Jake Golday is a long-framed, explosive hybrid linebacker whose developmental arc from zero-star FCS defender to potential top-60 draft selection speaks to both his athletic profile and competitive growth curve. After emerging as Central Arkansas’ leading tackler in 2023 (84 tackles, 7 TFL, 4.5 sacks), he transferred to Cincinnati and immediately translated his game to Power Five competition.

In 2024, Golday ranked second on the team with 58 tackles and seven tackles for loss, earning honorable mention All-Big 12 honors. His impact performance at UCF (2.5 TFL, 1.5 sacks, forced fumble and recovery) showcased his disruptive ability and range. By 2025, he became a full-time starter and produced 105 tackles with another All-Big 12 nod, landing on Bruce Feldman’s “Freaks” List due to elite explosion metrics and GPS speed exceeding 22 mph.

Physically, Golday is rare. At 6’4” with long levers and 39-inch vertical explosiveness, he covers ground with stride length that most linebackers cannot match. His run defense stands out on tape — he uses heavy hands to compress gaps, maintains chest control versus climbing linemen, and finishes consistently (career missed tackle rate near 10%). He shows fluidity in zone drops and experience aligning in the box, slot, and on the edge within Cincinnati’s hybrid front.

The primary developmental area is processing consistency in zone and pass rush refinement. Despite nearly 600 career edge snaps, his rush arsenal remains linear and lacks counter depth. Zone spacing and landmark discipline can drift, particularly against layered route combinations. Play strength versus power gap schemes also requires continued development.

Golday projects best as a weakside linebacker in a 4-3 structure where he can leverage range, length, and downhill trigger ability. Early NFL value comes from special teams and sub-package deployment. Long term, if mental processing and pass rush refinement catch up to his athletic ceiling, he has legitimate three-down upside. The floor is a high-end core special teamer and rotational defender. The ceiling is a versatile, scheme-flexible starter with rare athletic traits for the position.