Jeremy Naborne‑Owens, a senior linebacker from Corona, California, has quickly become the centerpiece of excitement for the Nevada Wolf Pack heading into the 2026 season. Ranked ninth on the team’s importance list, his blend of size, speed and football IQ positions him as a potential anchor for a defense that is looking to rebuild its middle.
A Path Marked by Transfers
After a standout prep career, Naborne‑Owens began his college journey at Fullerton College, where he earned all‑state honors and posted 79 tackles in just 19 games. His performance attracted attention from several programs, and he initially pledged to Colorado State before flipping his commitment to Nevada, where he now hopes to make an immediate impact.
Numbers That Speak
At the FBS level he has appeared in 12 games with four starts, compiling 36 tackles, four tackles for loss and two sacks. Those statistics, while modest on paper, reflect a player who has been gradually earning more responsibility and whose best days may still be ahead.
A New Middle Linebacker Group
Nevada’s coaching staff has assembled a fresh cohort of inside linebackers, emphasizing athleticism and versatility. Alongside Naborne‑Owens, the group includes returning starter EJ Smith and newcomers Jake Silverman and Alosio Maluia, all of whom are vying for the starting nod during preseason drills.
Expectations and Outlook
Coaches and analysts alike see Naborne‑Owens as an impact player who could elevate the Wolf Pack’s defensive front in his rookie year with the program. If he can translate his college production to the faster pace of Nevada’s defense, the team may find the stability it needs at the heart of its defensive identity.
The upcoming season will be a litmus test for the new-look middle of the Wolf Pack. How Naborne‑Owens meshes with his teammates and adapts to the collegiate speed will determine not only his personal trajectory but also the early direction of Nevada’s defensive identity.