As the dust settles on Rutgers football's spring practices, all eyes are turning toward the 2026 season—and the linebacker corps is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing units on the roster. With a blend of seasoned veterans and rising young talent, the Scarlet Knights are building depth at a position that's critical to their defensive scheme. Head coach Greg Schiano's squad typically operates out of a 4-2-5 formation, meaning only two linebackers see the field at a time, so every snap counts.

Leading the charge are three senior linebackers who bring a wealth of experience: Moses Walker, Abram Wright, and Ty Morris. Walker and Wright both showed flashes of brilliance last season despite battling injuries. Walker, who was limited to less than four full games before a season-ending injury against Iowa, still managed to rack up 17 tackles and 2 tackles for loss—a testament to his impact when healthy. Wright, meanwhile, toughed it out through nagging injuries to appear in 11 games, finishing with 58 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, and a fumble recovery. Their college-level experience makes them the likely starters when the season kicks off.

Adding to the mix is Ty Morris, a transfer from Rice who brings a proven track record. Over three seasons with the Owls, Morris appeared in 37 games, tallying 153 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, and seven sacks. His performance earned him an All-AAC honorable mention from the coaches last season, and he's expected to slot right into the rotation.

But the real excitement lies in the pipeline. Behind these veterans, a crop of young, hungry linebackers is ready to compete for playing time. Sophomores DJ McClary, Kamar Archie, John Insinga, and Isaiah Deloatch have been generating buzz as they develop through Rutgers' program. All four saw some action as freshmen, with Archie and McClary—both highly touted recruits—already drawing praise for their college-ready builds. Archie played in six games last season and recorded three tackles, while McClary's promise has fans eager to see what he can do with more opportunities.

With the 4-2-5 defense demanding efficiency from every linebacker on the field, the competition for rotational spots will be fierce. Whether it's the steady hands of the seniors or the explosive potential of the sophomores, Rutgers' linebacker room is primed for a breakout season. For fans looking to rep their favorite players, keep an eye on these names—they're about to become household ones in Piscataway.