Leighton Burbach
6′8″ · 280 lb · Norfolk, NE · Norfolk Catholic
Where he comes from
- Norfolk, NE
- Norfolk Catholic
- About 500 miles from Lanny and Sharon Martin Stadium
- Three-star recruit, No. 804 nationally in the 2026 class, rating 0.8778.
Where he fits
Northwestern lists 26 offensive linemen this season.
His line is 13th in the country in passing-downs success rate this season (a team number, not his).
Northwestern’s week
- RecordNorthwestern is 5-1, No. 24 in the AP poll (week 8).
- Next gameat Oregon · Sat Oct 31
Players like him
Same class and position
From Norfolk Catholic
Also from Norfolk, NE
News and fans
No outlet on our list has written about him by name this season.
Where to follow him
Awards
A three-star recruit at offensive line for Northwestern -- now graded to hold down a real starting-caliber role.
Offensive line play doesn't show up in a box score. Here's what actually tells you whether he's good.
The unit he anchors ranks 13th nationally in passing-downs success rate this season. See the full unit breakdown →
Northwestern has produced 3 All-Conference offensive linemen and 1 All-American. 4 have gone on to the NFL Draft since 2021. Peter Skoronski was one of them, an All-American.
Joined Northwestern in 2026
- 2026 Northwestern BraunYear 1 · on the roster, no stat line
- Before collegeSigned with Northwestern in 2026 as a 3-star recruit, No. 804 in the country.
His moves
- Signed with Northwestern in the 2026 class, a 3-star recruit.
His career
2026
- Signed with Northwestern3-star out of Norfolk Catholic