Mizzou star linebacker Josiah Trotter announces NFL decision
By David Wasson
Published:
The Missouri Tigers will be losing one of the best components of their defense to the NFL, as linebacker Josiah Trotter announced Thursday that he will forego his final 2 years of eligibility and enter the NFL Draft.
Trotter posted on his X account thanking fans at both West Virginia, where he played in 2023-24, and Missouri for their support – saying that he “will forever be a Mountaineer and a Mizzou Tiger”.
Trotter started all 12 games for Mizzou in 2025, leading the Tigers and finishing fourth in the SEC with 84 total tackles (43 solo). Trotter also was second on the team with 13 tackles for loss that netted 41 yards.
The first-team All-SEC selection also registered 7 quarterback hurries and was an anchor for the Tigers defense that ranked 10th nationally in total defense (274.8 YPG) and first down defense (187), 16th in rushing defense (103.3 YPG), 18th in third-down defense (.331) and 21st in scoring defense (19.4 PPG).
Trotter was named the 2024 Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year and Honorable Mention All-Big 12 at West Virginia and was a semifinalist for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award.
Trotter’s father, Jeremiah Trotter Sr., enjoyed an 11-year NFL career with the Eagles, Redskins and Buccaneers. His brother, Jeremiah Trotter Jr., was a part of the Super Bowl LIX-winning Eagles during first year in the league in 2024.
An APSE national award-winning writer and editor, David Wasson has almost four decades of experience in the print journalism business in Florida and Alabama. His work has also appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times and several national magazines and websites. He also hosts Gulfshore Sports with David Wasson, weekdays from 3-5 pm across Southwest Florida and on FoxSportsFM.com. His Twitter handle: @JustDWasson.
