PFF names Texas A&M junior LB one of the top returning linebackers for the 2025 season
PFF Names Texas A&M Junior LB One of the Top Returning Linebackers for the 2025 Season: The Rise of a Defensive Star
In the world of college football, the preseason is often a time when analysts and fans alike look ahead to the upcoming season, projecting which players will make the biggest impact and which teams are poised for success. Among the players that have been catching the eyes of analysts is Texas A&M linebacker, Blaise Brantley, who has been named one of the top returning linebackers for the 2025 season by Pro Football Focus (PFF). This recognition is significant not only for Brantley but also for the Texas A&M Aggies as they look to continue their ascent in the highly competitive Southeastern Conference (SEC).
Brantley, a junior heading into the 2025 season, is considered a potential game-changer for the Aggies’ defense. With his combination of size, speed, football IQ, and consistency, Brantley has quickly established himself as one of the premier linebackers in college football. His recognition by PFF as one of the top returning linebackers is a testament to his hard work and growth over his first two seasons, and it signals that he is ready to take his game to the next level.
In this article, we will take an in-depth look at Brantley’s rise to prominence, why he is considered one of the top linebackers in college football, what sets him apart from other players in his position, and how he fits into the Aggies’ plans for the 2025 season.
The Rise of Blaise Brantley: Early Years and Recruitment
Blaise Brantley’s journey to Texas A&M began at Lufkin High School in Lufkin, Texas, where he became one of the most highly regarded linebackers in the state. Brantley was a standout from the beginning, earning recognition for his athleticism, speed, and leadership on the field. Throughout his high school career, Brantley racked up impressive statistics, with 130+ tackles in his senior year alone, showcasing his ability to cover ground and make plays all over the field. His blend of size (6’3″, 240 pounds) and athleticism made him one of the most coveted linebacker prospects in Texas, and naturally, his recruitment exploded.
Brantley’s recruitment was fierce, with many top-tier college programs vying for his commitment. However, Brantley’s decision to join the Texas A&M Aggies was one that made sense for him both personally and professionally. The Aggies offered the ideal balance of competitive football in the SEC, a rich tradition, and a pathway to developing under some of the best coaching staff in college football.
The Aggies had already been establishing themselves as a program on the rise, and Brantley recognized the opportunity to be a central piece of their future defense. From the outset, Texas A&M’s coaching staff knew they had secured a player with immense potential, and Brantley quickly settled into the defensive system under defensive coordinator DJ Durkin, who was already looking forward to having a player of Brantley’s caliber in his lineup.
Early Impact: Freshman and Sophomore Seasons
Brantley’s early years at Texas A&M have been marked by significant development. As a freshman, Brantley showed flashes of the talent that made him a highly rated recruit. Though he was still adjusting to the speed of the college game, Brantley quickly became known for his ability to read plays, fill gaps in the running game, and apply pressure on quarterbacks. His presence was felt immediately, as he earned valuable playing time in his first season and made key contributions to the Aggies’ defense.
As a freshman, Brantley finished the season with over 60 tackles, three tackles for loss, and a sack, providing a glimpse of the future star he was becoming. He also demonstrated impressive sideline-to-sideline coverage, a hallmark of great linebackers, and exhibited a maturity beyond his years in understanding defensive schemes. These performances earned him respect among his coaches and teammates, and Brantley’s trajectory continued to rise in his sophomore year.
In his sophomore season, Brantley was an even more significant contributor to the Aggies’ defense, taking on a larger role as one of the team’s primary linebackers. With over 90 tackles, including eight tackles for loss and five sacks, Brantley made it clear that he was no longer just a promising young player—he was becoming one of the top linebackers in the SEC. His ability to impact games both against the run and in pass coverage made him a versatile weapon for Texas A&M.
Brantley’s consistency and ability to stay healthy were key factors in his increased production. He developed into a well-rounded player who could drop into coverage, blitz off the edge, and serve as a force against the run. His leadership on the field began to grow as well, as he became a vocal presence in the Aggies’ defensive huddle, ensuring everyone was aligned and prepared for the next play.
By the end of his sophomore season, Brantley was considered one of the top linebackers in the SEC and was receiving national recognition for his standout performances. His ability to read offenses and make adjustments at the line of scrimmage put him in the conversation as one of the top returning linebackers for the 2025 season.
Why PFF Named Blaise Brantley One of the Top Returning Linebackers
PFF’s recognition of Blaise Brantley as one of the top returning linebackers for the 2025 season is the result of his outstanding production and skillset. The platform evaluates players based on a combination of factors such as tackles, sacks, forced fumbles, coverage ability, and overall impact on games. For Brantley, his statistics, his versatility, and his ability to perform in big moments made him an easy choice for the distinction.
1. Tackling and Run Defense: Brantley’s ability to fill gaps and stop the run is one of his standout qualities. As a linebacker, being able to defend against the run is paramount, and Brantley excels in this area. His size and physicality allow him to shed blockers and make stops in the backfield. He is a constant presence around the line of scrimmage, and his form tackling ensures that he limits gains after contact. In the SEC, where running backs are often hard to bring down, Brantley’s ability to wrap up and secure tackles makes him an invaluable asset to Texas A&M’s defense.
2. Pass Rush and Sacks: In addition to his work in the run game, Brantley is an exceptional pass rusher for a linebacker. His ability to get to the quarterback is something that makes him stand out from other players in his position. In 2024, Brantley totaled five sacks, showcasing his ability to disrupt the quarterback’s rhythm. With the increasing importance of getting after the quarterback in today’s game, a linebacker who can contribute in this area adds another dimension to the defense.
3. Pass Coverage: Brantley has shown significant development as a pass coverage linebacker. While not all linebackers excel in this area, Brantley has demonstrated the ability to cover tight ends, running backs, and even some receivers in the passing game. His athleticism allows him to stay with players downfield and his intelligence helps him read the quarterback’s eyes to make plays on the ball. In today’s pass-heavy college football environment, linebackers who can contribute in both run defense and pass coverage are considered highly valuable, and Brantley has emerged as one of the top linebackers in this regard.
4. Football IQ and Leadership: Brantley’s ability to read offenses and make adjustments is a critical aspect of his game. His football IQ is off the charts, and he often finds himself in the right place at the right time. His leadership on the field is also noteworthy. As a key figure in the heart of the Aggies’ defense, Brantley is responsible for making key calls and ensuring that his teammates are in the correct positions. His presence both physically and mentally helps elevate the entire defense.
5. Consistency and Durability: Another reason Brantley stands out is his consistency. In college football, it’s one thing to have a few great games, but it’s another to be consistently great over an entire season. Brantley has proven to be a durable player, staying healthy and making plays game in and game out. His ability to perform at a high level week after week makes him a reliable and trustworthy asset for the Aggies.
Brantley’s Role in the Aggies’ 2025 Campaign
Heading into the 2025 season, Brantley is expected to play an even more significant role in the Aggies’ defense. With the departure of a few key players from Texas A&M’s defense, Brantley will be counted on to lead the charge. The Aggies will rely on his playmaking ability and leadership to help anchor their defense, especially in the demanding SEC.
As one of the top returning linebackers in the country, Brantley will have the opportunity to be a game-changer for Texas A&M in 2025. Whether it’s getting to the quarterback, defending against the run, or covering pass-catching threats, Brantley’s versatility will allow the Aggies to deploy him in a variety of ways. His ability to make plays on all three downs will be invaluable, and he will be a central figure in Texas A&M’s quest to challenge for an SEC title.
