Opponent Rankings Week: The storylines for the top linebackers in 2025
The Rivals250 for the 2025 class has been updated, and now it’s time to break down each position. Today we continue with the defensive stance and look at four important storylines in the linebacker rankings.
New rankings: Athlete | Cornerback | Safety | Outside linebacker | Inside linebacker | Strong-side defensive end | Weak-side defensive end | Defensive tackle | Offensive tackle | Offensive back | Center | Wide receiver | Tight end | Running back |Multi-purpose back |Pro-style quarterback |Dual-threat QB
Will there be another five-star guard in the class?
Riley Pettijohn joins this update as the first five-star inside linebacker in the 2025 cycle, which includes projected middle and off-ball linebackers. With Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng and Jonah Williams as five-stars at the position, Ohio State has an interesting name to watch this fall.
Georgia oralist Zayden Walker becomes the No. 20 ranked prospect in Rivals250. At 6-foot-3, 225 pounds with a chiseled frame, great first-step quickness and speed off the edge, the Ellaville (Ga.) Schley County blue-chip prospect is something we’re eager to see Senior players.
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Pettyjohn is one of a kind
As a linebacker, Pettyjohn has one of the most impressive junior highlight tapes in the country. Pettyjohn was the centerpiece of one of the area’s top defenses last year at McKinney (Texas) High School in Dallas-Fort Worth, where he showed a demonstrated ability to fill running gaps and cover with exceptional athleticism. Ability on the edge.
Pettyjohn checked more boxes during this period Opponent five stars in Jacksonville. An elite third baseman who can cover, run and pressure the quarterback at a high level, the Ohio State commit is proving to be unique among this position group heading into the fall.
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Owusu-Boateng is about to make a big decision
Owusu-Botning is the top-rated outside linebacker in Rivals250, but he still hasn’t played as his senior season approaches at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. Michigan, USC, Notre Dame and Ohio State are all vying for the talented guard who could make a big splash on Saturday.
Currently, the Irish are emerging as one of the top defensive prospects in the country.
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LSU and Alabama battle
Several of the nation’s top off-ball linebackers in the updated Rivals250 bring some SEC highlights. Behind Pettyjohn heading to Ohio State are LSU commit Charles Ross and Alabama commit Luke Metz.
Miami’s Elijah Melendez, Texas A&M’s Noah Mikhail and another, LSU’s Keylan Moses ) ranks first in that position.
Pettyjohn enters his senior season atop the position rankings, but keep an eye out for the talented SEC’s commitment as they move through their senior seasons. Ross brings electric speed to the high-powered Galena Park (Texas) North Shore defense, and Mays is one of the best all-around linebackers we’ve seen this offseason.
Don’t overlook Moses, either – another LSU back who can cover, make noise around the line of scrimmage and bring a great pass-rushing element.
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