Top 10 linebackers in the On3 College Football Impact 300

The On3 Impact 300 ranks the best players in college football entering the 2022 season, with a full release coming in the next few weeks. Prior to the release of the inaugural list – which also factors into the calculation of the On3 NIL Valuation – On3 has revealed the Top 10 returning linebackers.

Clemson stalwart Trenton Simpson leads the way after logging 110 tackles over the past two years. Doubling as an edge rusher, he gives the Tigers a very productive option in the front seven.

These are the 10 most impactful linebackers with less than three months until the 2022 season kicks off.

On3 Impact 300’s Top 10 Linebackers

1. Trenton Simpson, Clemson

Going into his junior season, Simpson is looking to build off a strong first two seasons in college. In two years he has recorded 110 tackles, 10.0 sacks, broken up three passes and forced a fumble. Simpson is one of the big winners in the NIL space, too, ranking No. 40 in the NIL 100 rankings with a $565,000 valuation.

2. Noah Sewell, Oregon

An absolute tackling machine, Sewell has been a vacuum in the middle of the defense for the Ducks. He racked up 106 tackles in 2021 as a second-year player, becoming a Butkus Award semifinalist and first-team Coaches’ All-Pac-12 selection. The former five-star prospect’s NIL valuation is $645,000.

3. Drake Thomas, N.C. State

Earning first-team All-ACC honors last year, Thomas led the Wolfpack in tackles in six of the team’s games in 2021. He can play multiple linebacker positions. He finished 2021 with 99 tackles, 6.0 sacks and three interceptions, and his current NIL valuation stands at $283,000.

4. Troy Brown, Ole Miss

Brown transferred from Central Michigan to Ole Miss after a terrific four-year career with the Chippewas. While at Central Michigan he racked up 216 tackles, 6.5 sacks and five interceptions. He’ll give the Rebels a veteran presence at the second level of the defense.

5. Josh Chandler-Semedo, Colorado

A transfer from West Virginia, Chandler-Semedo started 31 games for the Mountaineers. He had 260 tackles while at WVU, including 110 as a senior in 2021. Taking advantage of a free year of eligibility thanks to COVID-19, Chandler-Semedo’s current NIL valuation is $177,000.

6. Edefuan Ulofoshio, Washington

Ulofoshio is coming off an injury that ended his 2021 campaign midway through, but he’s had plenty of production for the Huskies. Statistically, in half a year last season, he had already put together his most productive year, tallying 51 tackles. His current NIL valuation is $176,000.

7. Carlton Martial, Troy

A former walk-on, Martial has been a three-time first-team All-Sun Belt selection. He led the nation in tackles in the 2020 COVID-19 season. In his career, he’s recorded 242 tackles, 47.0 tackles for a loss, 10.0 sacks, seven forced fumbles, a pair of fumble recoveries and five interceptions.

8. Bumper Pool, Arkansas

Pool is coming off his most productive season, which is saying something considering he’s averaged just fewer than 107 tackles per year over the past three seasons. He returns for a fifth year, providing Arkansas with a reliable stopper in the middle.

9. Jack Kiser, Notre Dame

Kiser had his breakout season in 2021, starting eight games and finishing with 45 tackles, a tackle for a loss, two forced fumbles, two interceptions and a pair of defensive touchdowns. His current NIL valuation is estimated at $142,000.

10. Micah Baskerville, LSU

LSU’s defense got a big lift when Baskerville opted to return for an additional season. He finished the 2021 campaign with a career-high 83 tackles, nine tackles for a loss, three sacks, four passes defended and an interception. His NIL valuation checks in at $159,000.

Check out On3’s Top 10 quarterbacks , Top 10 running backs, Top 10 wide receivers, Top 10 tight ends, Top 10 offensive tackles, Top 10 interior offensive linemen , Top 10 edge rushers, and Top 10 defensive tackles for 2022.