2026 LB Preview

[catdaddyp]

Initial Outlook:

This is a unit that lost essentially all of its production to graduation and the portal. Cooper, Summers, Spriggs, and Boswell played just about every meaningful snap in 2025, so now it’s an entirely new cast being asked to fill the shoes of what had been steady linebacker play heading into 2026.

 

Previously, I felt comfortable that linebacker would be in good shape no matter who was playing (due to coach Tibesar). However, that’s no longer where I’m at with the current situation. There are legitimate concerns going into the season due to a lack of FBS experience of every linebacker on the roster. None of the transfers really jump out as all-conference types, and losing Spriggs to the portal feels like a bigger deal at this point.

 

There’s also just the reality that this group may need some time. Multiple players are being asked to adjust to FBS speed at once, and that usually doesn’t come together right away. It wouldn’t be surprising if it takes a few games before things start to settle in and linebacker play improves.

 

Who are the newcomers?

I don’t want to make it sound like there is no talent on the roster - because there is. Nunoo is a transfer from FIU who doesn’t seem to stand out in any one area, but should be able to adequately fill in at both linebacker spots.

 

Jones is built more like a true MIKE and can come downhill in a hurry. He covers ground quickly sideline to sideline and shows a nice burst. In the game I watched, though, he had some issues in coverage as balls kept getting dropped in over him. So that’s clearly an area that needs to improve.

 

Smith looks a bit undersized on film, but he moves well and, like Summers, just seems to find his way to the ball. He wasn’t on campus this spring, but with his JUCO degree already in hand, I’d expect him to arrive this summer.

 

These three should take up the bulk of snaps early in the season.

 

 

What about the returners?

I’m still very high on the potential of Hocker, James, and Reeves. The question is when they’ll be ready to consistently contribute. The talent is clearly there, but it’s a matter of when it starts translating on a week-to-week basis at this level. Their time can’t come soon enough.

 

One freshman:

Curtis has been added to the mix, and like the three young linebackers just mentioned, also has plenty of upside and should be a good one down the road.

 

 

Any other linebackers?

As mentioned in the DL column, Duncan may now be playing linebacker. I haven’t seen any film of him at the position, nor did I see him in the spring, so I can’t really comment on what he’ll bring to the table just yet. My assumption is either the staff likes him enough and believes he can help us there, or the overall play at linebacker hasn’t quite been where it needs to be and Duncan is getting a look as a result. I’m hoping it’s the former.

 

What’s next?

Coach Moorhead said there are still three scholarships available so I wouldn't rule out another linebacker being added if the staff doesn’t feel great about things going into fall camp.

 

Projected Depth Chart:

MLB:

Jones

Hocker

 

WLB:

Nunoo

Smith

 

 

Returners:

Hocker (R. So.)

James (R. Fr.)

Reeves (R. Fr.)

 

In:

Nunoo (R. Sr.) (Florida International)

Jones (Jr.) (JUCO)

Smith (Jr.) (JUCO)

Curtis (Fr.)

 

Out:

Benenge = Albany

Boswell = Texas

Spriggs = Southern Miss

Cooper = Graduation

Summers = Graduation