A Milestone for Tarleton State
Yasir Holmes, a former Tarleton State linebacker, has officially signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, becoming the 22nd player from the university to earn an NFL contract. The move marks the fifth addition from Tarleton State to the league in just four years, reinforcing the program’s reputation as a talent incubator.
During the 2025 season, Holmes posted a career‑high 13 tackles for loss, eight sacks and 47 total tackles across 14 games. His disruptive play earned him United Athletic Conference (UAC) Defensive Player of the Week honors after Week 3 and a Second Team All‑Conference nod at linebacker.
A native of Indian Head, Maryland, Holmes brings a blend of size, speed and pass‑rushing prowess that placed him among the top‑50 FCS players and third in the UAC for sacks per game. His statistical line — 13 TFLs, eight sacks and 47 tackles — highlights a rare combination of production and efficiency.
Beyond the numbers, Holmes’ journey reflects a broader trend. After a four‑year stint at Frostburg State, he transferred to Tarleton State and quickly became a defensive anchor, leading his team in several categories while maintaining a strong academic standing.
The Buccaneers’ decision to add Holmes underscores the franchise’s focus on bolstering the pass rush and adding depth at linebacker. Coaches expect his experience in high‑pressure conference play to translate into immediate contributions on special teams and defensive rotations.
Holmes joins a growing list of Tarleton alumni making waves in professional football, including Darius Cooper, E.J. Speed, Benjie Franklin, Devin Hafford, Dominique Martin, Zimari Manning, Tyrell Thompson, Xavier Turner and Dashaun Phillips. Their collective success illustrates the program’s expanding footprint across the NFL.
As the Buccaneers prepare for the upcoming season, Holmes is slated to compete for a roster spot during training camp. His versatility and pass‑rushing skill set position him as a candidate for early‑down situations and sub‑package duties.