Kaden Henderson headlines top 2027 linebackers entering the spring
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Whether it's dropping into coverage or blowing up a run, there aren't many players on a field as versatile than those who line up at linebacker.
Every cycle there are at least a few standout prospects that go on to immediately make an impact at the next level from the linebacker group. This year's class appears to be no different.
As USA TODAY High School Sports continues its scouting focus on the top players from each position group, here's a look at the top 10 linebackers in the 2027 class.
1. Kaden Henderson
School: Jesuit (FL)
Height: 6-1.5
Weight: 218
Commitment Status: Uncommited
Summary: Henderson was selected to both the Under Armour All-American Game and Polynesian Bowl following a standout junior season. In 2025 he registered 49 tackles, 20 quarterback pressures, 13 tackles for loss and nine sacks despite missing five games due to injury.
2. Cooper Witten
School: Liberty Christian (TX)
Height: 6-1.5
Weight: 220
Commitment Status: Uncommitted
Summary: The son of legendary Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten, Cooper is making a name for himself on the other side of the ball. He was one of the Lone Star State's top linebackers in 2025 recording 87 tackles, nine tackles for loss and a pair of sacks.
3. Omarii Sanders
School: Franklin Road Academy (Nashvile, Tenn.)
Height: 6-3.5
Weight: 210
Commitment Status: Vanderbilt
Summary: Sanders was one of Tennessee's top two-way players in 2025 committing to the Commodores on November 29. On defense he led the Panthers with 73 tackles, two interceptions, a sack and a forced fumble.
4. Toa Satele
School: Mililani (Hawaii)
Height: 6-3
Weight: 200
Commitment Status: Uncommitted
Summary: The No. 1 player out of Hawaii, Satele is the son of former Miami Dolphins second round pick. Samson Satele. Toa has made a name for himself with his play by picking up offers from notable programs like Oregon, USC, Michigan, Notre Dame, Texas, Miami, Texas A&M, Alabama and Ohio State.
5. Ja’Bios Smith
School: Swainsboro (Ga.)
Height: 6-3
Weight: 195
Commitment Status: Swainsboro (Ga.)
Summary: Smith started on both sides for Swainsboro as the Tigers made to the second round of the Georgia Class A Division 1 playoffs. He scored 12 touchdowns on offense but made his flashed his college promise defensively recording 72 tackles and eight tackles for loss.
6. Taven Epps
School: Tustin (Calif.)
Height: 6-3.5
Weight: 226
Commitment Status: Oklahoma
Summary: Epps is a recent Sooners pledge committing to Oklahoma on January 10. They're getting a potential star as well as Epps totaled 72 tackles, 13 quarterback pressures, 12 tackles for loss and three sacks during his junior season.
7. AJ Randle Jr.
School: Garner (N.C.)
Height: 6-3
Weight: 210
Commitment Status: Uncommitted
Summary: Randle is a do-it-all player who split times at quarterback, linerbacker, receiver and also shines during the track season. On defense in 2025 he totaled 84 tackles, six tackles for loss, three forced fumbles and an interception in 13 games.
8. Roman Igwebuike
School: Mount Carmel (Chicago, Ill.)
Height: 6-3
Weight: 220
Commitment Status: Uncommitted
Summary: With his stature and explosiveness, Igwebuike already looks like a Division I linebacker. His list of offers is expansive including the likes of Notre Dame, Texas, Tennessee, Oregon, Ole Miss, Georgia, Indiana and Ohio State.
9. Brayton Feister
School: Archbishop Hoban (Akron, Ohio)
Height: 6-3
Weight: 230
Commitment Status: Uncommitted
Summary: Feister's regarded as one of the best pure athletes when it comes to the 2027 class. The last two months his list of offers has grown exponentially with teams like Auburn, Notre Dame and Ohio State all extending an offer his way.
10. Kenneth Simon II
School: Brentwood Academy (Brentwood, Tenn.)
Height: 6-2
Weight: 190
Commitment Status: Uncommitted
Summary: Simon is a rising star in the 2027 class who saw his list of offers explode following a standout junior season. He played a pivotal role leading the Eagles to a state championship appearance and tallied a team-high nine tackles in the game.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY High School Sports Wire: Kaden Henderson headlines top 2027 linebackers entering the spring
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