Freshman linebacker Joel Sankoh brings championship pedigree and downhill pop to SDSU
Joel Sankoh is a 2026 freshman linebacker at South Dakota State who arrives with real winning DNA: he helped Dowling Catholic win a Class 5A state title in 2025 and finished his high school career with 88 tackles and 13.5 tackles for loss. At 6-foot, 190 pounds, he projects as a quick, active defender who can fit the Jackrabbits’ aggressive linebacker room, though he’s still early in his college development and has not yet built an official college stat resume. If you want a young, physical, high-motor linebacker with upside, he’s a smart name to track.
