The 2026 Mizzou Tigers football team’s linebacker group is entering a pivotal season after losing three of its most prominent contributors to the NFL. Josiah Trotter, Khalil Jacobs, and Triston Newson have all signed professional contracts, leaving a void in the defensive front that the coaching staff must now address.
Nicholas Rodriguez, the most experienced returning linebacker, saw his snap count jump from 83 in 2025 to 352, cementing his status as the defensive anchor. He finished second on the team in tackles with 62 and earned high grades from Pro Football Focus for run defense (86.4) and tackling (78.4), making him the natural leader of the unit.
Robert Woodyard Jr., an All‑SEC selection and a second‑round NFL Draft pick in 2025, is slated to start alongside Rodriguez. In his rookie season he recorded 67 tackles, ranked third in the SEC with seven tackles for loss, and added two sacks, bringing a blend of size, speed, and pass‑rush ability to the lineup.
Jeremiah Beasley, who transferred from Michigan to Mizzou in 2024, has shown steady growth. His defensive snaps increased from 34 to 81 in 2025, indicating that the coaching staff sees him as a viable candidate for the third linebacker spot and a potential contributor in sub‑package situations.
A New Era for the Tigers' Defense
The depth chart also includes Brian Huff, a junior from Jonesboro, Arkansas, who has limited playing time but provides valuable depth, and sophomore Dante McClellan, who made an early impact by intercepting a pass in the season opener against Central Arkansas.
Freshmen JJ Bush and Keenan Harris, both highly touted recruits, could see action on special teams and may push for larger roles as the season progresses. Bush arrives as a three‑sport athlete with a strong basketball background, while Harris chose Mizzou over Ohio State, Oregon, and Texas A&M after a standout high‑school career.
Coaches are emphasizing competition in practice, noting that the emergence of younger players will depend on how quickly they adapt to the SEC’s physical demands. With Rodriguez’s leadership and Woodyard’s experience, the linebacker corps aims to maintain stability while integrating fresh talent.