Xavier Ahrens is climbing into Montana State’s linebacker rotation
Ahrens enters the 2026 season as a sophomore competing for a starting job after a strong rotational 2025, when he played in 14 games and totaled 37 tackles with 2.5 tackles for loss, plus a pass breakup and a forced fumble. He profiles as a physical, high-motor linebacker with good length and sideline-to-sideline range, and coaches have praised his explosiveness and versatility; the Bobcats also value his special-teams impact and “grit,” which is a pretty good football compliment in Bozeman. If a team wants an athletic, fast-rising linebacker who can hit, cover ground, and keep improving, Ahrens fits the bill.
