The 2025 college football season is just a few weeks away. For many elite players around the country, this will be the start of the last year they can put what they’re capable of on film for the NFL teams ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Ahead of the season, sportswriter Phil Steele shared his ranking of the Top 25 outside linebackers who are going to be eligible for the 2026 NFL Draft. It’s a deep group this upcoming year, with massive names highlighting the top of the draft class. This is a group that’s ready to create chaos and harass offenses all next season.
With all of that in mind, here’s how Steele ranks the best draft-eligible outside linebackers. That list starts at the top, with Steele’s current top talent at the position. Of course, there’s always time for players to move up these rankings during the season.
Harold Perkins took college football by storm during his freshman season. It’s been hard at times to live up to that standard, especially as he had his 2024 season cut short due to injury. However, Steele still has Perkins atop his list of outside linebackers in the NFL Draft.
While Perkins was limited to four games in 2024, he’s put up massive numbers over the course of his career. In 31 career games, Perkins has 164 total tackles, 28 tackles for a loss, and 13.0 sacks. He also has two career interceptions, seven passes defended, and seven forced fumbles.
Sep 21, 2024; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi Rebels linebacker Suntarine Perkins (4) rushes during the first half against the Georgia Southern Eagles at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
In just two seasons at Ole Miss, Suntarine Perkins has made himself one of the best players in the SEC, not just one of the best outside linebackers. He’d be made a Freshman All-American in 2023 and a 2024 Third Team All-SEC selection. With another good season, he could be a high pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Through two years, Perkins has played in 26 games. During that time, he has 98 total tackles, 20 tackles for a loss, and 14.0 sacks. He also has an interception, a pass defended, and two fumble recoveries.
A convert from safety to outside linebacker, Sonny Styles has become a key member of the Ohio State defense. After winning the national championship and seeing some severe roster turnover, Styles is returning to the Buckeyes in 2025. There, he hopes to cement his legacy.
In 39 career games and at multiple positions, Styles has put up some impressive numbers. He has 162 total tackles, 17 tackles for a loss, and 8.0 sacks. He also has six passes defended and two forced fumbles in his career.
Georgia outside linebacker CJ Allen has as much raw talent as anyone in the country. Now, with Georgia looking to repeat as SEC Champions and get back to the College Football Playoff, he’s hoping to make his mark felt on the Bulldogs defense. If he does that, then he should also be able to go on to be a high NFL Draft pick following just three college seasons.
In 28 career games, Allen has made 117 total tackles, six tackles for a loss, and 1.0 sack. He also has an interception and six passes defended during the course of his college career.
© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The BYU Cougars found a revelation at outside linebacker in 2024. Isaiah Glasker broke onto the scene and quickly became one of the best in his position in the Big 12, if not the country. If he can build on that next season, then the NFL Draft will likely come calling.
In 21 career games, the majority of Glasker’s production came in the 2024 season. For his career, Glasker has 73 total tackles, 15 tackles for a loss, and 3.5 sacks. He also has three interceptions, four passes defended, and a forced fumble.
Head coach Josh Heupel is often remembered for his offensive prowess. However, in recent years, the Volunteers have become known for their excellent defenses. That’s thanks to players like Joshua Josephs, who have made Tennessee consistently one of the best teams in the SEC.
Joshua Josephs played in 37 games over the course of his Tennessee career. During that time, he has 71 total tackles, 17 tackles for a loss, and 5.5 sacks. He also has six passes defended and three forced fumbles.
Heading into the 2025 season, Gabe Jacas returns as one of the most experienced outside linebackers in the Big Ten. He’s hoping to lead the Fighting Illini to new heights next season. After that, though, he is likely headed to the NFL Draft at one of the key positions at the professional level.
In his previous three seasons at Illinois, Jacas has played in 38 games. During that time, he’s made 140 total tackles, 22 tackles for a loss, and 16.0 sacks. He also has a pass defended and three forced fumbles for his career.
SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK
The Oklahoma Sooners are looking to bounce back in their second season in the SEC. To do that, they’re likely going to look to players like Kip Lewis to help make their defense one of the best in the country. That should help make him someone who the NFL has plenty of interest in moving forward.
In his previous three seasons at Oklahoma, Lewis appeared in 31 games. He has 133 total tackles, including nine tackles for a loss and a sack for his career. On top of that, he has two interceptions, both of which were returned for touchdowns, and a fumble recovery.
Interestingly, Trey Moore is the only player who Phil Steele has in the Top 10 of his outside linebackers eligible for the NFL Draft who transferred. In Moore’s case, he made the jump from UTSA to Texas ahead of the 2024 season. There, he immediately became a key Longhorn on the defensive side of the ball.
Between UTSA and Texas, Trey Moore has played in 45 games. He has 140 total tackles with 46 tackles for a loss and 27.5 sacks. Moore also has an interception, 10 passes defended, and five forced fumbles during his college career.
The Clemson Tigers enter the 2025 season with massive expectations on their shoulders. Much of that has to do with the defense and the veteran talent that Clemson has along the defense. Wade Woodaz, for his part, is a key part of that experience.
Now going into his fourth season at Clemson, Woodaz has played in 39 career games for the Tigers. During that career, he has 131 total tackles, 22 tackles for a loss, and 8.5 sacks. He also has three interceptions, eight passes defended, and four forced fumbles.
Rest of Phil Steele’s best outside linebackers for 2026 NFL Draft
11. Jaylen Sneed, Notre Dame
12. Ernest Hausman, Michigan
13. Stanquan Clark, Louisville
14. Xavian Sorey Jr, Arkansas
15. Kyle Louis, Pitt
16. Eric Genty, USC
17. Tony Rojas, Penn State
18. Jake Golday, Cincinnati
19. Jeremiah Alexander, Clemson
20. Kendal Daniels, Oklahoma
21. Rasheem Biles, Pitt
22. Miles Capers, Vanderbilt
23. Arion Carter, Tennessee
24. Junior Tuihalamaka, Notre Dame
25. George Gumbs Jr, Florida