Former Mountaineer LB Josiah Trotter Skipping Rest of Eligibility to Pursue NFL

Former Mountaineer linebacker Josiah Trotter isn’t wasting any time in pursuing his dream of playing in the NFL. The NFL legacy announced he’s declaring for the upcoming NFL Draft despite having two years left of eligibility.

Trotter, who spent the 2025 season with Missouri in the SEC, said he’s “forever a Mountaineer and Mizzou Tiger for life” on social media after his announcement.

All Glory to God pic.twitter.com/LB5N0p9DEv

— Josiah Trotter (@TrotterJosiah) January 2, 2026

He recorded 84 total tackles, 43 solo stops, two sacks and a pass deflection in his lone season with Missouri. Prior to his transfer, he spent two years with West Virginia, which included a redshirt first year due to suffering a season-ending injury in the offseason.

Trotter made 93 tackles, with 37 registered as solo tackles, two pass deflections, a pick and a half sack.

Even though the WVU defense struggled throughout the season as whole, Trotter put up four double-figure tackle performances. Those big games came against Cincinnati, Iowa State, Kansas and in the season opener when West Virginia hosted Penn State.

West Virginia Mountaineers defense reacts after forcing a turnover against UCF Knights during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Morgantown, W.Va. (WVSN photo by William Wotring)

The 6-foot-2, 237-pound linebacker is considered best at run coverage and blitzing by scouts.

Trotter embraces being part of a strong football family and every everything that comes with his last name. He talked about being used to the natural comparisons that come with being a Trotter before the season got underway in August of 2024.

Trotter touched on what it’s like being the son of former NFL All-Pro Jeremiah Trotter and even the brother of Clemson star and current NFL rookie Jeremiah Jr while talking with the media over the summer.

Trotter explained the one big life lesson he’s learned from his dad. “Work ethic. How you carry yourself every day. Make sure you leave your mark,” he said.

Trotter also mentioned that while most expected him to follow his brother to Clemson, he wanted to carve his own path. He said he picked WVU over offers from major programs like Ohio State and Clemson due to feeling the Mountaineers really wanted him and he would fit perfectly in the defensive system.

WVSN photo by Kelsie LeRose

“I wanted to go somewhere that really wanted me for me. I took a visit, fell in love with it, and how the fans love the team.”

Back to his family, Trotter said he was young and doesn’t remember too much from his dad’s NFL career. He has, however, seen the highlights and heard the stories. He also revealed his dad’s ex Eagles teammate Brian Dawkins as a mentor beyond his family.

A top recruit out of St. Joe’s Prep in Philadelphia, Pa., Trotter was viewed as one of the premier pieces of WVU’s 2023 recruiting class. Listed at 6-foot-2, 230-pounds, Trotter officially signed with the Mountaineers in December of 2022.

Find more coverage of Josiah Trotter at WV Sports Now.