Jake Golday is a linebacker and 2026 NFL Draft prospect who finished his collegiate career at the University of Cincinnati after three seasons at Central Arkansas. A native of Arlington, Tennessee, Golday was an unranked recruit out of Arlington High School in the 2021 class, entering the sport without a star rating from any major service. He began his career at Central Arkansas as a defensive end, redshirting his first season before totaling 125 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks across 26 games with the Bears. He transferred to Cincinnati for the 2024 season and immediately emerged as a Big 12 starter, finishing second on the Bearcats with 58 tackles and seven tackles for loss to earn Honorable Mention All-Big 12 honors. In 2025 he broke out as a full-time starter with 105 tackles, six tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks, earning another All-Big 12 nod and a spot on Bruce Feldman's annual "Freaks List" for his elite athleticism.
Measured at 6-foot-4 and 240 pounds, Golday brings a rare physical profile to the linebacker position, with a long frame, exceptional top speed and explosive athleticism. His edge background gives him a unique pass-rush perspective as an off-ball defender, and his sideline-to-sideline pursuit speed is among the best in this class. Cincinnati deployed him in multiple alignments including in the box, on the edge and in overhang roles, giving him a diverse positional background. His zone awareness and coverage instincts are areas requiring development as he transitions from FCS ball to the NFL level, and his block-shedding technique needs refinement. Nonetheless, the combination of elite athletic testing, improving fundamentals and a steep developmental arc project him as an early Day Two target with special teams value immediately and starting upside for teams willing to invest in his coverage development.
