EMU LBs face key spring after season of injuries, missed tackles
The Eagles suffered on defense in large part due to a lack of linebackers, something EMU hopes to avoid in 2026.
It is an important question for a defense that needs to rebound.
Who will be playing linebacker for Eastern Michigan in 2026?
In 2025, the Eagles struggled on defense, particularly against the run and with missed tackles. And a major culprit of those issues happened to be a lack of healthy, playable linebackers as the season went on. Eastern Michigan eventually moved defensive back Bryce Llewellyn into a role closer to the line of scrimmage.
But with a dearth of playable linebackers, the EMU defense suffered. Unseasoned and out of position, the players EMU did play at linebacker struggled to consistently be in the right places at the right time. That lack of sound gap filling and reading and reacting also contributed to the bevy of missed tackles that EMU dealt with.
So, as spring practice arrives for 2026, here’s a closer look at how the Eagles shape up at a position that needs to be better for the defense to improve.
