The Minuteman Command has a post on senior LB Tyler Martin.
Martin appears in a post-practice video press meeting.
The center of the UMass defense was almost decent last year before Timmy Hinspeter went down. He was leading the MAC in tackles at that time.
I'm optimistic about the LB room for 2026. Besides the returning veterans Martin and Hinspeter UMass added Khari Bendolph, Joshua Iseah and Kendric Council. The last two were productive players at their previous schools.
STAR Michael Robinson II is a senior transfer from Rutgers and will probably function as a Safety/OLB.
Redshirt Freshman Dinos Drossos is one of the highest rated recruits UMass has signed. He should see some playing time is 2026. All-in-all, I think the 2026 LB room is maybe the deepest unit on the team.
Defensive coordinator Jared Keyte should have enough talent to play some defensive packages and have a more aggressive defense this year. The middle of the defense could be a strength in 2026.
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Former UMass players Ta'Rei Powell, Ellis Merryweather and Macklin Ayers will suit up for the UFL.
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