The 2025 Shrine Bowl will feature some of the top linebackers in the 2025 NFL Draft, with names that will be called throughout the three-day event. The 2025 Shrine Bowl roster has cemented itself as one of the best in recent memory. Let’s look at the best linebackers in this year’s event.
Top LBs to Watch in the 2025 Shrine Bowl
5) Francisco Mauigoa, Miami (FL)
Francisco Mauigoa has been a defensive leader for the Miami Hurricanes, where he has pieced together two successful seasons. Over the last two years, the LB has recorded 178 tackles, 29 TFLs, 9.5 sacks, eight passes deflected, and three forced fumbles.
As showcased by his stats, Mauigoa is a tackling machine and is physical and explosive. While he may need some refinement at the next level, at 6’3” and 230 pounds, the American Samoa native has the adequate build, movement skills, and tackling ability to feature in the NFL.
4) Teddye Buchanan, Cal
Teddye Buchanan is a potential sleeper. Predominantly used in coverage, the California Golden Bears’ linebacker has the physical tools and athleticism to shadow routes and lineup against tight ends, a rarity for LB prospects leaving college.
More: Check out our latest 2025 Mock Draft
At 6’2” and 235 pounds, Buchanan is a fluid athlete who plays with anticipation and awareness. He understands route concepts and how to mirror them whilst also having the instinct to attack the run aggressively.
3) Jamon Dumas-Johnson, Kentucky
Jamon Dumas-Johnson will be a Day 3 selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. However, his skill set should translate better to the NFL than his draft position will imply.
The Kentucky Wildcats LB isn’t being talked about enough. Dumas Johnson has explosive short-area movement, linear speed, and pursuit angles to be successful against the pass. Meanwhile, the Wildcats defender also plays with above-average play strength, a natural feel for blockers, and eager physicality against the run.
2) Jay Higgins, Iowa
Instincts, vision, and finishing mentality underpin Jay Higgins’ game. The Iowa Hawkeyes’ LB lacks size, agile movement, and necessary speed. However, he makes up for those deficits by playing with an intense motor and with urgency.
Also See: Top 100 True Freshmen in College Football
Higgins is everywhere on film. He impacts the game on every level, successfully dropping into coverage and getting his hands on the football. The Hawkeyes leader has a high football IQ and proactively anticipates passing opportunities.
1) Chris Paul, Ole Miss
At 6’1” and 235 pounds, Chris Paul plays like a modern-day NFL linebacker. With sideline-to-sideline range, exceptional tackling, and forceful hand usage, the Ole Miss Rebels’ LB can impact all phases of the game.
Rarely missing a tackle, Paul plays with instincts and nuance to deploy correct angles when in pursuit whilst maintaining a natural understanding of space to take away throwing lanes.
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