Texas Tech‘s defense is getting national attention heading into the 2026 season, and nowhere is that more evident than at linebacker. In its ranking of the top 10 returning linebackers in college football, Pro Football Focus placed three Red Raiders in the Top 10, more than any other program in the country. Meantime, the Big 12 Conference has four players in the Top 10, while the SEC has three, Notre Dame has two and the ACC has one.
PFF even went as far as calling Texas Tech’s linebacker corps the best linebacker unit in America entering 2026, a statement that should have Big 12 fans taking notice.
The highest-ranked Red Raider is Austin Romaine, who checks in at No. 3 nationally after transferring from Kansas State. Romaine’s 91.0 PFF grade since 2024 is the highest among all returning linebackers in college football, according to the outlet. PFF highlighted his instincts and production, noting that his 142 plays with first contact on the ball carrier since 2024 lead all linebackers in its rankings.
Coming in at No. 7 is Ben Roberts, who quietly put together one of the best seasons of any linebacker in the country in 2025. Roberts earned a nation-leading 90.5 coverage grade among returning Power Four linebackers and tied for the national lead with four interceptions. PFF also ranked him as the most valuable returning Power Four linebacker from last season based on its wins above average metric.
The third Red Raider on the list is John Curry at No. 9. Curry gives Tech a unique chess piece thanks to his versatility and athleticism. PFF noted that while he has the size of a traditional linebacker, he is often used more like a slot corner because of his movement skills. Curry was also rated as the fourth-most valuable returning linebacker from the 2025 season.
While Notre Dame’s Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa claimed the No. 1 spot overall, the bigger story for Big 12 fans may be Texas Tech’s overwhelming presence throughout the rankings. With Romaine, Roberts and Curry all earning spots in the top 10, the Red Raiders are positioned to field one of the most experienced and productive defensive units in the conference this fall.
The other current Big 12 linebacker to crack the list was Oklahoma State’s Ethan Wesloski, who landed at No. 10. After following head coach Eric Morris from North Texas to Stillwater, Wesloski enters 2026 as the most valuable returning linebacker in the nation according to PFF’s wins above average metric and is expected to be a centerpiece of the Cowboys’ rebuilt defense.
