University of Wyoming linebacker Evan Eller is preparing for a larger role on defense in the 2025 season after choosing to redshirt last year—a decision he made just four games into what would have been his senior campaign, Univfersity of Wyoming Athletics reports.
Eller transferred to Wyoming from the Virginia Military Institute (VMI), where he tallied 106 tackles in 2023 playing the hybrid “rover” position. Upon arriving in Laramie, he aimed to compete at the middle linebacker spot, a role that has produced standout Cowboy alumni such as Logan Wilson, Chad Muma, and Easton Gibbs.
In 2024, Shae Suiaunoa took the majority of snaps at middle linebacker, finishing the season with a team-leading 88 tackles. Recognizing his limited role and future potential, Eller approached head coach Jay Sawvel and defensive coordinator Aaron Bohl to discuss redshirting, a move designed to give him time to adjust and make a bigger impact the following year.
“I knew I could compete at this level,” Eller said. “I just wanted to contribute as much as I could.”
Eller used the redshirt year to transform both physically and mentally. He added 20 pounds of muscle, bringing his frame to 230 pounds, and grew more comfortable with the pace and expectations of FBS-level football.
Sawvel noted that delaying Eller’s on-field contributions was ultimately a move aimed at long-term development.
“It was going to be his one year to play here, and he wasn’t going to be as good as what we thought he could be,” Sawvel said. “He runs very well; he’s a smart football player. There’s good competition there.”
That competition includes another FCS graduate transfer, Ethan Stuhlsatz from Lindenwood, as well as redshirt freshmen Dash Bauman and Gary Rutherford, who have both impressed this spring. Rutherford was notably active in a recent scrimmage, consistently making plays behind the line of scrimmage.
On the weak side, Oklahoma Baptist transfer Brayden Johnson is vying for a starting role while facing pressure from Rutherford, reflecting the depth and intensity of this year’s linebacker competition.
“Brayden and Ethan have been great transferring in,” Eller said. “Then Dash and Gary—you couldn’t ask for better freshmen across the board in our room. We all have the same mindset: get to the ball, work hard, and set the tone for the defense.”
As fall camp approaches, the coaching staff continues to look for improved consistency and production at linebacker, seeking to uphold the standard established by Wyoming’s recent defensive stars.
Eller, for his part, says he’s ready.
“Last year I was playing to not mess up. This year, I’m playing to make plays,” he said. “It has been great, and I feel super comfortable playing linebacker and knowing everything on the defense.”
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