Josiah Trotter's Transfer to Mizzou Boosted His NFL Draft Stock

The linebacker's time with the Tigers played a key role in his development and rise up draft boards.

Feb. 25, 2026 at 3:26pm

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After spending his first two college seasons at West Virginia, linebacker Josiah Trotter transferred to Missouri for the 2025 season. Trotter said the move to Columbia was "like rolling the ball into the NFL," as he saw a significant boost to his draft stock following a productive year with the Tigers. Trotter, who comes from a family of NFL players, improved his on-field abilities and also gained valuable experience in adjusting to a new team and system - skills that will serve him well as he enters the pros.

Why it matters

Trotter's transfer to Missouri proved pivotal in his path to the NFL. Playing in the SEC against top competition helped elevate his game, while the experience of adapting to a new program prepared him for the frequent transitions professional players face. His family pedigree and young age (just 20 years old) also make him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams.

The details

After an injury in 2023 cost him his true freshman season, Trotter had 93 total tackles at West Virginia in 2024 and 84 at Missouri in 2025. The Tigers' coaching staff and system helped Trotter develop his skills, and he impressed at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine. Trotter is now projected as a first- to third-round draft pick, a significant rise from not even being ranked in the top 250 transfer portal players.

  • Trotter had 93 total tackles at West Virginia in 2024.
  • Trotter had 84 total tackles at Missouri in 2025.
  • Trotter impressed at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine.

The players

Josiah Trotter

A linebacker who transferred from West Virginia to Missouri for the 2025 season, boosting his NFL draft stock.

West Virginia Mountaineers

The college football team Trotter played for during his first two seasons.

Missouri Tigers

The college football team Trotter transferred to for the 2025 season, where he saw significant improvement in his game.

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What they’re saying

“I feel like coming in and transferring to Missouri was almost like rolling the ball into the NFL.”

— Josiah Trotter

“That time in the portal, I'm looking at the SEC, Big 10. You want to go somewhere where you know it's going to prepare you for the NFL. Play NFL (and) college players. I felt that was a place I could go and play on the national stage, play some really big games.”

— Josiah Trotter

“Being a transfer, you're a new guy, having to get to know everybody. So for me, it was almost like almost how I'm gonna have to experience coming to the NFL as a new guy and having to get to know guys, learn the playbook, just kind of create new relationships, become a leader on that team, and whatever aspect that team, and whatever aspect that is.”

— Josiah Trotter

What’s next

Trotter is expected to be selected in the first to third round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

The takeaway

Josiah Trotter's decision to transfer from West Virginia to Missouri proved pivotal in his development and rise up NFL draft boards. The experience of adapting to a new program, along with his improved on-field performance in the SEC, have positioned him as an intriguing young prospect with significant upside at the next level.