Multiple Key College Football Defenders Sidelined by Injuries

Several college football programs are facing significant linebacker and defensive line injuries as the 2025 season approaches. The University of Tulsa's starting linebacker, Chris Thompson Jr., will miss at least six weeks due to a broken ankle, with hopes for a return by conference play; if not, he may use a medical redshirt for a seventh year. Washington State's linebacker Keith Brown will miss the entire season with an injury but is expected to obtain a medical redshirt and return for a sixth season in 2026; the Cougars plan to rely on redshirt freshman Anthony Palano and veterans in his absence. Tennessee's defensive line will be without Daevin Hobbs for multiple weeks because of a foot injury, further complicating a defense already impacted by his previous shoulder surgeries; Hobbs was expected to be a key player and is compared to NFL standouts by his coach. Tennessee will look to other defensive linemen to fill the void as Hobbs' return timeline remains uncertain. These injuries represent challenges for the affected teams' defenses early in the season.