrumental in their teams’ championship runs. Braylon Rancifer of Bogue Chitto recorded 174 tackles with 12 for loss, two forced fumbles and two sacks, while Jaxson McRee of Clarkdale posted 161 tackles, 145 solo and 24 tackles for loss, emerging as one of the most prolific pass‑rushers in the state. Bennett McWilliams from Hartfield Academy amassed 115 total tackles, 70 solo, 13 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. OJ Reed from Richton added 124 tackles with 83 solo and six tackles for loss. Gaines Reeves of Jackson Prep logged 78 tackles with 20.5 for loss and 6.5 sacks, attracting interest from Southern Miss and South Alabama. Trevaughn Robinson of Forest County Agricultural recorded 144 tackles, 82 solo, nine sacks and an average of 14.4 tackles per game, with offers from Mississippi State, Auburn, Kentucky and Jackson State. Hampton Smith from Brookhaven helped the team win an MHSAA 5A championship, posting 117 tackles, 12 for loss, an interception and a sack. Quinton Thigpen from Forest Hill led his team with 126 tackles and 11.5 tackles for loss, adding two sacks. Tray Washington of Brandon logged 120 tackles, 25 for loss and eight sacks, drawing offers from Ole Miss, Mississippi State, LSU, Tennessee and Ohio State. Alejandro White of Winona posted 147 tackles, 75 solo, 17.5 for loss, four forced fumbles and two sacks. Corey Wiggins from Madison Central, a Western Kentucky commit, finished with 127 total tackles, 81 solo, five sacks and nine tackles for loss.
Looking ahead, the combination of elite production and high‑profile recruiting interest promises a competitive 2026 season across Mississippi’s football landscape. As these linebackers transition into their senior years, their performances will not only influence their teams’ fortunes but also shape the next wave of college defenses nationwide.