Schley linebacker Zayden Walker #3 before a game. Image from @zaydenwalker3 on X

Ranking the top 5 linebackers of the 2025 recruiting class ft. Zayden Walker

Modified Oct 28, 2024 23:47 GMT

High school football in 2024 has been nothing short of exciting. There has been so much talent showcased all over the country. Linebackers are like the commanders of the defense. They can call the defensive schemes and set the tone of a defense.

Here's a look at the top five linebackers of the 2025 class, ranked 1-5.

Top 5 linebackers of the 2025 class

#1, Zayden Walker

Zayden Walker out of Schley County High School in Georgia is a 6-foot-1, 225-pound linebacker with a combination of size and speed. He's quick and does well in the pass rush, getting to the quarterback. Walker also plays running back and is productive on the offensive side of the ball. This season, he has accumulated 71 tackles in 10 games.

Walker is committed to Georgia and is rated as a five-star prospect and the No. 1 linebacker in the 2025 class, according to 247Sports.

#2, Elijah Barnes

Elijah Barnes (6-1, 220) from Skyline High School in Texas is a versatile athlete who can play all linebacker positions and go from sideline to sideline. He has 94 tackles through eight games. Barnes, a four-star prospect and the No. 4 4 linebacker in the country, is committed to the Texas Longhorns.

#3, Madden Faraimo

Madden Faraimo is a defensive end, safety and linebacker for Jserra Catholic in California. The 6-3, 200-pounder is a lengthy player who can use his strength to get past blockers. He plays all over the field. In 2024, he has 72 tackles and an interception.

Madden is rated as a 4-star and the No. 3 linebacker in the country by 247sports. He's uncommitted but the 247Sports Crystal Ball Predictor has him at 100% to Notre Dame.

#4, Riley Pettijohn

Riley Pettijohn plays middle and outside linebacker for McKinney High School in Texas. The 6-2, 220-pounder can read the offense and track the ball carrier out of the backfield well. This season, Pettijohn has 87 tackles, including 5.5 sacks. He's a playmaker.

Pettijohn, a four-star recruit with over 30 offers, has been committed to the Ohio State Buckeyes since July.

#5, Matai Tagoa'i

Matai Tagoa'i (6-4, 190), from San Clemente High School in California, is on the smaller side in terms of weight but has a lot of speed and exceptional coverage. Tagoa'I is athletic and productive in different facets of the defense such as rushing and coverage. Through eight games, Matai has 43 tackles, including three sacks, and a forced fumble.

Tagoa'i, a four-star who is ranked as the country's 14th-best linebacker, is committed to USC.