As we hit the preview portion of the 2026 FCS offseason, HERO Sports will rank the top returning players by position group.
While what happens on the field and how things finish at the end of the season is what really matters, preseason rankings give fans an idea of which players and teams they should keep an eye on.
Here are the top returning linebackers in 2026.
NOTES:
- These rankings are formed by a combination of on-field production, postseason accolades, PFF grades, and the author’s opinion/FCS knowledge (watching games, knowing what system players are in, strength of opponents, etc.).
- 2026 FBS-to-FCS or non-D1-to-FCS transfers will not be included.
- Top Returning FCS Running Backs
- Top Returning FCS Quarterbacks
Best Returning FCS Linebackers
30. Spencer Rich, UTRGV
29. Geno Calgaro, Stony Brook (transfer from Saint Francis)
28. Jacob Waller, Lindenwood
27. Ja’Wuan Nickson, Eastern Illinois
26. Chase Christopher, Princeton
25. Jordan Franklin, South Carolina State
24. Joe Ollman, South Dakota State
23. Zyion Freer-Brown, The Citadel (transfer from Dartmouth)
22. Gabriel Hardman, South Dakota
21. Zion Rutledge, Chattanooga
20. Danarius Hilliard, Arkansas-Pine Bluff
19. Phoenix Grant, Yale
18. Cullen McShane, South Dakota State
17. Kyree Anderson, East Texas A&M
16. Jaiden Haygood, UTRGV
15. Moses Meus, Rhode Island
14. Chase Van Tol, South Dakota State
13. Anthony Ferrelli, Stony Brook
12. Brodie Carroll, Elon
11. Kenny Olson, Cal Poly
10. Porter Connors, UC Davis
9. Steve Zayachkowsky, Charleston Southern
8. Carter Glassmyer, Richmond
7. Jake Dalmado, Southeastern (transfer from Nicholls)
6. Sean Line, Harvard
5. Cole Taylor, Montana State
Taylor was an unexpected star for MSU’s 2025 defense en route to a national championship. He was inserted into the starting lineup as a sophomore due to injury and flourished. At 6-foot-3 and 230 pounds, he produced at a high level, tallying 107 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, three QB hurries, and two interceptions. Taylor led the Cats in tackles, and he earned a spot on the All-Big Sky Second Team.
4. Rohan Davy, Rhode Island
Davy enjoyed a breakout season last year as just a true sophomore. At 5-foot-10 and 205 pounds, he was a disruptive presence, totaling 101 tackles, 13 TFLs, seven sacks, and five quarterback hurries. He especially stood out against FBS Western Michigan, recording 12 tackles and two TFLs. Davy earned a spot on the All-CAA Second Team while garnering All-American honors from FCS Football Central.
3. Peyton Wing, Montana
Wing is a back-to-back All-Big Sky performer at two schools. In 2024, he totaled 93 tackles and 7.5 TFLs for Portland State. Last offseason, Wing transferred to Montana and became a crucial part of the defense. The 6-foot and 229-pounder notched 78 tackles, 8.5 TFLs, 3.5 sacks, five QB hurries, and four interceptions. Wing earned All-Conference First Team honors and All-American accolades from FCS Football Central and the AP.
2. Mikey D’Amato, Cal Poly
D’Amato was a tackling machine for Cal Poly last season. The 6-foot and 230-pounder finished No. 4 in FCS total tackles (137) and tackles per game (11.4). He also recorded 8.5 TFLs, six sacks, three quarterback hurries, and one interception. D’Amato was named on the All-Big Sky First Team and earned All-American honors from FCS Football Central, Stats Perform, and the AP. D’Amato entered the transfer portal this offseason, but then withdrew his name.
1. Tye Niekamp, Illinois State
Niekamp has had an illustrious career. He’s already a three-time All-MVFC selection and a three-year All-American. Last season was a dominant campaign as Illinois State reached the national championship game. Niekamp led the FCS with 160 tackles, including 16 TFLs, 3.5 sacks, four QB hurries, one interception, and nine pass breakups. He was named the MVFC Defensive Player of the Year and finished No. 8 in Buck Buchanan Award voting. In 2024, the 6-foot-3 and 240-pounder racked up 112 tackles, 11 TFLs, three sacks, four interceptions, and eight pass breakups. And in 2023, Niekamp was named the MVFC Freshman of the Year with 74 tackles, nine tackles for loss, and seven pass breakups.
