Wisconsin's Gridiron Gladiators: Vote for the Ultimate Linebacker of 2025!

As the crisp autumn air approaches, signaling the imminent roar of Friday night lights, Wisconsin high school football fans are already buzzing with anticipation for the 2025 season. At the heart of every dominant defense, dictating plays and bringing the thunder, stands the linebacker. These gridiron generals are the backbone of their teams, and the Badger State is brimming with an extraordinary class of linebacking talent ready to leave their mark.

Sports Illustrated High School is igniting the debate and empowering the fans! We’re putting the power in your hands to decide who stands atop the pantheon of Wisconsin's premier linebackers heading into 2025.

This isn't just about raw power; it's about instinct, leadership, and the relentless drive to make game-changing plays.

The field is stacked with athletes who exemplify the very best of high school football. From sideline-to-sideline speed to bone-jarring tackles, these young men are poised to lead their teams to glory.

Let's meet some of the formidable contenders vying for the title of Wisconsin's top linebacker:

Mason Bendinger (Brookfield East): A true defensive anchor, Bendinger brings a relentless motor and an innate ability to find the ball. His impact goes beyond statistics, elevating the entire Brookfield East defense with his consistent pressure and sure-handed tackling.

Cooper Mattes (West De Pere): Mattes is a disruptive force in the middle, known for his ability to shed blocks and make plays behind the line of scrimmage.

His explosive first step and powerful hits make him a nightmare for opposing offenses trying to establish a run game.

Sam Pilof (Middleton): A high-profile talent, Pilof possesses the athleticism and football IQ to dominate any snap. His versatility makes him a formidable threat in coverage, against the run, and as a relentless pass rusher, truly showcasing a complete skill set.

Langston Latham (Kettle Moraine): Agile and impactful, Latham covers a lot of ground and delivers punishing hits that echo across the field.

He's a key reason Kettle Moraine's defense is one to watch, bringing energy and stopping power to every play.

Isaiah Coppage (Marquette University HS): Coppage stands out with his all-around game, demonstrating proficiency in tackling, pursuit, and pass defense. He's a vital piece of the Marquette University HS defensive scheme, capable of shutting down multiple offensive threats.

Drew Borowicz (Eau Claire Memorial): Borowicz is a crucial component of the Eau Claire Memorial defense, showcasing excellent vision and a knack for timely tackles that stop drives dead in their tracks.

His consistency and leadership are invaluable.

Mason Keyes (Sun Prairie East): A strong presence in the heart of the Sun Prairie East defense, Keyes commands attention with his leadership and his ability to read plays and react quickly. He’s the vocal and physical anchor of his unit.

Grant Dean (Notre Dame): Dean is an emerging talent whose explosiveness and football instincts make him a player who consistently makes big plays for Notre Dame.

His speed allows him to chase down plays from sideline to sideline.

Andrew Schmitz (Mukwonago): Schmitz is an integral part of Mukwonago's defensive unit, known for his tireless effort and his ability to bring a physical edge to every down. He embodies the grit and determination required to excel at the position.

Luke Miller (Waunakee): Miller is a dynamic force for Waunakee, possessing the speed and power to make an impact from various defensive alignments.

He’s a true playmaker who can disrupt both run and pass plays with his athletic prowess.

Bo Babich (Whitefish Bay): An athletic and hard-hitting linebacker, Babich brings intensity and a high motor to the Whitefish Bay defense, often found at the center of the action. His relentless pursuit makes him a constant threat.

These athletes represent just a glimpse of the incredible talent ready to shine in Wisconsin.

Every tackle, every sack, every defensive stop will contribute to their legacy. Now, it's time for you, the fans, to make your voice heard! Head over to the poll and cast your vote for who you believe is the top Wisconsin high school linebacker entering the 2025 football season. Let the debate begin, and may the best linebacker win!