​Here are the contenders for the Guardian Foundation Repair top preseason linebacker for the 2026 TSSAA football season. Voters have until noon on July 16 to submit their responses. Jackson Coffey of Grace Christian returns to Grace after finishing the 2025 season as a PrepXtra Third Team selection, compiling 106 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks. Dax Cole of Maryville leads the Rebels’ promising trio of linebackers with 123 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, five sacks, and a fumble recovery. Reece Franklin of Concord Christian ended the previous campaign with 70 tackles, eight tackles for loss, and five sacks. Jennaris Henry of Alcoa posted 43 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries, and a defensive touchdown in 2025, drawing significant recruiting attention with power offers from Tennessee, Michigan, Missouri, Vanderbilt, Arkansas, Louisville, and Virginia Tech. Mason Johnson of William Blount racked up 95 tackles, 29 quarterback pressures, six tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, two pass breakups, and a fumble recovery. Jack Lister of Greeneville made an impact by plugging holes in the defense with 58 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, five pressures, two pass breakups, a sack, a fumble recovery, and a forced fumble. Landon Murphy of Sweetwater collected 101 tackles, three blocked PATs, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, and an interception. Parker Newman of Sevier County, a Duke football commit and PrepXtra Second Team selection in 2025, covered the field with 117 tackles, eight tackles for loss, eight pass breakups, four interceptions, three sacks, three defensive touchdowns, and two fumble recoveries. JP Peace of Maryville, a Tennessee football commit, transferred from West to Maryville after posting 121 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, a sack, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. Carson Pearce of Halls was a PrepXtra First Team honoree and one half of Halls’ star linebacker duo entering 2026, tallying 137 tackles, 23 tackles for loss, seven sacks, two fumbled recoveries, and a forced fumble. Johnny Rosenbalm of Carter led the Carter defense with 123 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, seven sacks, and a defensive touchdown, earning PrepXtra Third Team honors last season. Gavin Self of Halls completes the Red Devils’ elite linebacker core with 151 tackles, eight tackles for loss, four sacks, and a forced fumble. Connor Wheeler of Heritage posted 72 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, two interceptions, a sack, a pass breakup, and a fumble recovery. Wyatt Wilber of Maryville, a Minnesota football commit, accumulated 98 tackles, seven tackles for loss, a sack, an interception, and a fumble recovery. Marvin Wyrosdick of CAK is expected to remain a key component of CAK’s defense after recording 116 tackles and 11 tackles for loss. These players represent a crowded field of defensive standouts who are ready to make an impact as the 2026 season approaches, and fans and coaches will be watching closely as the voting period closes.