The Linebacker Ledger: Breaking Down UNLV’s 2025 LB Room

(All images created by )

After cycling through four defensive coordinators since 2020, UNLV’s defense enters the 2025 season with a new face and a familiar challenge: replacing the presence and production of Jackson Woodard.

In just two years, Woodard became the standard. The Arkansas transfer captained the defense, led the Rebels to a Mountain West title appearance, and finished his UNLV career as the program’s first-ever All-American linebacker. His resume from 2024 reads like a checklist of things no Rebel defender had done before: Defensive Player of the Year, Campbell Trophy finalist, Walter Camp Player of the Week, and a fumble recovery touchdown against UNR that became the signature moment of the season.

Now he’s gone, and the heartbeat of the defense is officially up for grabs.

The good news? This linebacker room is deeper than it's been in over a decade.

6'1" | 245 lbs | Grand Prairie, TXPFF 2024 Grades: 74.7 DEF | 73.5 TACK | 57.0 COVCareer Snaps: 1,030

McDuffie is the natural successor to the green dot. A three-year contributor and proven voice in the huddle, he enters 2025 as the most experienced defender on the roster. McDuffie plays downhill, wraps reliably, and keeps the middle of the field organized. With over 1,000 career snaps, he’s the one constant in a room full of competition.

6'2" | 240 lbs | Denton, TXPFF 2024 Grades (10 snaps): 73.3 DEF | 72.0 TACK | 73.6 COV

The former Florida State transfer didn’t log many reps in 2024, but when he did, the tape was clean. Eubanks has the frame and movement skills to handle weakside duties in modern sub-packages. If his camp matches his metrics, he could be one of the biggest risers in the room.

6'1" | 220 lbs | Kalihi, HIPFF 2024 Grades: 60.2 DEF | 68.0 TACK | 65.2 COVSnaps: 87

Blesyng has been quietly developing into one of the most versatile athletes on the defense. His 2024 coverage and tackling grades show maturity, and he flashed sideline-to-sideline range when healthy. If UNLV builds more hybrid pressure looks under interim DC Paul Guenther, expect Alualu-Tuiolemotu to be in that mix.

6'2" | 225 lbs | Nashville, TNPFF 2024 Grades: 57.1 DEF | 45.7 TACK | 37.6 COVCareer Snaps: 370

Edmondson logged real experience at Memphis but struggled with consistency. His tackling and coverage numbers dipped last season, but he brings value as a downhill thumper in short-yardage and special-teams roles. A strong camp could keep him in the early-down rotation.

6'4" | 230 lbs | Greenville, NCPFF 2024 Grade: 56.6 DEF | 58.2 TACKCareer Snaps: 355

Spellman has experience, length, and flashes of pass-rush upside. His 2022 coverage grade at App State (73.7) showed real potential, and he produced four total QB pressures last season at Charlotte. He’s a hybrid linebacker with edge experience, expect him to rotate in for pass-rushing packages or zone drops.

6'2" | 230 lbs | Chino, CAPFF 2024 Grade (Arizona): 52.9 DEFCareer Snaps: 477

Flowe is the wildcard. Once the No. 1 linebacker recruit in the country, Flowe has never had a full, healthy season, but he’s still a violent, explosive athlete. The key is keeping things simple. If Guenther can unlock his strengths without overloading him mentally, Flowe might finally become the game-wrecker his profile promised.

6'2" | 240 lbs | Papakolea, HIPFF 2024 Grades: 61.4 DEF | 69.5 COVSnaps: 260

Kaʻaihue quietly brings one of the best coverage grades in the room. His 69.5 in zone concepts ranked among the top-graded linebackers in the Big 12 last season. While not a box backer, his ability to read route combinations and stay clean in space gives the staff flexibility on third down.

6'0" | 220 lbs | Fort Worth, TXNo defensive snaps recorded

Megwa is a converted running back who’s still learning the position. He’s built like a fullback, hits like a linebacker, and could become a special-teams staple in 2025. Whether he grows into a rotational defender remains to be seen, but the tools are there.

6'2" | 235 lbs | Las Vegas, NV (Palo Verde HS)

Green enters as the top in-state linebacker prospect in the class. He plays with physicality and has a college-ready frame. He’ll likely redshirt, but his long-term upside and local pedigree give the staff a developmental project with real return.

6'0" | 235 lbs | Henderson, NV

Beza is a walk-on who’s earned respect for his toughness and reliability in practice. He adds value on scout teams and brings energy to a deepening room.

6'4" | 235 lbs | Vancouver, WA

Patterson has the most unique frame in the room, long, lean, and built like a hybrid EDGE. He’s still raw but shows flashes of pass-rush ability. If the staff transitions him toward the line, he could become a situational weapon down the road.

UNLV doesn’t have a Jackson Woodard in this room, but they might not need one. With McDuffie setting the tone, Flowe and Eubanks flashing top-end traits, and a half-dozen others fighting for rotation reps, the linebacker group is deeper than it’s been in years.

There’s no obvious heir to the heart of the defense yet. But there’s a battle brewing, and that alone is a win.

Follow The Scarlet Standard for full fall camp depth charts, defensive analytics, and weekly breakdowns.🔗 linktr.ee/ScarletStandardMediaTwitter/X: @SS_MediaLV