Miami’s 2026 Linebacker Room Features All-Conference Transfers, Proven Production and Experienced Depth

The Miami University RedHawks enter the 2026 season with one of the deepest and most experienced linebacker rooms in the Mid-American Conference.

Miami must replace veteran contributors Oscar McWood and Corban Hondru, who both appeared in the starting lineup during the 2025 season. However, the RedHawks return Malcolm McCain after a breakout 73-tackle campaign and added two highly productive transfers in CJ Young and Blayne Myrick.

Young arrives from Kent State after earning second-team All-MAC honors and recording 89 tackles, while Myrick joins the program following an 84-tackle season at South Alabama. Combined with McCain, Miami’s three leading linebacker candidates produced 246 tackles during the 2025 season.

The RedHawks also return Brock Uihlein, Eli Coppess, Grant Lyons, Christian McKinney and Tyler Dikos. That group gives Miami experienced reserves with previous defensive and special-teams production.

Miami will have a new linebackers coach in Logan Plumley, who joined the program in January 2026 after helping Indianapolis win consecutive Great Lakes Valley Conference championships. Defensive coordinator Bill Brechin remains in charge of a unit that has consistently ranked among the MAC’s best in scoring defense, total defense, sacks and takeaways.

Early Projected Linebacker Rotation

Linebacker: Malcolm McCain Linebacker: CJ Young Linebacker: Blayne Myrick

Primary Rotation: Brock Uihlein, Eli Coppess and Grant Lyons

Additional Depth: Christian McKinney, Tyler Dikos, Luke Myers and Malik Ray

This is an early projection rather than an official depth chart. Miami has enough experience to rotate several linebackers depending on the opponent, defensive package and game situation.

McCain, Young and Myrick appear to be the leading candidates for the largest defensive roles. Uihlein brings extensive experience within Miami’s system, Coppess provides exceptional coverage and turnover production, and Lyons offers size and pass-rushing ability.

Malcolm McCain — Linebacker

No. 3 | 6-foot | 230 pounds | Redshirt Junior | Snellville, Georgia

Malcolm McCain enters the 2026 season as the most productive returning linebacker on Miami’s roster.

McCain appeared in all 14 games and made eight starts during the 2025 season. He finished with 73 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, two sacks and one forced fumble.

He recorded a career-high 13 tackles against Fresno State and registered sacks against Western Michigan and Eastern Michigan. McCain also forced a fumble during Miami’s rivalry victory over Toledo.

After contributing primarily as a reserve in 2024, McCain established himself as an important defensive player during the second half of the 2025 season. His combination of size, production and familiarity with Miami’s system should make him one of the unit’s leaders.

Strengths

McCain is a physical downhill linebacker who is comfortable operating between the tackles. At 230 pounds, he possesses enough size to take on blockers, fill running lanes and finish tackles through contact.

His 7.5 tackles for loss demonstrate his ability to diagnose running plays and attack before the ball carrier reaches the line of scrimmage. He can also contribute as a blitzer, especially when Miami creates pressure through the interior gaps.

McCain’s greatest advantage over Miami’s transfers is his familiarity with Brechin’s defense. He understands the terminology, run fits and coverage responsibilities that have helped the RedHawks remain among the MAC’s most consistent defensive programs.

Weaknesses

McCain must become more consistent in pass coverage. MAC offenses will attempt to isolate Miami’s linebackers against running backs, tight ends and slot receivers in open space.

He must also convert more of his tackle production into game-changing plays. Increasing his totals in sacks, forced fumbles, interceptions and pass breakups would strengthen his professional résumé.

McCain has only one full season of significant defensive production. He must prove that his 2025 performance represents his new standard rather than a one-year breakthrough.

Professional Future

McCain has the size and tackling production to attract professional interest.

A strong 2026 season could earn him consideration as an NFL undrafted free agent, particularly if he improves in coverage and performs well during athletic testing. His physicality and experience would also make him a strong candidate for the UFL or CFL.

Because McCain is still a redshirt junior, he may have additional eligibility available to continue developing before pursuing professional football.

CJ Young — Linebacker

No. 8 | 6-foot | 215 pounds | Redshirt Junior | Strongsville, Ohio

CJ Young arrives at Miami as one of the most accomplished transfers in the linebacker room.

Young played 20 games during his career at Kent State and accumulated 123 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and one interception.

His breakout season came in 2025 when he recorded 89 tackles, eight tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. Young’s production earned him second-team All-MAC recognition. He was also named Academic All-MAC following the 2024 and 2025 seasons.

Because Young has already played extensively in the conference, his transition should be easier than that of a typical transfer. He understands the speed, offensive styles and physical demands of MAC football.

Strengths

Young’s greatest strength is his proven tackling production. Recording 89 tackles demonstrates his ability to locate the football, pursue ball carriers and remain productive throughout an entire season.

He plays with speed and range, allowing him to pursue runs toward the sideline and recover when plays change direction. Young also possesses enough quickness to be used as a blitzer or underneath coverage defender.

His previous experience against MAC opponents should immediately help Miami. Young has already faced many of the quarterbacks, offensive systems and rival programs that will appear on the RedHawks’ schedule.

Young has also demonstrated durability and consistency while balancing his athletic responsibilities with strong academic performance.

Weaknesses

At 215 pounds, Young is lighter than McCain, Myrick and several other linebackers in the room. Larger offensive linemen could move him when they reach the second level cleanly.

He must use anticipation, leverage and quickness to avoid becoming trapped behind blockers. Young may be most effective when Miami allows him to operate in space rather than asking him to absorb contact on every play.

Young must also adjust to a different defensive system. Even though he knows the conference, learning Miami’s terminology, communication responsibilities and pressure packages will require time.

Professional Future

Young’s all-conference recognition, tackling production and athleticism give him a legitimate opportunity to attract professional scouts.

His size could limit his projection as a traditional NFL linebacker, but his speed may allow him to become a coverage linebacker and core special-teams player. A productive season at Miami could place him in the late-round or priority-undrafted-free-agent conversation.

Young would also project as an excellent UFL or CFL prospect because of his range, experience and ability to contribute in multiple phases.

Blayne Myrick — Linebacker

No. 15 | 6-foot-3 | 226 pounds | Redshirt Senior | Fairhope, Alabama

Blayne Myrick gives Miami another highly accomplished veteran with extensive starting experience.

Myrick appeared in 36 games at South Alabama and accumulated 192 tackles, 15 tackles for loss and two sacks. He earned second-team all-conference recognition in 2024 before receiving first-team honors following the 2025 season.

During his final season at South Alabama, Myrick recorded 84 tackles and six tackles for loss.

His combination of length, production and experience makes him an immediate candidate for a starting position. He should also help replace the leadership Miami lost from its veteran linebackers.

Strengths

Myrick possesses excellent size and length for the position. At 6-foot-3 and 226 pounds, he can challenge passing lanes, defend tight ends and finish tackles outside his frame.

His career production demonstrates impressive consistency. Myrick has already recorded nearly 200 tackles and earned all-conference recognition in consecutive seasons.

He has enough experience to recognize offensive formations, anticipate blocking concepts and communicate adjustments before the snap. That veteran awareness should help a Miami defense that frequently disguises pressure and changes its coverage structure.

Myrick’s length could also make him valuable in zone coverage, where he can obstruct throwing lanes and force quarterbacks to place the ball over or around him.

Weaknesses

Myrick must adjust from South Alabama and the Sun Belt Conference to Miami’s defensive system and weekly MAC competition.

Although he has been a productive tackler, his two career sacks suggest that he has not consistently affected quarterbacks as a pass rusher. Miami may need to create favorable blitzing opportunities rather than expecting him to win regularly against offensive linemen.

Myrick must also prove that he can remain effective when offenses force him to defend faster running backs and receivers in space.

Professional Future

Myrick may possess the strongest immediate professional résumé among Miami’s linebackers.

He has excellent size, consecutive all-conference selections and substantial career production. A strong season against MAC competition could earn him an invitation to an NFL postseason all-star event, rookie minicamp or training camp.

His length, experience and tackling ability could make him especially attractive as an NFL undrafted free agent or UFL starter.

Brock Uihlein — Linebacker

No. 11 | 6-foot-1 | 226 pounds | Redshirt Junior | Lake Forest, Illinois

Brock Uihlein enters the season as one of Miami’s most dependable returning linebackers.

Uihlein appeared in 13 games during the 2025 season and recorded 29 tackles, two tackles for loss and one forced fumble.

His best performance came against Western Michigan in the MAC Championship Game. Uihlein recorded a career-high 11 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss. He also forced a fumble during Miami’s victory over Ball State.

Uihlein’s performance in the conference championship demonstrated that he can handle an expanded role when needed.

Strengths

Uihlein plays with toughness, discipline and a strong understanding of Miami’s defense.

His 11-tackle performance in the MAC Championship Game showed that he can remain productive against high-level conference competition. He was willing to attack downhill, take on blockers and finish plays in traffic.

Uihlein also brings valuable special-teams experience. That versatility should keep him involved even when McCain, Young and Myrick receive the majority of the defensive snaps.

His familiarity with the system could give him an early advantage over the transfers during preseason practice.

Weaknesses

Uihlein has not yet produced at a high level over an entire season. He must show that his championship-game performance can be repeated consistently.

His coverage production has also been limited. Becoming more comfortable matching running backs and tight ends would increase his chances of earning an every-down role.

With several accomplished players joining the room, Uihlein must distinguish himself through reliability, communication and special-teams value.

Professional Future

Uihlein remains a developmental professional prospect.

His size, physicality and special-teams experience could eventually earn him an opportunity in an NFL training camp. However, he must first establish himself as a regular starter or high-level rotational defender.

Uihlein could become an attractive UFL prospect if he continues developing as a tackler and special-teams player.

Eli Coppess — Coverage Linebacker

No. 26 | 6-foot-1 | 213 pounds | Redshirt Senior | Cincinnati, Ohio

Eli Coppess provides Miami with one of the most unusual statistical profiles in the linebacker room.

Coppess appeared in 13 games and made one start during the 2025 season. He recorded 17 tackles and intercepted three passes.

His interceptions came against Lindenwood, Ohio and Toledo. Coppess also appeared in 12 games during the 2024 season, recording 15 tackles before being named Miami’s Special Teams Player of the Year.

His ability to create turnovers and contribute on special teams should earn him an important role even if he does not begin the season as a starter.

Strengths

Coppess has excellent awareness in pass coverage. Recording three interceptions on relatively limited defensive snaps demonstrates an ability to read quarterbacks and position himself near the football.

He moves well in space and can contribute in sub-packages designed to defend passing situations. Coppess may be especially useful against offenses that frequently use running backs and tight ends as receivers.

His special-teams résumé provides additional value. Players who can cover kicks, block, tackle and contribute defensively are extremely important to roster construction.

Coppess has also demonstrated an ability to perform in rivalry games, intercepting passes against both Ohio and Toledo.

Weaknesses

At 213 pounds, Coppess is undersized compared with traditional inside linebackers. Opponents could attempt to run directly at him and force him to defeat larger blockers.

He has limited starting experience and must prove that he can maintain his production over a larger number of defensive snaps.

Coppess’ interception total may be difficult to repeat. He must continue developing as an all-around tackler and run defender rather than depending solely on turnovers.

Professional Future

Coppess’ best professional opportunity may come through special teams.

His coverage instincts, turnover production and experience on multiple special-teams units could make him an interesting NFL minicamp candidate. He could also play safety-linebacker hybrid roles in the UFL or CFL.

A larger defensive role in 2026 would give scouts more information about his ability to handle every-down responsibilities.

Grant Lyons — Pressure Linebacker

No. 43 | 6-foot-3 | 242 pounds | Redshirt Senior | West Chester, Ohio

Grant Lyons gives Miami size and pass-rushing ability within the linebacker rotation.

Lyons appeared in all 14 games during the 2025 season and recorded 12 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, two sacks and one forced fumble.

One of his best performances came against Buffalo, when he recorded a sack and forced a fumble. He had previously appeared in 10 games during the 2024 season.

At 242 pounds, Lyons is one of the largest linebackers on the roster and could be used near the line of scrimmage in pressure packages.

Strengths

Lyons possesses the size and strength to take on tight ends, offensive tackles and lead blockers.

His two sacks on limited defensive opportunities indicate that he can be productive as a situational pass rusher. Miami could use him as a stand-up edge defender or send him through interior gaps.

Lyons’ ability to force a fumble also fits a Miami defense that has emphasized takeaways throughout Brechin’s tenure.

His experience on special teams and in a rotational role gives the coaching staff another dependable veteran.

Weaknesses

Lyons has not produced a large number of tackles, which suggests his role has been relatively specialized.

His size may create challenges when he is required to change direction or cover faster players in space. Opponents could attempt to isolate him in coverage when he enters the game.

Lyons must demonstrate that he can contribute against both the run and pass rather than functioning exclusively as a pressure specialist.

Professional Future

Lyons’ size and pass-rushing production could generate interest from professional teams searching for developmental edge defenders and special-teams players.

He would need a larger role and a productive final season to become a serious NFL prospect. His physical profile could make him a useful UFL linebacker or situational pass rusher.

Christian McKinney — Linebacker

No. 16 | 6-foot | 209 pounds | Redshirt Junior | Akron, Ohio

Christian McKinney enters 2026 competing for a larger role after flashing pressure ability during the previous season.

McKinney appeared in 10 games during the 2025 campaign and recorded six tackles, one sack and one forced fumble.

He registered his sack against Eastern Michigan and forced a fumble against Ball State. McKinney also appeared in six games during 2024, finishing with three tackles and one tackle for loss.

Strengths

McKinney plays with speed and aggression. His sack and forced fumble demonstrate that he can create disruptive plays when given an opportunity.

He has enough athleticism to contribute in coverage, on pressure packages and across multiple special-teams units.

McKinney has also spent several seasons learning Miami’s system, which should help him compete with the incoming transfers.

Weaknesses

McKinney has limited college production and has not yet earned a consistent defensive role.

At 209 pounds, he must improve his ability to disengage from blockers and hold his position against downhill running plays.

He must also become a more dependable tackler. Making splash plays is valuable, but the coaching staff will need him to execute his assignment consistently.

Professional Future

McKinney remains a developmental prospect.

His speed and special-teams potential could eventually create professional opportunities, but he first needs to secure a larger defensive role and increase his production.

Tyler Dikos — Linebacker

No. 35 | 6-foot-1 | 226 pounds | Redshirt Junior | Cincinnati, Ohio

Tyler Dikos gives Miami another experienced reserve with the size to play inside linebacker.

Dikos appeared in 11 games during the 2025 season and recorded nine tackles. He made four tackles against Ball State, his most productive performance of the year.

Strengths

Dikos has the frame required to play between the tackles and contribute on special teams.

He was an extremely productive high school defender, recording more than 100 tackles in consecutive seasons. That background demonstrates his natural instincts and willingness to play physically.

Dikos also has several seasons of experience within Miami’s program and should understand the expectations of the defensive staff.

Weaknesses

Dikos has not yet earned a significant defensive role at the college level.

He must become more disruptive and prove that he can consistently defeat blocks against MAC offensive linemen. The additions of Young and Myrick have also increased the competition for playing time.

Professional Future

Dikos currently projects as a college reserve and special-teams contributor.

A larger role over the next two seasons could improve his professional outlook, particularly if he develops into a reliable run defender.

Additional Veteran Depth

Miami’s official 2026 roster also lists Luke Myers and Malik Ray among the veteran linebackers.

Myers is a 6-foot-1, 215-pound redshirt senior, while Ray is a 5-foot-10, 240-pound redshirt junior. Their experience and physical differences give the RedHawks additional options for special teams, short-yardage packages and emergency depth.

Neither player enters the season with an obvious path to a starting position, but experienced depth becomes increasingly valuable during a long conference schedule.

Developmental Linebackers

Harrison Brewster

No. 33 | 6-foot-1 | 214 pounds | Redshirt Sophomore

Harrison Brewster redshirted during the 2025 season after joining Miami with an impressive athletic background.

Brewster was a two-time captain and productive dual-threat quarterback at Olentangy Berlin High School. His experience handling the football and reading defenses gives him an interesting perspective as he develops on the opposite side of the ball.

His athleticism could eventually help him become a coverage linebacker and special-teams contributor.

Vito McConnell

No. 37 | 6-foot-3 | 221 pounds | Redshirt Freshman

Vito McConnell possesses excellent length and developmental size. After spending his first season in the program, he should compete for special-teams work and reserve defensive snaps.

McConnell may need additional time to add strength, but his frame gives him the potential to develop into a versatile linebacker capable of defending the run and affecting passing lanes.

Freshmen to Watch

Miami’s 2026 roster includes three freshmen at linebacker: Ryan Stolarski, Brody Sink and Evan Gilder.

Stolarski is listed at 6-foot-1 and 220 pounds. Sink brings exceptional length at 6-foot-4 and 205 pounds, while Gilder enters the program with a college-ready build at 6-foot-1 and 235 pounds.

Gilder’s size could allow him to compete for early special-teams work. Sink may eventually develop into a hybrid linebacker or edge defender after adding strength, while Stolarski possesses a balanced frame for an inside or outside role.

The experienced players ahead of them should allow Miami to develop the freshmen without requiring them to assume major defensive responsibilities immediately.

Linebacker-Room Strengths

Proven Production

McCain, Young and Myrick combined for 246 tackles during the 2025 season.

Young and Myrick arrive with all-conference recognition, while McCain has already demonstrated that he can produce within Miami’s defensive system.

Few MAC teams will enter the season with three linebacker candidates possessing that level of recent production.

Experience

Miami has several linebackers who have appeared in meaningful college games.

Myrick has played in 36 career contests, Young has played 20 games at Kent State, and McCain started eight times during the 2025 season. Uihlein, Coppess, Lyons, McKinney and Dikos have also contributed defensively or on special teams.

That experience should help the RedHawks withstand injuries and adjust to different offensive styles.

Variety of Skill Sets

The room contains several different types of linebackers.

McCain is a physical downhill defender. Young provides speed and range. Myrick offers length and experience. Coppess excels in coverage, while Lyons can provide pressure near the line of scrimmage.

That variety should allow Miami to adjust its personnel without dramatically changing its defensive philosophy.

Special-Teams Value

Coppess has been named Miami’s Special Teams Player of the Year, while Uihlein, Lyons, McKinney and several reserves have accumulated experience on coverage units.

Miami’s linebacker depth should strengthen the kickoff, punt and return units.

Linebacker-Room Concerns

Establishing the Rotation

Miami has several capable linebackers, but the coaching staff must determine which combinations work best together.

McCain, Young and Myrick are the most accomplished candidates, but Uihlein, Coppess and Lyons each possess skills that could earn them significant playing time.

Finding enough snaps for every deserving player could become a positive challenge.

Adjusting to a New Position Coach

Plumley brings a strong defensive résumé, but every player must adjust to his coaching methods and expectations.

The presence of Brechin as defensive coordinator should preserve overall continuity, but communication between the new position coach, returning players and incoming transfers will be important.

Pass Coverage

Miami’s linebackers must prove that they can consistently defend athletic running backs and tight ends.

Coppess has demonstrated excellent ball skills, but the larger linebackers will be tested when offenses spread the field and create one-on-one matchups.

Integrating Transfers

Young and Myrick have excellent résumés, but production at a previous school does not automatically guarantee immediate success.

Both must learn Miami’s terminology, build chemistry with the defensive line and secondary, and understand the program’s expectations.

Overall Linebacker-Room Outlook

Miami enters the 2026 season with the talent and experience required to field one of the MAC’s strongest linebacker rotations.

McCain provides proven production and familiarity with the defense. Young brings second-team All-MAC recognition and an 89-tackle season, while Myrick arrives as a first-team all-conference defender with 192 career tackles.

The depth behind them may be equally important.

Uihlein has already delivered a career-best performance in a conference championship game. Coppess intercepted three passes and provides exceptional special-teams value. Lyons offers size and pass-rushing ability, while McKinney and Dikos give Miami experienced developmental options.

The RedHawks do not need one linebacker to play every snap or replace all of the production lost from the previous season. They can divide responsibilities among several players with complementary abilities.

The most important questions involve how quickly the transfers adjust, which players emerge as the primary communicators and whether Miami can consistently defend passing situations.

Conclusion

The Miami University RedHawks’ 2026 linebacker room features proven tackling production, multiple all-conference performers, experienced returning players and impressive positional depth.

Malcolm McCain returns after recording 73 tackles and appears ready to become one of the defense’s leaders. CJ Young brings speed and 89-tackle production from Kent State, while Blayne Myrick adds length, experience and consecutive all-conference selections from South Alabama.

Brock Uihlein, Eli Coppess and Grant Lyons give Miami three proven rotational options. Christian McKinney, Tyler Dikos and the remainder of the roster provide additional competition and special-teams value.

There will be an adjustment period under a new linebackers coach, and Miami must determine how to divide snaps among several capable veterans. However, those are manageable concerns for a room with this much experience.

If McCain continues his development and the transfers reproduce their previous production, Miami’s linebackers could become one of the deepest, most versatile and most dependable position groups in the Mid-American Conference.