Division I college football players on scholarship are rare in Livingston County, making this year’s list of top linemen in the county more impressive than usual.
Two players on the list have already committed to Division I colleges and another has a Division I offer.
Following is a list of the top five linemen in the county heading into the 2026 season. Practices begin Aug. 10, with the first games being played on Aug. 27.
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1. Jack Carlson, Brighton, senior
Carlson is a three-star offensive tackle who has committed to Michigan State University. He is the 13th-rated recruit among seniors in Michigan in 247Sports’ composite rankings and is No. 60 nationally among offensive tackles.
Carlson, a three-year starter for Brighton, will play left tackle to protect quarterback Dom D’Agosta’s blind side. He is 6-foot-7, 265 pounds and athletic enough to provide mobility up front in some of Brighton’s schemes. Carlson will also see time as a rotational player at defensive end.
“His leadership and example are probably what we’re going to benefit from the most,” Brighton coach Brian Lemons said. “Obviously, he’s got the talent with blocking and things like that. He’s a great example to his teammates and a great leader.”
2. William Tobin, Hartland, senior
Tobin is a four-year starter who has committed to Miami (Ohio) after being pursued by several Mid-American Conference programs.
He has been selected twice to the all-Livingston County first team. After a year off, he returned to wrestling last winter, a move that not only improved his hand-to-hand combat but his fitness.
Tobin is an offensive tackle who will also see time at defensive tackle.
“You couldn’t have more experience than he’s had in high school playing four years at the varsity level,” Hartland coach Aaron Metz said. “He’s taken the next step of leadership. He wrestled this past offseason, which is a big thing for him. He’s a fit kid now. He’s still 295 pounds, but he’s shaped a little different. He’s gotten stronger, a little thicker. He worked on being more agile.”
3. Frank Kanka, Howell, junior
Kanka enters his third varsity season and second as a starter after being a second-team all-county selection.
He has received a scholarship offer from Eastern Michigan University, where sister Emma is heading as a track and field thrower. Older brother Bobby plays for Michigan.
Kanka had 24 tackles, 2.5 tackles for losses, one sack and an interception last season. The 6-2, 250-pounder will also bolster the blocking in Howell’s ground game as a tight end.
“He is moving at an elite level,” Howell coach Brian Lewis said. “He’s really quick right now. He’s taken that next step.”
4. Brennan McLearon, Howell, senior
McLearon is the only returning starter from an offensive line that had the unprecedented honor of being selected collectively as Livingston County Offensive Player of the Year.
He played right guard last season and is moving to left tackle. McLearon was a second-team all-county selection.
“He’s taken a great step in trying to lead our guys up front, which is super exciting,” Lewis said. “He’s gonna be really good. He’s big, physical, nasty, all the things we want.”
5. Graydon Tomblin, Brighton, junior
Tomblin is a rare lineman who is also athletic enough to make the varsity basketball team as a sophomore.
The 6-3, 270-pounder will play defensive tackle. He was a second-team all-county selection as a sophomore, making 23 tackles, two sacks, three tackles for losses and forcing a fumble.
“He makes it really tough on everybody with the things he can do,” Lemons said. “It’s like having a running back up there on the line. He’s a super skilled athlete who happens to be really strong and really big.”
Contact Bill Khan at wkhan@livingstondaily.com. Follow him on X @BillKhan
This article originally appeared on Livingston Daily: Who are the top linemen in Livingston County football in 2026?
Reporting by Bill Khan, Livingston Daily / Livingston Daily
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By Bill Khan, Livingston Daily | USA TODAY Network
