Cincinnati’s 2026 Linebacker Room Features Proven Production, Transfer Experience and Hybrid Versatility

The University of Cincinnati enters the 2026 football season with a linebacker room that combines experienced returning starters, productive transfer additions, position flexibility and promising young talent.

Cincinnati must replace Jake Golday, who led the Bearcats in tackles during the 2025 season before beginning his professional career. However, the cupboard is far from empty. Jonathan Thompson returns after recording 74 tackles and a team-high 8.5 tackles for loss, while former safety Antwan Peek Jr. moves into an outside-linebacker role after becoming a Jim Thorpe Award semifinalist.

The Bearcats also added Northern Illinois transfer Filip Maciorowski, who recorded 87 tackles in 2025, and Georgia State transfer Damaine Wilson, a former Sun Belt All-Freshman selection. Returning contributors Simeon Coleman and Montay Weedon give Cincinnati additional players with starting experience.

Under new defensive coordinator Nate Woody, Cincinnati should employ an aggressive and versatile system that asks its linebackers to run, blitz, cover and communicate. Woody arrives after leading Army defenses that ranked among the country’s best in total defense, scoring defense and red-zone defense. Cortney Braswell will continue coaching the inside linebackers, while Adam Braithwaite oversees the outside linebackers.

Early Projected Linebacker Rotation

Outside Linebacker: Antwan Peek Jr. Inside Linebacker: Filip Maciorowski Inside Linebacker: Jonathan Thompson

Primary Rotation: Damaine Wilson, Simeon Coleman and Montay Weedon

This is an early projection rather than an official depth chart. Cincinnati has enough experience to rotate four or five linebackers regularly, especially when accounting for Peek’s ability to align as an outside linebacker, nickel defender, safety or underneath coverage player.

Antwan Peek Jr. — Outside Linebacker

No. 3 | 6-foot-1 | 223 pounds | Fifth Year | Cincinnati, Ohio

Antwan Peek Jr. could be the most fascinating player on Cincinnati’s entire defense.

Peek began his Bearcats career as a walk-on defensive back before developing into one of the Big 12’s most productive hybrid defenders. He played the STAR position during the previous two seasons, combining the responsibilities of a nickel cornerback, safety and linebacker.

Peek recorded 59 tackles, one sack, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery in 2025. He earned recognition as a Jim Thorpe Award semifinalist and received an 85.0 grade from Pro Football Focus, which Cincinnati identified as the highest among Big 12 safeties. He had previously collected 56 tackles and four forced fumbles during the 2024 season.

The son of former Cincinnati standout Antwan Peek Sr., Peek Jr. now enters 2026 officially listed as an outside linebacker. The position change should allow the Bearcats to move him closer to the line of scrimmage without eliminating the coverage responsibilities that helped make him successful.

Strengths

Peek’s greatest strength is his versatility. He can cover running backs, tight ends and slot receivers while also playing downhill against the run. His background in the secondary gives him better coverage awareness than most traditional linebackers.

He is also an aggressive tackler who consistently attacks the football. His seven forced fumbles over the last two seasons demonstrate his ability to create turnovers rather than simply complete tackles.

Peek’s experience should make him one of Cincinnati’s defensive leaders. He understands multiple positions, has played extensively against Big 12 competition and can help communicate adjustments between the linebackers and secondary.

Weaknesses

Peek is smaller than a traditional outside linebacker. At 223 pounds, he could have difficulty disengaging from offensive tackles, tight ends and pulling guards when opponents run directly at him.

His effectiveness will depend on Cincinnati placing him in space and preventing larger blockers from consistently reaching him. Peek is best used as a movable defender rather than a conventional linebacker who remains in the box on every snap.

Professional Future

Peek possesses legitimate professional potential because of his coverage ability, tackling production, special-teams experience and positional versatility.

He may not have the size to become an every-down NFL linebacker, but his skill set could appeal to teams searching for a hybrid safety-linebacker. A strong 2026 season could earn him consideration as a late-round NFL Draft selection or priority undrafted free agent. He would also project as an attractive UFL or CFL defender.

Filip Maciorowski — Inside Linebacker

No. 12 | 6-foot-3 | 235 pounds | Northern Illinois Transfer

Filip Maciorowski arrives in Cincinnati as one of the most important additions to the defense.

After contributing primarily on special teams in 2024, Maciorowski emerged as one of Northern Illinois’ leading defenders during the 2025 season. He finished second on the team with 87 tackles while recording 6.5 tackles for loss and a team-high 2.5 sacks.

Maciorowski produced several outstanding individual performances, including 13 tackles against San Diego State and consecutive 11-tackle games against Toledo and Massachusetts.

His combination of size, production and experience makes him an immediate candidate to start in the middle of Cincinnati’s defense.

Strengths

Maciorowski possesses the frame of a traditional Big 12 inside linebacker. At 6-foot-3 and 235 pounds, he has enough size to take on blockers, finish tackles and operate between the tackles.

His 87-tackle season shows that he can locate the football and remain productive over an entire schedule. He also demonstrated blitzing ability by leading Northern Illinois in sacks.

Maciorowski’s background as a rugby player should help explain his physical tackling style, balance and comfort playing through contact. His experience on multiple special-teams units adds additional value.

Weaknesses

Maciorowski must prove that his production will translate from the Mid-American Conference to the Big 12. Cincinnati’s schedule will place him against faster skill players and larger offensive linemen than he regularly faced at Northern Illinois.

His coverage ability will also be tested. Big 12 offenses frequently force linebackers to defend running backs and tight ends in space, making lateral quickness and recognition especially important.

Professional Future

Maciorowski has the size and tackling production required to attract professional attention. However, he must show that he can cover effectively, handle Big 12 athleticism and become more disruptive behind the line of scrimmage.

A productive season could place him on the radar as an NFL undrafted free agent. His size, special-teams background and physicality would also make him a strong UFL prospect.

Jonathan Thompson — Inside Linebacker

No. 22 | 6-foot-2 | 228 pounds | Fifth Year | Columbus, Ohio

Jonathan Thompson is Cincinnati’s most accomplished returning traditional linebacker.

Thompson started nine games in 2025 and finished second on the team with 74 tackles. He led the Bearcats with 8.5 tackles for loss while adding one sack, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries.

He opened the season with a career-high nine tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, one sack and a forced fumble against Nebraska. Thompson previously recorded 49 tackles, five tackles for loss, two sacks and three pass breakups in 2024.

With Golday no longer in the room, Thompson becomes a leading candidate to wear the communication helmet and organize Cincinnati’s defense.

Strengths

Thompson is an instinctive run defender who diagnoses plays quickly and attacks gaps with confidence. His 8.5 tackles for loss demonstrate that he is capable of making plays before runners reach the line of scrimmage.

He brings extensive experience, having appeared regularly during three consecutive seasons. Thompson understands Cincinnati’s personnel and has already played meaningful snaps against the majority of the Bearcats’ Big 12 opponents.

He also creates turnovers. Thompson has forced and recovered fumbles while displaying enough awareness to contribute in underneath pass coverage.

Weaknesses

Thompson must become more consistent in open-field coverage. Modern Big 12 offenses will attempt to isolate him against faster running backs and slot receivers.

He is productive near the line of scrimmage, but increasing his sack, interception and pass-breakup totals would strengthen his overall profile. Cincinnati will need him to become a complete defensive leader rather than simply a reliable tackler.

Professional Future

Thompson has a realistic opportunity to earn an NFL training-camp invitation. His experience, tackling ability and special-teams potential give him a path as a developmental linebacker.

He will need strong athletic testing and improved coverage production to rise above the undrafted-free-agent range. Thompson would also be a natural candidate for the UFL, where dependable inside linebackers with leadership experience are valuable.

Damaine Wilson — Inside Linebacker

No. 9 | 6-foot-3 | 235 pounds | Georgia State Transfer

Damaine Wilson gives Cincinnati another linebacker with starting ability and significant developmental upside.

Wilson recorded 39 tackles, one tackle for loss and one interception as a true freshman at Georgia State in 2024. He earned honorable-mention Sun Belt All-Freshman recognition after appearing in 11 games.

His 2025 season ended after only three games because of a foot injury, but Wilson still recorded 11 tackles and three pass breakups during his limited action.

If healthy, Wilson could challenge Maciorowski and Thompson for a starting position or become the third inside linebacker in heavier defensive packages.

Strengths

Wilson has excellent size and length for the position. He can disrupt passing lanes, challenge tight ends and use his reach to finish tackles outside his frame.

His three pass breakups in only three games during 2025 suggest that he has useful coverage instincts. Wilson’s interception as a freshman also demonstrates an ability to locate the football.

He remains relatively young compared with several other members of the room, meaning his best football could still be ahead of him.

Weaknesses

Wilson’s primary concern is health. He must demonstrate that his foot injury is fully behind him and that he can remain available throughout a demanding Big 12 schedule.

He also lacks extensive experience against Power Four competition. Wilson will need time to adjust to Cincinnati’s terminology, defensive structure and weekly level of competition.

Professional Future

Wilson may have one of the highest long-term ceilings in the room. His size, length and coverage flashes give him the physical foundation required for professional football.

He needs a healthy and productive 2026 season before becoming a serious NFL prospect. With continued development, Wilson could eventually earn NFL consideration or become a high-level UFL linebacker.

Simeon Coleman — Inside Linebacker

No. 31 | 5-foot-11 | 225 pounds | Junior | Seat Pleasant, Maryland

Simeon Coleman enters his third season as one of Cincinnati’s most dependable young defenders.

Coleman appeared in all 13 games and made five starts during the 2025 season, finishing with 39 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and one pass breakup.

As a freshman in 2024, Coleman recorded 32 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, two quarterback pressures and one forced fumble. His performance earned Freshman All-America recognition from several outlets.

Coleman may not open the season as a starter, but his experience and previous production should keep him heavily involved in the rotation.

Strengths

Coleman plays with excellent energy and closing speed. He is comfortable pursuing runners from the backside and can accelerate through open lanes as a blitzer.

His early success indicates that he processes plays quickly for a relatively young linebacker. Coleman has already appeared in 25 games and should understand the speed and physicality of Big 12 football.

He is also capable of contributing on special teams, which should guarantee him an important weekly role even when he is not starting.

Weaknesses

Coleman is slightly undersized compared with Maciorowski, Wilson and Thompson. Larger offensive linemen can control him when they reach the second level cleanly.

His impact production declined from 4.5 tackles for loss in 2024 to 1.5 in 2025 despite receiving more playing time. Coleman must become more disruptive and convert his athleticism into tackles for loss, sacks and turnovers.

Professional Future

Coleman has time to strengthen his professional résumé. His athleticism and early-career recognition indicate that he possesses developmental potential.

His future will depend on improving his ability to defeat blocks and create splash plays. At minimum, his speed and special-teams value could make him an attractive UFL candidate after college.

Montay Weedon — Inside Linebacker

No. 44 | 6-foot | 217 pounds | Junior | Silver Spring, Maryland

Montay Weedon provides experienced and productive depth.

Weedon played in all 13 games during the 2025 season and started against Northwestern State and in the Liberty Bowl. He finished with 26 tackles, three tackles for loss and two sacks.

He recorded both sacks against TCU and made a career-high six tackles against UCF. Weedon had previously started the final two games of the 2024 season, finishing that year with 15 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and one forced fumble.

Strengths

Weedon is an aggressive downhill defender who can accelerate through gaps and pressure quarterbacks. His two-sack performance against TCU demonstrated his potential as a situational blitzer.

He has appeared in 23 games over his first two seasons and has already made four starts. That experience makes him a reliable option when injuries occur or Cincinnati needs to expand its rotation.

Weedon was also a highly regarded high school prospect who received offers from several major programs, indicating that his athletic potential remains intriguing.

Weaknesses

At 217 pounds, Weedon can be vulnerable when offensive linemen engage him directly. He must use quickness, leverage and anticipation to avoid being overwhelmed by larger blockers.

He also needs to improve his coverage production. Weedon has shown the ability to attack forward, but becoming more comfortable moving backward and changing direction would create a more complete player.

Professional Future

Weedon remains a developmental prospect. His speed, blitzing ability and special-teams potential could eventually generate professional interest.

Adding functional strength and producing consistently as a starter would improve his chances of reaching an NFL training camp. His athletic profile would also fit well in the UFL or CFL.

Ronan Casanova — Veteran Depth

No. 52 | 5-foot-10 | 225 pounds | Senior | Middletown, Ohio

Ronan Casanova represents one of the room’s biggest wild cards.

The Middletown native transferred to Cincinnati after recording 48 tackles in 11 games at Marist during the 2024 season. He started the final nine games and produced a career-high eight tackles against Dayton.

Casanova missed the entire 2025 season because of a preseason injury.

Strengths

Casanova has previous starting experience and a proven history of tackling production. His 225-pound frame should allow him to contribute between the tackles and on special teams.

He also has strong local ties and could provide mature leadership within a room containing several newcomers.

Weaknesses

Casanova must prove that he has completely recovered from his injury. He will also face a major increase in competition after playing at the Football Championship Subdivision level.

With several established players ahead of him, earning consistent defensive snaps could be difficult.

Professional Future

Casanova currently projects primarily as a college contributor and potential special-teams player. A healthy season with meaningful playing time could create opportunities in the UFL or another developmental professional league.

George Leibold — Developmental Inside Linebacker

No. 33 | 6-foot-1 | 218 pounds | Sarasota, Florida

George Leibold enters 2026 searching for a larger role.

After redshirting during the 2024 season, Leibold appeared in two games in 2025. He recorded all three of his tackles against Northwestern State and also played in the Liberty Bowl.

Strengths

Leibold has spent multiple seasons developing inside Cincinnati’s program. He understands the team’s expectations and should be prepared to contribute on multiple special-teams units.

His size gives him the flexibility to play inside linebacker while retaining enough mobility to operate in space.

Weaknesses

Leibold has very little college defensive experience. He must demonstrate that he can process plays, defeat blocks and tackle consistently against Big 12 competition.

The additions of Maciorowski and Wilson have made his path to regular defensive snaps more difficult.

Professional Future

Leibold remains in the developmental stage of his career. His immediate goal should be earning a significant special-teams role and becoming a dependable reserve linebacker.

Outside-Linebacker Depth

Cincinnati’s official roster also includes Marqavious Saboor, Drew Robinson and freshman Jaidon Windom at outside linebacker.

Saboor is a 5-foot-11, 190-pound junior who could contribute as a coverage-oriented hybrid. Robinson is a 6-foot-2, 195-pound junior from Moeller High School, while Windom is a 6-foot-1, 200-pound freshman from Martin Luther King High School in Detroit.

Their lighter builds suggest Cincinnati could use them as space defenders, special-teams contributors or developmental replacements for Peek’s hybrid role.

Freshmen to Watch

The Bearcats added several young linebackers who should initially concentrate on strength development and special teams.

Evan Weinberg is a 6-foot-3, 230-pound freshman from Springboro, Ohio. Jaxon Newton is a 6-foot-3, 210-pound freshman from Anniston, Alabama. Both possess the length to develop into traditional inside linebackers.

Jaidon Windom brings additional athleticism to the outside-linebacker group. His ability to contribute early will depend on how quickly he adjusts to Cincinnati’s defensive terminology and the physical demands of college football.

Linebacker-Room Strengths

Proven Tackling Production

Maciorowski, Thompson and Peek combined for 220 tackles during the 2025 season. Coleman and Weedon added another 65, giving Cincinnati several players who have already demonstrated that they can produce at the college level.

Experience

Cincinnati has multiple linebackers with starting experience. Thompson, Peek, Maciorowski, Coleman, Weedon, Wilson and Casanova have all started college games.

That experience should reduce the pressure on one individual player to replace Golday’s leadership and production.

Versatility

Peek can function as a linebacker, safety or nickel defender. Wilson has shown coverage ability, Maciorowski can blitz and Thompson is productive against the run.

That variety should give Woody the personnel required to disguise pressure and change defensive structures without making substitutions.

Competition and Depth

Cincinnati has enough capable linebackers to create legitimate position battles. Maciorowski and Thompson may enter camp as the favorites inside, but Wilson, Coleman and Weedon have the ability to earn significant roles.

Linebacker-Room Concerns

Replacing the Defensive Leader

Golday’s departure removes Cincinnati’s leading tackler and one of its most important communicators. Thompson and Peek must assume greater leadership responsibilities.

Transitioning to a New Defense

Every linebacker must adjust to Woody’s terminology, assignments and expectations. Early communication mistakes are possible, especially with several transfer additions and position changes.

Coverage Consistency

Peek is an accomplished coverage defender, but Cincinnati’s traditional inside linebackers must prove they can consistently handle Big 12 running backs, tight ends and mobile quarterbacks in space.

Health

Wilson and Casanova are returning from significant injuries. Cincinnati’s depth looks strong on paper, but the room will be more dependable if both players demonstrate that they are completely healthy.

Overall Linebacker-Room Outlook

Cincinnati’s linebacker room may not have one established national star, but it possesses an impressive combination of experience, production and flexibility.

Thompson provides dependable Big 12 production. Maciorowski brings the résumé of an 87-tackle transfer. Peek gives the defense a unique hybrid playmaker, while Wilson possesses the size and upside to become an impact player.

Coleman and Weedon are experienced enough to start if needed, and Casanova provides another veteran option. Behind them, Leibold, Saboor, Robinson, Windom, Weinberg and Newton give the Bearcats developmental depth.

The most important questions involve how quickly the players learn Woody’s defense, whether Peek’s move to outside linebacker maximizes his abilities and which player emerges as the unit’s primary communicator.

Conclusion

The University of Cincinnati’s 2026 linebacker room features proven tackling production, experienced transfers, multiple returning starters and one of the Big 12’s most versatile hybrid defenders.

Jonathan Thompson and Filip Maciorowski project as the early leaders inside, while Antwan Peek Jr. gives Cincinnati a movable outside linebacker capable of covering, blitzing and creating turnovers. Damaine Wilson, Simeon Coleman and Montay Weedon provide starting-quality competition behind them.

There are legitimate concerns surrounding injuries, coverage consistency and the transition to a new defensive system. However, Cincinnati has more depth and experience at linebacker than many teams undergoing a defensive coaching change.

If the Bearcats successfully replace Golday’s leadership and adapt quickly to Woody’s aggressive approach, the linebacker room could become one of the strongest and most dependable areas of Cincinnati’s 2026 defense.