Jay Higgins, Levani Damuni among top middle linebackers to watch in the 2025 NFL Draft
By John Blair
The 2025 NFL Draft middle linebacker class might not have a prospect considered a top 50 prospect going into the season. However, they have several talented players who have impressive stats, including Iowa’s Jay Higgins, Utah’s Levani Damuni, and McNeese’s Micah Davey which make the 2025 preseason watch list.
2025 NFL Draft: One middle linebacker to watch in each conference
ACC: Power Echols, North Carolina
Last season, the Tar Heels produced Cedric Gray who went to the Titans in the sixth round. This year they have another linebacker who should hear his name called on draft day in Power Echols. Last season, Echols recorded 102 tackles and two forced fumbles.
Big 10: Jay Higgins, Iowa
The Hawkeyes again should have one of the better defenses in college football this season after finishing fourth in the FBS last season having given up only 14.8 points per game last year. This year one of their leader will be linebacker Jay Higgins whose 90.8 coverage Pro Football Focus grade led all linebackers last season.
Big 12: Levani Damuni, Utah
Another team that consistently has a good defense is the Utah Utes, and they are also led by an intriguing linebacker. That backer is Levani Damuni who led the team in tackles by 20 tackles last season.
SEC: Debo Williams, South Carolina
Yet another highly productive linebacker in the 2024 NFL Draft is South Carolina’s Debo Williams. Last season, Williams recorded 113 tackles on the year.
Non-Power Four: Micah Davey, McNeese
A small school prospect to watch in the 2025 NFL Draft is McNeese linebacker Micah Davey. Last season, the FCS All-American accounted for 152 tackles and seven tackles for loss. He also comes from a good bloodline with his dad being former LSU quarterback Rohan Davey.
2025 NFL Draft Middle Linebacker Watch List
Micah Davey, McNeese
Jay Higgins, Iowa
Jaishawn Barham, Michigan
Jamon Dumas-Johnson, Kentucky
Jeffrey Bassa, Oregon
Carson Bruener, Washington
Julien Simon, UConn
Ruben Hyppolite II, Maryland
Xander Mueller, Northwestern
Cody Simon, Ohio State
Trevor Williams, Sam Houston
Darren Anders, Bowling Green
Ty Wise, Miami of Ohio
Daniel Bolden, Toledo
LaVonta Bentley, Colorado
Easton Mascarenas-Arnold, USC
Gaethan Bernadel, Stanford
Levani Damuni, Utah
Lander Barton, Utah
Marques Watson-Trent, Georgia Southern
K.C. Ossai, Louisiana
Jason Henderson, Old Dominion
Francisco Mauigoa, Miami
Power Echols, North Carolina
Matt Jones, Baylor
Ben Bywater, BYU
Nick Martin, Oklahoma State
Ben Roberts, Texas Tech
Alec Mock, Air Force
Chase Wilson, Colorado State
Zyrus Fiaseu, Arizona State
Jaheim Thomas, Wisconsin
Shemar James, Florida
D'Eryk Jackson, Kentucky
Chuck Hicks, Missouri
Debo Williams, South Carolina
Jacob Dobbs, James Madison
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