COLUMBIA, Mo. — As Missouri football wraps up its spring practice, one name has stood out in the competition for playing time at linebacker: Josiah Trotter. The West Virginia transfer has quickly asserted himself as a key piece of the Tigers’ defense and is emerging as the frontrunner to start alongside veteran Triston Newson this fall.
A Unit in Transition
Mizzou entered spring practice looking to replace two key contributors from last season:
- Corey Flagg Jr. – Starting LB (Graduation)
- Chuck Hicks – Starting LB (Graduation)
- Brayshawn Littlejohn – Backup/Special Teams (Transferred)
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Josiah Trotter
Head coach Eli Drinkwitz has prioritized experience in roster building, and Trotter fits that mold. The son of former NFL star Jeremiah Trotter, he arrived in Columbia after a breakout season at West Virginia, where he recorded 93 tackles as a redshirt freshman.
Why Trotter Stands Out
Trotter’s instincts, tackling ability, and physicality have made an immediate impact in spring practice. With Newson locked in as the unit’s leader, Trotter has been the most consistent performer among the other linebackers, earning first-team reps in Jacobs’ absence.
Khalil Jacobs, who was expected to challenge for a starting spot, is still recovering from an injury that sidelined him for the second half of last season. Meanwhile, graduate transfer Mikai Gbayor has provided depth but hasn’t made the same impact as Trotter. Young linebackers Jeremiah Beasley and Nicholas Rodriguez are competing for rotational spots, but neither has yet made a serious push for a starting role.
Looking Ahead
With spring practice concluding, all signs point to Trotter solidifying himself as Missouri’s next starting linebacker. If Jacobs returns to full strength, there could be a competition in the fall, but for now, Trotter has taken control of the position battle.
Missouri’s linebacker corps now looks like a strength heading into the 2025 season, with Newson and Trotter leading the way. If spring practice is any indication, the Tigers may have found their next defensive playmaker in Josiah Trotter.
