SPRINGFIELD — High school football is quickly approaching in Missouri, with some of the best linebackers in the state residing in the Springfield area.
Here are 20 linebackers to watch this season from Southwest Missouri.
Xzavion Allen, Parkview
The junior will see an increased role as one of the top defenders for the Vikings. He secured 62 tackles and four sacks last year. He also secured 24 tackles for a loss.
Dillon Azeez, Fair Grove
The sophomore will take the next step in leading Fair Grove’s defense under first-year head coach Josh Evans.
Joe Barr, Hillcrest
The senior will shine at tight end, along with being the team’s leading linebacker. He secured 71 tackles in 2025, and he will look to improve upon that mark this fall.
Braxton Bell, Ozark
Bell had a strong season as a sophomore in 2025. The junior returns as the team’s top
tackler. He secured 95 tackles and 11 tackles for a loss.
Zay Bousquet, Parkview
The senior put together a fantastic season last year. He secured 124 total tackles along with 18 tackles for a loss and four sacks.
Stanley Brice, Ozark
The senior’s athleticism will see him run from sideline to sideline as one of Ozark’s top linebackers this fall. A standout baseball player, Brice is set for a big final season.
Tysyn Clark, Clever
The senior will lead not only the offense but the defense, too. Clark was an all-conference player last season and will be a top tackler this season for Clever.
Aydian Cobb, Marshfield
The senior led the team in tackles last season and will look to be the leader of Marshfield’s defense this season. Cobb was an honorable mention all-conference pick in 2025, too.
Trenten Coleman, Republic
The all-around athlete will feature as a quarterback on offense, while he will also patrol the defense as a linebacker.
Fisher Dedmon, Logan-Rogersville
The Wildcats graduated their top three tacklers from a season ago. Dedmon will look to make the jump as one of the team’s senior leaders this season.
Will Fevold, Ozark
The sophomore is expected to have a big role for Ozark this season. He was tabbed as a linebacker to watch this season by head coach Ray Godfrey.
Michael Hallman, Willard
The senior is one of the team’s linebackers to watch for this season. Hallman will anchor the defense through his physicality and experience.
Justin Harris, Kickapoo
One of the team’s top running backs, Harris will also be a valuable piece to Kickapoo’s defense under first-year head coach Bill Voorhis.
Lucas Kronebusch, Ozark
The senior is another valuable asset to Ozark’s defense that will look to improve upon last year’s 3-8 record.
Gunner Puryear, Willard
The senior’s strength is one of his greatest assets. The standout wrestler will be called to make open-field tackles on a consistent basis.
Weston Weldon, Nixa
The senior finished with 112 tackles to highlight Nixa’s defense last season. Weldon also secured two sacks and an interception in 2025.
Andrew Whiteley, Springfield Catholic
The junior was a second-team all-conference linebacker last season.
Eli Wilson, Kickapoo
The 6-foot-1 senior is one of Kickapoo’s top linebackers to watch for this season. Wilson’s speed and willingness to attack ball carriers will be necessary for a successful Kickapoo season.
Logan Wilson, Fair Grove
Wilson will be focused on holding down the Fair Grove defense, while also playing tight end on offense for first-year head coach Josh Evans.
Liam Wormington, Glendale
The senior is the leader of the defense this season. Wormington's all-conference selection last season, he finished with 54 tackles and a team-high three sacks.
Liam Keating covers high school sports and Missouri State athletics for The Springfield News-Leader. Send stats or information to him at Lkeating@usatodayco.com
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Springfield area's top 20 linebackers to watch for in 2026
