2026 Position Preview: Veterans Set the Tone at Linebacker
8/25/2026 11:00:00 AM | Football
Experience runs throughout Coastal Carolina's linebacker room entering the 2026 season. The Chanticleers return several players with significant playing time on defense while adding a group of newcomers who bring production from multiple levels of college football.
Tray Brown and Se'Von McDowell lead the returning group after making nine starts apiece last season. Both have received multiple preseason honors entering 2026. McDowell was named to the Preseason All-Sun Belt Second Team by both Phil Steele and Athlon Sports, while Brown earned Second Team Preseason All-Sun Belt honors from the conference and Fourth Team recognition from Athlon Sports.
Brown appeared in all 13 games and finished fourth on the team with 54 tackles while leading the Chanticleers with 11.5 tackles for loss. He also recorded 2.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries before closing the season with a career-high eight tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss against Louisiana Tech in the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl.
McDowell appeared in 11 games and totaled 48 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and two pass breakups during his sophomore campaign. He recorded at least six tackles in three consecutive games late in the regular season before posting a career-high nine stops against Louisiana Tech in the bowl game.
Wyatt Gedeon adds another experienced returner after injuries limited him to four games in 2025. The senior has appeared in 25 games during his Coastal Carolina career and made 10 starts in 2024, when he recorded 36 tackles and was responsible for three turnovers. Cameron Avery also returns after appearing in five games last season, while Kaden Sapp enters his second year with the program.
The Chanticleers added proven production through the transfer portal, led by Western Carolina transfer Jordan Thompson. The Charlotte, N.C., native started all 12 games for the Catamounts in 2025 and led the team with 93 tackles, ranking fourth in the Southern Conference. Thompson added 7.0 tackles for loss, two sacks and 10 quarterback hurries while earning Second Team All-Southern Conference honors from Phil Steele. He has also received preseason recognition ahead of his first season at Coastal, being named to Pro Football Network's Preseason All-Sun Belt Third Team.
Marcellius Pulliam brings Power Four experience after spending the past two seasons at Michigan State following his freshman season at Miami (Fla.). Pulliam has appeared in 26 collegiate games, recording 13 tackles and an interception while also contributing extensively on special teams.
Garrett Orgas joins the Chanticleers after recording 51 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, five pass breakups, an interception and a forced fumble at Pearl River Community College last season. Missouri State transfer Braxton Starnes reunites with head coach Ryan Beard after appearing in six games as a true freshman in 2025, while freshman Romello Patterson rounds out the room after earning Region 5 Defensive Player of the Year honors during his senior season at West Florence High School.
Tray Brown and Se'Von McDowell lead the returning group after making nine starts apiece last season. Both have received multiple preseason honors entering 2026. McDowell was named to the Preseason All-Sun Belt Second Team by both Phil Steele and Athlon Sports, while Brown earned Second Team Preseason All-Sun Belt honors from the conference and Fourth Team recognition from Athlon Sports.
Brown appeared in all 13 games and finished fourth on the team with 54 tackles while leading the Chanticleers with 11.5 tackles for loss. He also recorded 2.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries before closing the season with a career-high eight tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss against Louisiana Tech in the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl.
McDowell appeared in 11 games and totaled 48 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and two pass breakups during his sophomore campaign. He recorded at least six tackles in three consecutive games late in the regular season before posting a career-high nine stops against Louisiana Tech in the bowl game.
Wyatt Gedeon adds another experienced returner after injuries limited him to four games in 2025. The senior has appeared in 25 games during his Coastal Carolina career and made 10 starts in 2024, when he recorded 36 tackles and was responsible for three turnovers. Cameron Avery also returns after appearing in five games last season, while Kaden Sapp enters his second year with the program.
The Chanticleers added proven production through the transfer portal, led by Western Carolina transfer Jordan Thompson. The Charlotte, N.C., native started all 12 games for the Catamounts in 2025 and led the team with 93 tackles, ranking fourth in the Southern Conference. Thompson added 7.0 tackles for loss, two sacks and 10 quarterback hurries while earning Second Team All-Southern Conference honors from Phil Steele. He has also received preseason recognition ahead of his first season at Coastal, being named to Pro Football Network's Preseason All-Sun Belt Third Team.
Marcellius Pulliam brings Power Four experience after spending the past two seasons at Michigan State following his freshman season at Miami (Fla.). Pulliam has appeared in 26 collegiate games, recording 13 tackles and an interception while also contributing extensively on special teams.
Garrett Orgas joins the Chanticleers after recording 51 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, five pass breakups, an interception and a forced fumble at Pearl River Community College last season. Missouri State transfer Braxton Starnes reunites with head coach Ryan Beard after appearing in six games as a true freshman in 2025, while freshman Romello Patterson rounds out the room after earning Region 5 Defensive Player of the Year honors during his senior season at West Florence High School.
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