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Eastern Washington linebacker competition heats up ahead of season opener

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 16, 2026, 2:01 AM

Last updated Aug 16, 2026

Eastern Washington linebacker competition heats up ahead of season opener

Summary

Eastern Washington’s linebacker group shows depth and competition as they prepare for their season opener against Northern Arizona on August 29. Read Sunn, a key player from last season, has left room for Myles Mayovsky and Samarai Anderson to step up, while transfers and underclassmen vie for rotation roles. Defensive coordinator Zach Bruce praised the options available, citing players like Vincent Macaluso and transfers LJ Roberts and Matt Eskridge II as vital to the defense. The team aims to improve after allowing the third-most rushing yards in Big Sky games last year, with key areas identified for focus in the upcoming season.

Source Links

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Status Watch

•Eastern Washington linebackers preparing for season opener on August 29.
•Read Sunn led last season with 96 tackles but is no longer on the roster.
•Myles Mayovsky and Samarai Anderson provide returning experience.
•Vincent Macaluso and transfers LJ Roberts, Matt Eskridge II contribute to depth.
•Team targeting improvements in rushing defense after last season's performance.

Latest Updates

2:01 AMYahoo Sports — Why Eastern Washington feels even more confident about linebacker room this season: 'Guys that can fly around'

What they're saying

"
Aug. 15—One of the success stories of last year's Eastern Washington football team was the signing and then the performance of linebacker Read Sunn. Sunn came to Cheney as a graduate student after four years at Wyoming, where he made 42 appearances but just one start. In 2025, he led Eastern with 96 tackles and five quarterback hurries, and he tied for the lead in forced fumbles (two) and ...
— Yahoo Sports

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