LINEBACKER
Returning players
Blake Barnes
Mataira Brown
Luke Durfey
Dakota Howell
Chris Joe
Bronson Olevao Jr.
2025 players not returning
Sampson Alofipo (Transfer Portal)
Tymere Burton (Transferred to University of Louisiana-Monroe)
Ryker Lotulelei (Left Team)
John Miller (Graduation)
2026 post-spring ball attrition
NONE
2025 total production lost
25 games
13 starts
126 tackles
10.5 tackles-for-loss
8.5 sacks
8 quarterback hurries
4 pass breakups
1 forced fumble
2025 total production returning
62 games
24 starts
173 tackles
15.0 tackles-for-loss
9.0 sacks
4 quarterback hurries
3 interceptions, 5 pass breakups
1 fumble recovery
2025 total production transferring in (transfer portal/junior college)
37 games
25 starts
205 tackles
18.5 tackles-for-loss
10.5 sacks
2 interceptions
6 pass breakups
1 forced fumble
New Faces in 2026
Judd Bowen 6’2″ 215 (NR) – BUCK – Bingham HS, UT – (Preferred Walk-on)
2025 (Sr.) Stats: 68 tackles, 4.0 tackles-for-loss, 1.0 sack, 6 QB hurries, 1 fumble recovery
2024 (Jr.) Stats: 11 tackles, 1 QB hurry, 1 INT, 1 fumble recovery
Offers from: Fort Lewis College
Primary recruiter: Evan Butts
https://www.hudl.com/profile/17907524/Judd-Bowen
Asher Cunningham 6’2″ 235 (3*) – BUCK – Elon University – (2 years to play 2)
2025 (So.) Stats: 84 tackles, 7.5 tackles-for-loss, 5.0 sacks, 2 INTs, 3 pass breakups, 1 forced fumble
2024 (RsFr.) Stats: 24 tackles, 1.0 tackles-for-loss, 1 INT, 2 pass breakups, 1 fumble recovery
2023 (Fr.) Stats: Redshirted at Elon University
Offers from: James Madison
Original offers from: Elon, Furman, Wofford
Primary recruiter: Shane Hunter
https://x.com/i/status/1999935460886610105
Brycen Edwards 6’0″ 225 (NR) – MIKE – Lehigh University – (1 year to play 1)
2025 (Jr.) Stats: 83 tackles, 9.0 tackles-for-loss, 5.5 sacks, 2 pass breakups
2024 (So.) Stats: 90 tackles, 4.0 tackles-for-loss, 1.0 sack, 1 INT, 3 pass breakups
2023 (RsFr.) Stats: 50 tackles, 2.0 tackles-for-loss, 2 pass breakups
2022 (Fr.) Stats: Saw action in 5 games but did not record any stats
Offers from: Ball St, Central Michigan
Original offers from: UNKNOWN
https://x.com/BrycenEdwards1/status/1465864712575492099/video/1
Faimafili Laulu-Snuka 6’1″ 230 (2*) – BUCK – West HS, UT – (Preferred Walk-on)
2022 (Sr.) Stats: 55 tackles, 11.5 tackles-for-loss, 7.0 sacks, 11 QB hurries, 3 pass breakups, 2 fumble recoveries
2021 (Jr.) Stats: 128 tackles, 10.5 tackles-for-loss, 6.5 sacks, 12 QB hurries, 3 pass breakups, 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery
2020 (So.) Stats: 35 tackles 1.0 tackles-for-loss 6 QB hurries 1 pass breakup
Offers from: Black Hills St
Primary Recruiter: DJ Tialavea
https://www.hudl.com/profile/17914950/Faimafili-Snuka
Maximus Maile 6’0″ 220 (NR) – MIKE – Mountain View HS, ID – (Preferred Walk-on)
2022 (Sr.) Stats: 58 tackles, 1 INT, 1 TD
2021 (Jr.) Stats: 31 tackles, 2.0 sacks, 1 INT, 1 fumble recovery
2020 (So.) Stats: 4 tackles at Ridgeline HS (UT)
Offers from: Concordia College, Eastern Oregon, University of Jamestown
Primary recruiter: Evan Butts
https://www.hudl.com/profile/13308272/Maximus-Maile
John McClellan 6’3″ 215 (3*) – MIKE – Rancho Cotate HS, CA
2025 (Sr.) Stats: 139 tackles, 5.0 tackles-for-loss, 3.0 sacks, 1 INT, 1 fumble recovery, 1 blocked kick; 29 carries, 181 yards, 4 TDs; 14 receptions, 184 yards, 1 TD
2024 (Jr.) Stats: 157 tackles, 5.0 tackles-for-loss, 5.0 sacks, 1 fumble recovery; 41 carries, 202 yards, 1 TD
2023 (So.) Stats: 78 tackles, 2.0 tackles-for-loss, 2.0 sacks, 1 forced fumble
2022 (Fr.) Stats: 23 tackles, 7.0 tackles-for-loss, 4.0 sacks, 12 QB hurries, 1 INT, 1 forced fumble, 1 blocked kick
Offers from: Colorado St, Nevada, Northern Arizona, Sacramento St, UNLV
Primary recruiter: Shane Hunter
https://www.hudl.com/profile/18026068/John-McClellan
Fisher Pyne 6’2″ 225 (NR) – BUCK – Station Camp HS, TN – (Preferred Walk-on)
2022 (Sr.) Stats: 83 tackles, 10.0 tackles-for-loss, 2.0 sacks
2021 (Jr.) Stats: 33 tackles, 5.0 tackles-for-loss, 2.0 sacks
Offers from: Bluffton University, Centre College, Sewanee University
Primary recruiter: Evan Butts
https://www.hudl.com/profile/9761929/Fisher-Pyne
Harrison Taggart 6’1″ 235 (3*) – BUCK – University of California – (1 year to play 1)
2025 (Sr.) Stats: 38 tackles, 1.0 tackle-for-loss, 1 pass breakup
2024 (Jr.) Stats: 69 tackles, 2.5 tackles-for-loss, 1.0 sack, 1 INT, 3 pass breakups, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery
2023 (RsFr.) Stats: 14 tackles, 0.5 tackles-for-loss at byu
2022 (Fr.) Stats: Saw action in 3 games and redshirted at the University of Oregon
Offers from: Baylor
Original offers from: Air Force, Army, Arizona, Boston College, California, Colorado, Colorado St, Dartmouth, Duke, Florida Atlantic, Idaho St, Indiana, Louisville, Navy, Nebraska, Northwestern, Oregon, Oregon St, Pennsylvania, San Diego St, UCLA, USC, utah, Utah St, Vanderbilt, Virginia, Washington St, Yale
Primary recruiter: Shane Hunter
https://www.hudl.com/profile/8373030/Harrison-Taggart
Viliami Tapa’atoutai 6’3″ 220 (3*) – SAM – Woods Cross HS, UT
2025 (Sr.) Stats: 55 tackles, 17.0 tackles-for-loss, 6.0 sacks, 3 QB hurries, 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery; 283 carries, 1,601 yards, 17 TDs; 3 receptions, 17 yards, 1 TD
2024 (Jr.) Stats: 63 tackles, 21.0 tackles-for-loss, 10.0 sacks, 2 QB hurries, 1 INT, 3 fumble recoveries; 288 carries, 1,678 yards, 23 TDS; 4 receptions, 50 yards
2023 (So.) Stats: 5 tackles, 1.0 tackle-for-loss, 1.0 sack, 1 blocked kick; 25 carries, 137 yards, 3 TDs
2022 (Fr.) Stats: 4 tackles
Offers from: Air Force, Idaho St, Utah Tech, Weber St
Primary recruiter: Jan Jorgensen
https://www.hudl.com/profile/17708982/Viliami-Tapaatoutai
2026 OUTLOOK
SAM (STRONG SIDE LINEBACKER)
CHRIS JOE
Sophomore Chris Joe will absolutely be the starter at this spot in 2026.
As a true freshman last season, Joe played in 13 games with 10 starts and rolled up 41 tackles, 6.0 tackles-for-loss, 4.0 sacks, 2 quarterback hurries, and 1 pass breakup.
According to On3 Sports, coming out of Liberty High School (CA), Joe was rated as the 1,786th-best player nationally, 166th-best linebacker, and the 142nd-best prospect overall in California. He chose the Aggies over offers from Hawaii, Nevada, and New Mexico.
Joe will be able to use his safety speed to become an effective inside linebacker. He can read the field very well and use his speed to flock to the ball to make a tackle. He is a great tackler on the run and determined to bring the ball carrier down any way he can. He understands how to neutralize double moves and predict routes from his time as a safety. He does well in coverage thanks to his quick feet, where his vision and hands will be assets when passes are thrown his way. Once he adds a little more weight to his frame, Joe will be a force to be reckoned with.
MATAIRA BROWN
Junior Mataira Brown will be a solid option as a backup at this position.
As a sophomore last season, Brown played in 12 games with 1 start and pulled down 35 tackles, 1.0 tackles-for-loss, 0.5 sacks, 1 interception and 2 pass breakups.
During his 2-year career with the Aggies and Snow Junior College (UT), Brown played in 23 games with 12 starts and recorded 82 tackles, 10.5 tackles-for-loss, 1.0 sack, 1 interception, 3 pass breakups, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery.
The Aggies were Brown’s first offer, and he accepted not long after he officially visited the Utah State campus.
Brown is a fundamentally sound linebacker who keeps his feet moving and squares up on tackles. He does well tackling on the run and stays low to get his lower body into his hits. His strong lower body allows him to explode into opposing running backs, sending them sprawling backward. He has proven to be excellent at stopping the run, going full speed downhill to stop opposing players in their tracks. He is great at play recognition and springs into action to make the tackle.
VILIAMI TAPA’ATOUTAI
True freshman Viliami Tapa’atoutai joined the Aggie program in June and will look to make some noise in fall camp.
As a senior at Woods Cross High School (UT) in 2025, Tapa’atoutai played in 12 games with 12 starts and recorded 55 tackles, 17.0 tackles-for-loss, 6.0 sacks, 3 quarterback hurries, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 fumble recovery.
During his 4-year career with the Wildcats, Tapa’atoutai played in 33 games with 24 starts and recorded 127 tackles, 39.0 tackles-for-loss, 17.0 sacks, 5 quarterback hurries, 1 interception, 2 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries, and 1 blocked kick.
According to 247sports, Tapa’atoutai was rated as the 1,111th-best player nationally, the 75th-best athlete, and the 19th-best player in utah. Tapa’atoutai chose the Aggies over offers from Air Force, Idaho State, Utah Tech, and Weber State.
Tapa’atoutai uses his elite athleticism to his advantage every single snap. His explosive first step off the edge gives him the ability to disrupt opposing offenses behind the line of scrimmage. He has a violent side to his game, hitting opposing offensive players with explosive force. He diagnoses plays quickly and doesn’t overpursue once he’s in the backfield, so he is rarely caught out of position. His low center of gravity gives him the proper leverage needed to make a good, strong, solid tackle. He also rushed for 3,279 yards his final two seasons of high school ball.
BLAKE BARNES
Sophomore preferred walk-on Blake Barnes will add depth to the position. His brother Bryson was a quarterback for the Aggies.
As a redshirt freshman last season, Barnes missed the entire season due to an injury.
During his 2-year career with the Aggies, Barnes has yet to see any action.
As a senior at Milford High (UT) in 2021, Barnes played in 12 games with 12 starts and racked up 100 tackles, 12.0 tackles-for-loss, 1.0 sack, 2 quarterback hurries, 2 pass breakups, and 1 fumble recovery.
During his 3-year high school career with the Tigers, he played in 38 games with 38 starts and totaled 346 tackles, 15.0 tackles-for-loss, 2.0 sacks, 6 quarterback hurries, 7 interceptions, 14 pass breakups, 3 forced fumbles, and 3 fumble recoveries.
Barnes chose the Aggies over an offer from Southern Utah.
Thanks to Barnes seeing extensive time as a wide receiver offensively, he excels at diagnosing plays early and attacking. He is very patient as the play develops, and he sniffs out opposing ball carriers. He is a good form tackler, as he gets as low as he can and wraps up on the ball carrier. He is drawn to opposing players like a magnet. He is solid in pass coverage and easily identifies and picks up his man coming through the line of scrimmage or rolling out of the backfield. As a four-sport athlete, he will be a successful collegiate athlete regardless of the position he plays.
FISHER PYNE
True freshman preferred walk-on Fisher Pyne enrolled at Utah State in January after serving a church mission. His brother Stockton is a rhino/fullback for the Aggies.
As a senior at Station Camp High School (TN) in 2022, Pyne played in 10 games with 10 starts and pulled down 83 tackles, 10.0 tackles-for-loss, and 2.0 sacks.
During his 2-year high school career with the Bison, Pyne played in 19 games with 19 starts and totaled 116 tackles, 15.0 tackles-for-loss, and 4.0 sacks.
Pyne chose the Aggies over offers from Bluffton University, Centre College, and Sewanee University.
Pyne is a solid multi-sport athlete who excels at everything he does. He has a high football IQ and processes developing plays quickly and reacts accordingly. Thanks to his strong fundamentals, once he gets a hold of an opposing player, he wraps up and drives him into the ground. He displays good footwork and is able to make most plays out in space, rarely getting juked.
BUCK (BOUNDARY LINEBACKER)
HARRISON TAGGART
Harrison Taggart is a transfer from the University of California who will enter the 2026 season as a senior and use his final season of eligibility with the Aggies.
As a junior with the Golden Bears last season, Taggart played in 13 games with 1 start and rolled up 38 tackles, 2.0 tackle-for-loss, and 1 pass breakup.
During his 4-year career at the University of California, byu, and the University of Oregon. Taggart has played in 40 games with 17 starts and totaled 121 tackles, 4.0 tackles-for-loss, 1.0 sack, 1 interception, 4 pass breakups, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery.
According to On3 Sports, Taggart is rated as the 645th-best transfer portal player in the country and the 58th-best linebacker in the transfer portal. Taggart chose the Aggies over an offer from Baylor. He originally held offers from Air Force, Army, Arizona, Boston College, California, Colorado, Colorado State, Dartmouth, Duke, Florida Atlantic, Idaho State, Indiana, Louisville, Navy, Nebraska, Northwestern, Oregon, Oregon State, Pennsylvania, San Diego State, UCLA, USC, utah, Utah State, Vanderbilt, Virginia, Washington State, and Yale.
Taggart is very athletic. His upper-level speed allows him to easily play sideline-to-sideline. This allows him to scrape over the top of blocks and hunt down opposing ball-carriers on outside zones. He is a strong tackler, and once he wraps up the opposing player isn’t getting away. His fluid hips contribute to his ability to drop into coverage and quickly burst forward in the event the developing play is a draw or quarterback run. He does some of his best work out in the open field with his coverage capabilities. His ability to stay on the field for all three downs makes him a high-utility asset for schemes dealing with fast-paced, pass-first offenses.
ASHER CUNNINGHAM
Asher Cunningham is a transfer from Elon University who will enter the 2026 season as a junior with two years of eligibility remaining.
As a sophomore with the Phoenix last season, Cunningham played in 12 games with 12 starts and racked up 84 tackles, 7.5 tackles-for-loss, 5.0 sacks, 2 interceptions, 3 pass breakups, and 1 forced fumble.
During his 3-year career at Elon University, Cunningham has played in 20 games with 12 starts and totaled 108 tackles, 8.5 tackles-for-loss, 5.0 sacks, 3 interceptions, 5 pass breakups, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery
According to 247sports, Cunningham is rated as the 2,324th-best transfer portal player in the country and the 176th-best linebacker in the transfer portal. Cunningham chose the Aggies over an offer from James Madison. He originally held offers from Elon, Furman, and Wofford.
Cunningham is most effective when being allowed to play downhill. His quick diagnoses of a developing play makes his a disruptive force on every down. He relentlessly hunts down opposing ball-carriers and is a steady tackler not only between the tackles, but out in space as well. Fluid hips and smooth acceleration lend to his above-average coverage abilities for a player with his size. His unique mix of reliable tackle production and high-tier blitzing capability makes him an ideal linebacker who can stay on the field for all three downs
LUKE DURFEY
Sophomore Luke Durfey will look to make some noise in fall camp.
As a true freshman last season, Durfey played in 11 games and was credited with 3 tackles.
During his 3-year career at Lone Peak High School (UT), Durfey totaled 267 tackles, 30.0 tackles-for-loss, 9.5 sacks, 12 quarterback hurries, 1 interception, 7 pass breakups, 3 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries, and 2 blocked kicks.
The Aggies were his first preferred walk-on offer, and he accepted not long after taking an official visit to campus.
Durfey reads plays well as they develop, and that puts him in an excellent position to make a stop. He is good at diagnosing plays early and instinctively attacking. He wraps up well when he tackles and drives his body through the opposing ball-carrier. He is also a capable player in pass coverage. He displays active hands and is fast enough that he can keep up with most running backs out of the backfield.
FAIMAFILI LAULU-SNUKA
True freshman preferred walk-on Faimafili Laulu-Snuka joined the Aggies for summer workouts following his return from serving a church mission.
As a senior at West High School (UT) in 2022, Laulu-Snuka played in 11 games with 11 starts and tallied 55 tackles 11.5 tackles-for-loss 7.0 sacks 11 quarterback hurries 3 pass breakups and 2 fumble recoveries.
During his 3-year high school career with the Panthers and at Williams Field High School (AZ), Laulu-Snuka played in 30 games with 24 starts and totaled 218 tackles, 23.0 tackles-for-loss, 13.5 sacks, 29 quarterback hurries, 7 pass breakups, 4 forced fumbles and 1 fumble recovery.
According to 247sports, Laulu-Snuka was the 2,678th-best player nationally, the 241st-best linebacker, and the 40th-best player in Utah. He chose the Aggies over an offer from Black Hills State.
Laulu-Snuka will be a physical specimen the moment he steps on the field. His stout frame gives him a naturally low center of gravity, which gives him leverage when sealing off running lanes. He likes to operate close to the line of scrimmage, where he is able to show off his love for hitting opposing players. He works downhill first and diagnoses what is happening between the tackles. When making a tackle, he strikes hard and fast and drives through opposing ball carriers. He is strong on the edge and can hold his own against most offensive linemen he has faced.
JUDD BOWEN
Adding depth to the position is true freshman preferred walk-on Judd Bowen
As a senior at Bingham High School (UT) in 2025, Bowen played in 10 games with 10 starts and pulled down 68 tackles, 4.0 tackles-for-loss, 1.0 sack, 6 quarterback hurries, and 1 fumble recovery.
During his 2-year high school career with the Miners, Bowen played in 19 games with 19 starts and totaled 79 tackles, 4.0 tackles-for-loss, 1.0 sack, 7 quarterback hurries, 1 interception, and 2 fumble recoveries.
Bowen chose the Aggies over an offer from Fort Lewis College
Bowen was blessed with a frame that makes him a natural fit as an inside linebacker. He has adequate sideline-to-sideline range and does a good job of tracking opposing ball carriers out in open space. He is a physical downhill tackler who excels at diagnosing inside runs and plugging A/B gap run lanes. He is a good, strong form tackler who wraps up well and refuses to let go until he either drags an opposing player down himself or a teammate streaks in to help finish the play.
MIKE (MIDDLE LINEBACKER)
BRONSON OLEVAO
Senior Bronson Olevao is coming off a successful season starting at this spot.
As a junior last season, Olevao played in 13 games with 13 starts and racked up 90 tackles, 7.5 tackles-for-loss, 4.0 sacks, 2 interceptions, 3 pass breakups, and 1 forced fumble.
During his 4-year career at Utah State, Olevao has played in 28 games with 13 starts and totalled 119 tackles, 13.5 tackles-for-loss, 7.5 sacks, 2 interceptions, 3 pass breakups, and 1 forced fumble.
According to On3 Sports, coming out of Highland High (UT), Olevao was rated as the 2,071st-best player nationally, 161st-best safety, and the 46th-best prospect overall in Utah. He chose the Aggies over an offer from Weber State.
Olevao seems to have found his schematic fit. He is a capable athlete, as he performed at a high level at several positions in high school. He is confident, reliable, and works hard. He is an explosive and very talented athlete. He is at his best when he’s responsible for large parts of the field and can run around to make a play. He can close in on a pass to make a deflection or an interception. He can also deliver a tackle while running full speed. He is fast and strong, and has a high football IQ. He is like having a coach on the field. He understands both offensive and defensive systems and plays with passion
BRYCEN EDWARDS
Brycen Edwards is a transfer from Lehigh University who will enter the 2026 season as a senior and use his final season of eligibility with the Aggies.
As a junior with the Mountain Hawks last season, Edwards played in 12 games with 12 starts and piled up 83 tackles, 9.0 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, and 2 pass breakups. For his effort, Edwards was named a First-team FCS All-American.
During his 4-year career at Lehigh University has played in 41 games with 34 starts and totaled 223 tackles, 15.0 tackles-for-loss, 6.5 sacks, 1 interception, and 7 pass breakups.
Edwards chose the Aggies over offers from Ball State and Central Michigan.
Edwards is a strong, steady run defender, and his calling card is his reliable open-field tackling. He uses his leverage and balance to his advantage. His body control allows him to unload his power and stop opposing carriers in their tracks. He is very good while being used in blitz packages; he times his crash through the gaps and collapses the pocket. He reads the game exceptionally well from the second level. He consistently diagnoses play designs early, allowing him to flow to the ball and navigate traffic effectively. He is an on-field general capable of setting defensive alignments and making complex coverage adjustments
DAKOTA HOWELL
Sophomore Dakota Howell will look to make some noise in fall camp. Howell is the son of Utah State Defensive Coordinator Nick Howell.
As a true freshman last season, Howell played in 13 games and was credited with 4 tackles, 0.5 tackles-for-loss, 0.5 sacks, and 1 quarterback hurry.
Unfortunately, career high school stats for Howell were not available at press time. Despite several requests from the Western Albemarle High (VA) Head Coach, I was unable to secure a response.
Howell is an extremely physical player. He has a next-level ability to diagnose a play, shed a block, and find a way to get to a ball carrier. He enjoys punishing opposing offensive players every opportunity he gets. He is a solid-form tackler and does a good job of wrapping up on the ball carrier. He’s got good ball skills and knows how to make a break on the football once it is in the air. He is a calming influence on the field thanks to his confidence as an on-field leader. He is a student of the game and is another coach out on the field.
JOHN MCCLELLAN
True freshman John McClellan joined the Aggie program in June and will look to make some noise in fall camp.
As a senior at Rancho Cotate High School (CA) in 2025, McClellan amassed 139 tackles, 5.0 tackles-for-loss, 3.0 sacks, 1 interception, 1 fumble recovery, and 1 blocked kick.
During his 4-year career with the Cougars, McClellan has played in 42 games with 33 starts and totalled 397 tackles, 19.0 tackles-for-loss, 14.0 sacks, 12 quarterback hurries, 2 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, and 1 blocked kick.
According to On3sports, coming out of Rancho Cotate High School (CA), McClellan was rated as the 1,764th-best player nationally, the 177th-best linebacker, and the 133rd-best player in California. He chose the Aggies over offers from Colorado State, Nevada, Northern Arizona, Sacramento State, and UNLV.
McClellan has built himself a reputation as a tackling machine. He has strong play recognition, and that gets him in proper position to make a play at the snap. Thanks to his impeccable timing, he shoots through the A and B gaps in the line of scrimmage, and once he arrives at opposing ball carriers, he wraps up very well and rarely allows a broken tackle. His time as a running back contributes to his excellent sideline-to-sideline and lateral athleticism. He can cover a lot of ground and consistently scrapes down the line of scrimmage to blow up outside run plays.
DIEGO GRATERON
Adding depth to the position is redshirt junior preferred walk-on Diego Grateron
As a junior last season, Grateron spent the season on the Aggie practice squad.
During his 3-year career with the Aggies and at Snow Junior College (UT), Grateron has played in 5 games with 0 starts and totaled 11 tackles, 1.5 tackles-for-loss, 1 fumble recovery, and 1 blocked kick.
Grateron followed his defensive coordinator, Jordan Pulou, from Snow Junior College when Pulou took a job on the Aggies coaching staff.
Grateron is a tireless worker. He quickly diagnoses the developing play and makes a quick decision on where the ball his moving. He displays a strong instinct for reading blocking schemes. He wraps up well when he tackles and drives his body through the opposing ball carrier. He is also a capable player in pass coverage. His physical style and disciplined mechanics translate very well into special teams coverage packages.
MAXIMUS MAILE
True freshman preferred walk-on Maximus Maile joined the Aggies for summer workouts following his return from serving a church mission.
As a senior at Meridian High School (ID) in 2023, Maile played in 12 games with 12 starts and pulled down 58 tackles and 1 interception that he returned for a touchdown.
During his 3-year high school career with the Mavericks and at Ridgeline High School (UT), Maile played in 22 games with 20 starts and totaled 93 tackles, 2.0 sacks, 2 interceptions, 1 fumble recovery and 1 touchdown.
Maile chose the Aggies over offers from Concordia College, Eastern Oregon, University of Jamestown
Maile has the ideal, compact frame for a linebacker. He uses his lower body leverage and strength to quickly hit A and B gaps and meet opposing running backs as they reach the line of scrimmage. He is a fundamentally sound tackler. He securely wraps up opposing players and does his best to drive them backward to limit forward progress. He does a good job of reading and reacting to blocking schemes to shoot gaps and rack up sacks and tackles-for-loss. He has a nose for the football and is a factor on most snaps.
PROJECTED 2026 PRESEASON DEPTH CHART
LINEBACKER
SAM (STRONG)
25 Chris Joe (6-4, 230, So., 1L, 3*)
17 Mataira Brown (6-2, 225, Jr., 1L, NR)
00 Viliami Tapa’atoutai (6-3, 220, Fr., HS, 3*)
27 Blake Barnes (6-1, 200, So., SQ, NR)
00 Fisher Pyne (6-2, 225, Fr., HS, NR)
BUCK (BOUNDARY)
00 Harrison Taggart (6-1, 230, Sr., TR, 3*)
00 Asher Cunningham (6-2, 240, Jr., TR, NR)
33 Luke Durfey (5-11, 225, So., 1L, NR)
00 Faimafili Laulu-Snuka (6-1, 230, Fr., HS, 3*)
00 Judd Bowen (6-2, 215, Fr., HS, NR)
MIKE (MIDDLE)
14 Bronson Olevao Jr. (6-1, 220, Jr., 2L, 2*)
00 Brycen Edwards (6-0, 225, GrSr, TR, 3*)
31 Dakota Howell (5-11, 220, So., 1L, NR)
00 John McClellan (6-2, 215, Fr., HS, 3*)
43 Diego Grateron (5-9, 210, RsJr., RS, NR)
00 Maximus Maile (6-0, 220, Fr., HS, NR)
Coming Up On Wednesday: Boundary Safety