Rising football star Josiah Trotter is continuing his family's celebrated NFL tradition by declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft, bringing his exceptional defensive skills from the Missouri Tigers to professional football's biggest stage.

The redshirt sophomore linebacker made waves with his announcement on Thursday, Jan. 1, revealing his decision to enter the draft after a standout season in Columbia. Despite having two years of collegiate eligibility remaining, Trotter is poised to make an immediate impact in the professional ranks.

Trotter's remarkable performance with the Tigers speaks volumes about his potential. As the team's leading tackler in 2025, he recorded an impressive 84 total tackles, including 13 tackles behind the line of scrimmage and two crucial sacks. Pro Football Focus recognized his exceptional skills, ranking him as the third-best run-stopping linebacker in the Southeastern Conference and a top-five pass-rushing linebacker.

The young athlete carries significant professional football DNA. His father, Jeremiah Trotter Sr., is a four-time Pro Bowler and Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Famer who spent more than a decade in the NFL. Additionally, his older brother Jeremiah Trotter Jr. was part of the Eagles' recent Super Bowl-winning roster, making this draft entry a true family tradition.

Mock Draft Database currently projects Trotter at No. 107 on its consensus big board, which translates to a potential fourth-round selection. However, his performance during the NFL Scouting Combine and Pro Day could easily elevate his draft stock, given his impressive 6-foot-2, 237-pound frame and demonstrated athletic capabilities.

Trotter's departure represents a significant shift for Missouri's defensive lineup. While sophomore Nicholas Rodriguez will return in 2026, the team will also lose two other core rotation players, Khalil Jacobs and Triston Newson, to eligibility changes. The Tigers are expected to be active in the transfer portal to fill these defensive gaps, with players like Jeremiah Beasley and Dante McClellan potentially stepping into expanded roles.

As Josiah Trotter transitions from collegiate to professional football, he carries not just his own potential, but the proud legacy of a family that has repeatedly demonstrated excellence on the NFL's biggest stage. His journey from West Virginia to Missouri and now towards the professional draft represents a testament to hard work, athletic skill, and generational athletic talent.