Elon is gearing up for the 2026 football season with a strong linebacker core led by preseason All-American Brodie Carroll. The redshirt junior had a standout year in 2025, recording 104 tackles (6th in the CAA) and earning multiple accolades. With Carroll's leadership, the team is focused on both competition for the second starting spot and development within the unit. The return of experienced players like Derek Hite and Carter Wyatt adds depth, while promising freshmen including Cason Jones will also factor into the lineup.

By the Numbers
  • Brodie Carroll: 104 tackles in 2025, 9.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks.
  • Derek Hite: 61 tackles and 3 tackles for loss as a freshman at VMI.
State of Play
  • Competition is brewing for the second starting linebacker position between Hite and Wyatt.
  • Carroll is recognized nationally and is pushing his peers to improve.
  • Freshman Cason Jones joins a mix of experienced players to bolster depth.
What's Next

Heading into the season, the team will focus on maximizing the potential of both experienced and young players. Preseason preparations will be crucial for defining roles and solidifying team dynamics as they work towards improving their defensive capabilities.

Bottom Line

With a solid leader in Brodie Carroll and a blend of experience and youth, Elon's linebacker unit is poised for a strong season, emphasizing both individual development and team growth heading into 2026.