Linebackers are often viewed as the heart and soul of a defense, and there are plenty of great ones in the Big 12.
There are returners such as Oklahoma State’s Nick Martin and Texas Tech‘s Ben Roberts. But the conference also boasts newcomers such as Arizona‘s Jacob Manu and Utah’s Karene Reid.
Here are the top 10 linebackers in the Big 12 entering the 2024 season:
Big 12 position rankings: Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end
Big 12 linebacker rankings for 2024 season
More: Which Oklahoma State football game is most important this season?
Pierre spent the first two seasons of his career at Florida and three seasons at Texas Tech before he transferred to UCF in January.
The 6-foot- 2 linebacker recorded 66 tackles (1.5 for loss) and recovered a fumble as a senior last season. That was good enough to earn an All-Big 12 honorable mention.
Despite only going 6-7 (3-6 Big 12) last season, Central Florida’s defense allowed the fifth-fewest points per game (25.8). It now adds Pierre, who should contribute right away alongside fellow transfer linebacker Deshawn Pace.
9. Kaleb Elarms-Orr, TCU
Elarms-Orr spent the first three seasons of his career at Cal before he transferred to TCU in December.
The 6-2 linebacker recorded 92 tackles (3.5 for loss) and six pass deflections last season as a redshirt sophomore. He earned a Pac-12 second team selection for his strong play.
Elarms-Orr shouldn’t have any trouble adjusting to Big 12 play with TCU. He’ll form a strong linebacker duo with Namdi Obiazor.
8. Matt Jones, Baylor
Jones is back for his sixth and final season with Baylor.
The 6-4 linebacker has 33 career starts under his belt. He recorded 82 tackles (11.5 tackles for loss) and three sacks as a redshirt senior in 2023, which earned him an All-Big 12 honorable mention.
Jones was one of the few bright spots on a Baylor defense that allowed a conference-high 33.3 points per game last season. He’ll be leaned on heavily once again in 2024.
More: What are Oklahoma State football’s pressing questions as Cowboys open 2024 preseason camp?
7. Karene Reid, Utah
Reid is another experienced player on this list who has made 31 career starts in his three seasons with Utah.
The 6-foot linebacker earned a Pac-12 first team selection as a sophomore in 2022 with 72 tackles (9.5 for loss) and five sacks. He then earned a Pac-12 second team selection last season with 67 tackles (two for loss) and five pass deflections.
Reid’s numbers went down. But with fellow linebacker Levani Damuni expected to miss most of this season due to a lower leg injury, Reid will surely have an even larger role.
6. Namdi Obiazor, TCU
Obiazor spent the first two seasons of his career at Iowa Western Community College, but he has since thrived at the Division I level with TCU.
The 6-3 linebacker recorded a team-high 84 tackles (six for loss) to go along with four sacks as a junior last season. That earned him an All-Big 12 honorable mention and a Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year honorable mention.
Obiazor’s numbers might take a slight dip with Elarms-Orr now in the mix. Still, it’s a duo that’ll cause problems for opposing offenses this season.
5. Ben Roberts, Texas Tech
Roberts only made two appearances as a true freshman in 2022, but he enjoyed a breakout campaign last season.
The 6-3 linebacker recorded 107 tackles (6.5 for loss) and forced two fumbles as a redshirt freshman. He earned a share of the Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year award as a result.
Roberts didn’t just solidify himself as a starter last season. He solidified himself as a top-five linebacker in the Big 12, and he should continue to improve this season.
More: Where does Oklahoma State football rank in Big 12 strength of schedule?
4. Deshawn Pace, UCF
Pace spent the first four seasons of his career at Cincinnati before he transferred to UCF in January.
The 6-2 linebacker led the Bearcats in tackles last season as a senior with 80 (11 tackles for loss), and he also recorded six pass deflections. He earned an All-Big 12 honorable mention.
UCF needs to replace the production of linebacker Jason Johnson, who recorded 115 tackles last season and is now in the NFL. Pace should fill that lead role.
Oliver is a former Edmond Santa Fe standout who has been a consistent contributor for OSU throughout the years.
The 6-2 linebacker has earned an All-Big 12 second team selection in each of his three seasons with the program. He recorded 73 tackles (15.5 for loss) and six sacks as a junior last season.
Oliver earned a spot on the preseason All-Big 12 team. He’ll form a lethal linebacker duo with fellow returner Nick Martin this season.
2. Jacob Manu, Arizona
Manu is the best linebacker to join the Big 12 this season.
The 5-11 linebacker recorded 116 tackles (9.5 for loss) and 6.5 sacks for the Wildcats last season as only a sophomore. He earned an All-Pac 12 first team selection for his strong play.
Expectations are high for Manu as he helps Arizona make the move to a new conference. He earned a spot on the preseason All-Big 12 team.
More: Which Oklahoma State football freshmen to watch in 2024 preseason camp
Martin became a starter for the first time last season, and he never looked back.
The 6-foot linebacker recorded a conference-high 140 tackles (16 for loss) to go along with six sacks as a redshirt sophomore. He earned an All-Big 12 first team selection and a Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year honorable mention.
Martin’s 140 tackles last…
The Oklahoman
