Jaiyden Thompson brings SEC-sized linebacker traits to Middle Tennessee
In the 2024 season, Jaiyden Thompson flashed disruptive production at Middle Tennessee with 54 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks, and three pass breakups, and he had already led the team with 84 tackles in the 2023 season. At 6-foot-3 and 241 pounds, he looks like a downhill, weak-side linebacker who can finish plays in the backfield and stay active in coverage. The appeal is his blend of size, proven production, and transfer pedigree from Itawamba CC; the caution is that his 2026 role is still developing, so he projects best for a defense that wants an aggressive, physical front-seven tone-setter.
