​The Tennessean has ranked the top 20 returning Nashville-area linebackers for the 2026 TSSAA football season, and now it’s your turn to pick the best. Cast your vote for the Ponce Law 2026 Preseason Top Linebacker, with voting closing Thursday at noon. The rankings draw from 2025 statistics, strength of schedule, on-field observations, recruiting interest, and coach feedback, and players are listed by their 2025-26 grade.
Noah Anliker of Grace Christian, a senior, logged 103 tackles, eight tackles for loss, two interceptions, two fumble recoveries, and one forced fumble. He was recognized as The Tennessean Athlete of the Week, presented by Ponce Law. Ponce Law is also pleased to offer the 2026 Perspectives Scholarship to support students’ educational journeys; learn more about that opportunity.
Chevy Armour of Oakland, a senior standing 5-10 and 190 pounds, earned second-team DNJ All-Area honors, recording 59 tackles, seven TFLs, 1.5 sacks, six hurries, and two interceptions.
Colby Barone of Lipscomb Academy, a senior who transferred from Independence, posted 107 tackles, six TFLs, and two forced fumbles.
Isaiah Boles of Blackman, a senior, led Blackman with 68 tackles and added six TFLs, two sacks, and one forced fumble as a junior.
Carsen Carter of Lincoln County, a senior, achieved 107 tackles, 10 TFLs, two forced fumbles, two blocked extra points, one blocked punt, and a defensive touchdown.
Mannie Fentress of Battle Ground Academy, a senior, was BGA’s second-leading tackler with 69 stops, 12 TFLs, two sacks, and two interceptions. His college offers include Navy, UT-Martin, Samford, Butler, and Georgia State.
Kwadir Fletcher of Franklin Road Academy, a senior, totaled 62 tackles, five sacks, six TFLs, two interceptions, three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and two defensive touchdowns. His offers include ETSU, EKU, Tennessee State, and UT‑Martin.
Ahvare Galbreath of Clarksville, a senior, earned Region 5-6A Defensive Player of the Year honors, recording 67 tackles, 10 TFLs, two sacks, and a forced fumble.
J’Mari Hall of Columbia, a junior, holds offers from Tulane, Memphis, and more, with 66 tackles, five for a loss, four sacks, two fumble recoveries, and one interception.
Vinny Henry of Friendship Christian, a junior, posted 74 tackles, 21 TFLs, two sacks, one interception, and one defensive touchdown.
Noah Jaeger of Smyrna, a senior, contributed 64 tackles, seven TFLs, two sacks, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, and a blocked kick.
Roman Jennings of Brentwood Academy, a senior and three-star Liberty commitment, compiled 8.5 TFLs, two sacks, two interceptions, one fumble recovery, three pass breakups, one blocked kick, and 53 total tackles.
Colton Johnson of Upperman, a senior and four-star tight end prospect with offers from Alabama and Ohio State, totaled 147 tackles, five TFLs, one sack, and one forced fumble, earning recognition as a TSWA All-State pick for improved SEO.