Austin Young brings transfer-tested linebacker grit to Western Illinois
Austin Young enters the 2026 season as a senior linebacker for Western Illinois after arriving from Butte Community College, where in 2024 he logged 82 tackles, 3.5 sacks, an interception, and a forced fumble in 11 games. He’s a tone-setter with wrestling-bred leverage and toughness, and his bio notes unanimous conference recognition plus 1st Team All-State honors, which fits a defender who plays fast, physical, and with edge. He saw limited action in his first fall at WIU, but his production and multi-sport background make him a strong fit for teams needing an instinctive, downhill LB who can help immediately.
