Jonathan Thompson is Cincinnati’s steady, disruptive linebacker anchor
In the 2025 season, Jonathan Thompson emerged as a high-motor, playmaking inside linebacker for Cincinnati, finishing with 74 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, two fumble recoveries, and a forced fumble while earning preseason attention for the 2026 Butkus and Bednarik watch lists[1][2]. He’s a smart fit for a defense that wants speed, toughness, and backfield disruption: he’s not just a pile-the-tackles guy, he creates negative plays and brings a consistent edge that coaches love, which is why the Bearcats keep leaning on him as a veteran leader[1][2][6].
