Missouri Linebacker Josiah Trotter Declares for 2026 NFL Draft

The Missouri Tigers received a major offseason blow Thursday as linebacker Josiah Trotter confirmed he would enter the 2026 NFL Draft, ending his college career after just one season in Columbia. The 20-year-old made the announcement via social media, formally opting to forgo his remaining two years of eligibility.

Trotter becomes the first non-senior from Missouri to declare for the draft and the third Tiger overall for the 2026 class, joining seniors Chris McClellan and Keagen Trost. His early departure marks a significant shift for the Tigers’ defense heading into the offseason.

Trotter began his collegiate career at West Virginia, where he earned Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year honors in 2024 after recording 93 tackles, two pass breakups, and an interception. He also earned Freshman All-American recognition from multiple outlets before transferring to Missouri ahead of the 2025 season.

In his first year with the Tigers, Trotter immediately became a cornerstone of the defense. Starting all 12 regular-season games, he led Missouri with 84 total tackles, ranking fourth in the SEC, while his 13 tackles for loss placed him among the conference leaders. His presence in the middle of the field was felt in both run defense and pass-rush situations.

1. On-Field Production

Trotter’s 2025 season was distinguished by consistent high-level play across multiple areas. He recorded two sacks, 14 quarterback pressures, and posted three games with at least 10 tackles, demonstrating his ability to impact games in critical moments. Pro Football Focus rated him as the third-best run-defending linebacker in the SEC and among the top five in the conference as a pass rusher. His combination of size (6-foot-2, 237 pounds) and athleticism allowed him to dominate at the second level of Missouri’s defense. His leadership extended beyond statistics, with Trotter frequently lining up in high-leverage situations and making plays that shaped the outcome of games. His all-around performance earned recognition from peers and evaluators alike. Trotter’s consistency and versatility made him a key factor for the Tigers, providing stability and production in a defense that relies on playmaking linebackers to succeed in the SEC.

2. Accolades and Draft Stock

Trotter’s standout season did not go unnoticed. He earned First Team All-SEC honors from league coaches and Second Team recognition from the Associated Press. National evaluators also rank him among the top linebackers for the 2026 NFL Draft. CBS Sports listed Trotter as high as No. 74 overall, ESPN ranked him as the No. 6 off-ball linebacker, and Mock Draft Database placed him at No. 107 on its consensus board. Despite missing Missouri’s Gator Bowl against Virginia due to a minor knee injury, his draft stock remained strong. Analysts point to Trotter’s combination of athleticism, production, and versatility as factors that make him a top prospect. His ability to defend the run, pressure the quarterback, and cover space aligns with the evolving demands of NFL linebackers. Missouri now faces a challenge in replacing one of the SEC’s most productive linebackers, as Trotter’s early exit leaves a significant gap in the middle of the defense.

3. Missouri’s Linebacker Outlook

Trotter’s departure, combined with the graduation of Khalil Jacobs and Triston Newson, leaves Missouri with a depleted linebacker corps. Nicholas Rodriguez, who finished second on the team with 61 tackles and added 15 tackles in the Gator Bowl, is expected to assume a leadership role in 2026. The Tigers still have depth returning in Jeremiah Beasley, Brian Huff, Dante McClellan, and Jason King, along with incoming freshmen JJ Bush and Keenan Harris. The combination of experience and youth will be critical as the team looks to maintain stability in the middle of its defense. With the transfer portal opening Jan. 2, Missouri is expected to explore additional options to fill the void left by Trotter. Acquiring a proven playmaker or a high-upside recruit could help offset the loss of a player who produced at an elite SEC level. The Tigers’ offseason strategy will be closely watched as they attempt to balance roster turnover with maintaining a competitive defense in one of college football’s toughest conferences.