Who is Southwest Florida's best linebacker? There is certainly no shortage of quality players to choose from entering the 2026 high school football season. The area's top LBs are a mix of familiar faces and up-and-comers. Here's our list of the area's best linebackers entering the 2026 season in alphabetical order. But we'll give you a turn to decide which one is the best. The poll closes at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 19. To vote, scroll to the bottom or CLICK HERE Get discount to stream high school games on NFHS Network Antonio Amato, St. John Neumann
The 5-foot-11, 220-pound senior is one of the leaders in the middle of the Celtics' defense, racking up 57 total tackles (nine for loss), four sacks, one interception, two fumble recoveries, two pass breakups and one forced fumble last season. He is committed to Marist. Miguel Clarke Jr., Riverdale
The 5-foot-11, 185-pound senior had 98 tackles (22 for loss), six sacks, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble for the Raiders last year. Bryson Colyer, Cape Coral The 6-foot, 210-pound senior comes over from Fort Myers after leading the Green Wave with 78 tackles last season. Cloudy Dorjuste, Dunbar
The 5-foot-10, 185-pound linebacker posted 58 tackles his sophomore season and 83 tackles as a junior. Jelani Georges, Naples
The 5-foot-8, 180-pound senior posted 71 tackles (four for a loss) last season along with four sacks, three forced fumbles and an interception. Ky'moni Gordon, Riverdale
The linebacker posted 121 tackles, 22 tackles-for-loss, six sacks, and three forced fumbles on a Raiders squad that reached the Final Four a year ago. Gordon has reported offers from Southern University and the Citadel. James Hess, Community School The 6-foot-1, 210-pound linebacker contributed as a freshman last year, posting 28 tackles, six tackles-for-loss, four sacks and a blocked punt. Mack Mitchell V, ECS As a junior last season, the Buffalo commit led the Sentinels in total tackles (81), tackles for loss (16), quarterback hurries (8) and sacks (7). Mitchell also was ECS' leading rusher (666 yards) and scored a team-high 10 touchdowns. Jaden Phillips, Community School of Naples
The 5-foot-10, 195-pound sophomore showed out on both sides of the ball for the Seahawks as a freshman and will be counted on at linebacker after posting 30 tackles and a fumble recovery. Phillips has offers from Kentucky, Louisville, West Virginia, Pitt and Delaware State. Wyatt Skinner, South Fort Myers
The 5-foot-10, 170-pound senior led the Wolfpack with 143 total tackles (13 for loss) last year. Skinner also had six sacks, two forced fumbles and one interception.
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: SW FL high school football's 10 top linebackers for 2026. Vote for No. 1