As Middle Tennessee lost several linebackers with starting experience to the transfer portal this offseason, it became clear that the position would then become a priority to target. Now, the Blue Raiders have struck gold by landing Chattanooga transfer Alex Mitchell over Oklahoma State, Wisconsin, and Virginia.

Mitchell was formerly a local standout as he was a star on a talented Riverdale High School defense before signing with UTC, where he would immediately work himself into the rotation.

Over the last two seasons, he really turned it up, becoming one of the best linebackers in the country at the FCS level. As a sophomore, he recorded 78 tackles, four passes defended, and three forced fumbles.

This season as a junior, he tallied 101 tackles, 7.5 TFLs, four passes defended and a pair of forced fumbles and interceptions.

That success, along with his physical traits, made him one of the more attractive options on the transfer portal. He earned offers from several schools, including six Power Four programs.

Mitchell will immediately upgrade the linebacker room by adding his reliable veteran presence. He will have one final season to use in Murfreesboro. This move allows for a big middle linebacker in the defense, which was lost when Devyn Curtis went down for the year in game one of the Derek Mason regime.

Now, with Mitchell and Parker Hughes at the linebacker positions, the Blue Raiders will have a strong veteran second level of defense. Young players such as Amarrien Bailey and Micah Smith will round out the rotation and continue to develop.