Justin Buckner, Western Illinois LB: the 2026 season story
Justin Buckner is a sophomore linebacker for Western Illinois (OVC). He ranks 309th of 930 linebackers in Division I by the Player Index, which judges every linebacker on the measures that matter at the position, adjusted for the opponents he faced.
Scouting report
Why it matters. Every measure is set against every ranked linebacker, so a strength here is a strength against the whole position, not just his own team. Justin Buckner's strongest measure is sacks per game at 0.25, 80th of 459 (the average is 0.13). His weakest is interceptions per game at 0.00, 106th of 459 (the average is 0.03).
Season production
Why it matters. Volume is the first sign of how much a coaching staff trusts a player. His tackles per game, 4.4, ranks 261st among 459 ranked linebackers.
Against every linebacker
Why it matters. Volume, efficiency and impact plays can tell different stories: a player can be busy without being effective, or rarely used but dangerous every time. Among ranked linebackers he sits, on average, in the 43rd percentile for volume and 35th for impact.
The season, game by game
Why it matters. Consistency matters to a team: one huge game and five quiet ones is a different season from six solid ones. Over 10 games, Justin Buckner's best came in week 3 against Morehead State and his quietest in week 2 at Wisconsin.
Where he does his damage
Why it matters. The shape of a player's production, not just its size, is what opponents scout.
National and conference
Why it matters. The Player Index puts every linebacker on one scale, adjusted for the defenses or offenses he faced, so a rank here is comparable across conferences. Justin Buckner is 96th of 471 FCS linebackers and 4th of 29 in the OVC. Next up nationally is Harrison Johnson of William & Mary, 0.00 ahead on the index.
Linebackers like him
Why it matters. Players with similar profiles tend to be used the same way, which makes them a quick way to picture his game. His closest match this season is Jaylin Reese of Air Force.
