Linebacker was one of the most experienced position groups on Mizzou’s defense in 2025, but the unit will look very different in 2026.
The Tigers must replace their top tackler in Josiah Trotter, who moved on to the NFL draft, along with two extremely experienced veterans in senior Khalil Jacobs and sixth-year senior Triston Newson. Rather than asking one player to replicate that kind of production, the coaching staff will likely lean on a committee approach to rebuild the middle of the defense.
There
is still talent in the room, along with a few key additions through the portal that should help stabilize things. However, spring practice will be critical for identifying which players can step into larger roles. Let’s take a look at how the unit shapes up this spring:
The Departures
- Josiah Trotter, Starting linebacker
- Khalil Jacobs, Starting linebacker
- Triston Newson, Back up linebacker
The losses at linebacker are defined by both production and experience. Josiah Trotter was the centerpiece of the unit and led the Tigers in tackles before declaring for the NFL draft. His ability to diagnose plays and consistently finish around the football made him the heartbeat of the defense.
Khalil Jacobs and Triston Newson may not have produced at quite the same level, but both were steady, veteran presences who logged plenty of meaningful snaps. Between them, the three outgoing linebackers combined for 13 years of collegiate experience, including 312 tackles and nine sacks during their combined time in Columbia.
Replacing that kind of leadership and statistical output is not something that happens overnight, which is why the Tigers will be looking at multiple players to help fill the void.
The Returners
- Nicholas Rodriguez (Junior)
- Jeremiah Beasley (Junior)
- Dante McClellan (Sophomore)
- Brian Huff (RS-Sophomore)
- Jason King (RS-Freshman)
Nicholas Rodriguez is the clear headliner among the returners and as one of the spring captains, he appears locked into one of the starting spots. He came on strong during the back half of the 2025 season and had earned a place in the starting lineup by the time November arrived. Rodriguez finished the year with 61 tackles and 1.5 sacks, making him the Tigers’ top returning tackler entering 2026.
Behind him, there are several intriguing options. Jeremiah Beasley and Dante McClellan both possess the athletic tools to compete for significant playing time this spring. Either could push for the second starting spot depending on how the competition unfolds. Brian Huff and Jason King round out the returning group and provide additional depth, though both will need strong springs to carve out consistent defensive roles.
The Newcomers
- Robert Woodyard, Jr. (RS-Junior transfer from Auburn)
- Bobby Washington (RS-Junior transfer from Miami)
- JJ Bush (Four-star Freshman)
The Tigers added a handful of new pieces to the linebacker room, highlighted by the arrival of Robert Woodyard, Jr. from Auburn. Woodyard, Jr. is one of the more exciting additions on the defensive side of the ball, bringing legitimate SEC experience to Columbia. He has 63 career tackles, including 47 during the 2025 season, along with a pair of sacks he recorded last year.
Bobby Washington arrives from Miami with two years of eligibility remaining. While he showed flashes of athletic ability with the Hurricanes, he struggled to break into the regular defensive rotation during his three seasons there. Still, his physical traits give him a chance to compete for playing time and contribute on special teams immediately.
JJ Bush, a four-star high school recruit, rounds out the newcomers. His athletic profile gives him significant long-term upside, but he is unlikely to see major defensive snaps as a freshman. Special teams will probably be his primary avenue onto the field during his first season.
Spring speculation
Rodriguez and Woodyard, Jr. enter the spring as the linebackers with the most proven production in SEC play. Both are expected to handle a large share of the snaps with the starting unit and provide a foundation for the position group moving forward. Still, those two players alone cannot replicate the experience and production lost with Trotter, Jacobs and Newson. The Tigers will need meaningful contributions from the rest of the room.
Beasley and McClellan are among the most important players to watch during spring practice. If either takes a significant step forward, it would give the defense another dependable presence in the middle. Washington could also push his way into the rotation if he adapts quickly after transferring from Miami.
As with several other positions on the 2026 roster, linebacker is a unit built around a mix of proven pieces and potential. Rodriguez and Woodyard provide the early stability, but the overall strength of the position will depend on how well the supporting cast develops throughout the spring and into fall camp.
