The linebacker room lost just two names this past offseason, but both were significant contributors. Bobby McMillen wasn’t technically a starter, but he did play significant snaps in 2019 as both a spell linebacker and on special teams. Last season, he recorded 22 tackles and a pass breakup in his reserve role, and even recorded his first start against Texas Tech.
However, the more significant loss of the two is without a doubt Marcel Spears Jr. The Olathe, KS native developed into an extremely solid linebacker over his final three seasons in Ames, and developed a flair for the dramatic, as he registered pick sixes against Texas Tech in both 2017 and 2018, and also made the game-sealing interception in the 2017 upset of TCU.