3rd LB and Starting TE in 2026

[Stuhoo]

Seems to me that there are two positions that are most unknown going into next season.

So, who is the third LB next season? Kaiden Turner? Jeff Otzinger? Zachman as an extra safety, and a larger than usual one?

And, who is the primary TE? Schott with no spring ball? Elmore as a true freshman? True sophs Thiry or Barker?

I’m guessing Turner and Zachman split like Boykin and Isaiah did, and Barker at TE.

[Hovadipo]

I think we’ll play a majority two LB looks. Seems that we played three so much this year because it was impossible to keep one of Jones or Hardy off the field. 

Kind of wonder if we see Ohlinger or Ja’Dyn Williams play some sparingly-used 3rd LB like Hardy was his freshman year. I’m not very high on Turner or Otzinger outside of special teams and emergencies at this point. Maybe one of them will break out though. I think Baldwin can play in the box too. 

[Stuhoo]

56 minutes ago, Hovadipo said:

I think we’ll play a majority two LB looks. Seems that we played three so much this year because it was impossible to keep one of Jones or Hardy off the field. 

Kind of wonder if we see Ohlinger or Ja’Dyn Williams play some sparingly-used 3rd LB like Hardy was his freshman year. I’m not very high on Turner or Otzinger outside of special teams and emergencies at this point. Maybe one of them will break out though. I think Baldwin can play in the box too. 

I think that Haines really likes Turner in pass coverage. He came in on passing downs in the red zone against OSU when the whole defense was healthy.