Nikko Speer is flashing early as a rangy, active Idaho linebacker
In the 2026 season, Idaho sophomore linebacker Nikko Speer has started fast, piling up 12 tackles in the opener against Cal Poly and following it with 8 more at No. 21 Utah, showing the kind of snap-to-snap activity coaches love[12][1]. At 6-foot-2 and 230 pounds, he brings a sturdy build, steady range, and enough play-to-play urgency to fit as a downhill, physical second-level defender[3][6]. He also flashed ball skills in fall camp with a pick in a situational drill, a nice little “don’t sleep on this kid” detail[14].
