The Missouri Tigers are preparing to move forward without one of the cornerstones of their defense. Star linebacker Josiah Trotter announced Thursday that he will forego his final two years of eligibility to pursue a career in the NFL.
Trotter, who began his collegiate career at West Virginia before transferring to Missouri, expressed his gratitude to fans of both programs in a social media post, saying he “will forever be a Mountaineer and a Mizzou Tiger.”
During the 2025 season, Trotter started all 12 games for the Tigers and quickly established himself as a defensive leader. He led the team with 84 total tackles, including 43 solo stops, finishing fourth in the SEC in total tackles. Additionally, Trotter recorded 13 tackles for loss, second on the team, and contributed 7 quarterback hurries, anchoring a Missouri defense that ranked 10th nationally in total defense (allowing 274.8 yards per game), first in first-down defense (187 allowed), 16th in rushing defense (103.3 YPG), 18th in third-down defense (.331), and 21st in scoring defense (19.4 PPG).
Trotter’s accolades include being named a first-team All-SEC selection in 2025, Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year in 2024, and Honorable Mention All-Big 12 during his time at West Virginia. He was also a semifinalist for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award.
Football runs in the family: Trotter’s father, Jeremiah Trotter Sr., played 11 years in the NFL with the Eagles, Redskins, and Buccaneers, while his brother, Jeremiah Trotter Jr., won Super Bowl LIX with the Eagles in his rookie season in 2024.
The Tigers will now face the challenge of replacing a key defensive leader, both in production and on-field presence, as they head into the 2026 season. Trotter’s departure leaves a hole in Missouri’s linebacker corps, but it also presents opportunities for rising stars to step up and continue the program’s strong defensive tradition.
Despite losing Trotter, Missouri still has a core of returning talent, including Nicholas Rodriguez, Jamal Roberts, Cayden Green, and Donovan Olugbade, who will look to lead the Tigers both on and off the field next season under new coaching strategies.
