Boston College continues to reshape its linebacker room with the addition of graduate transfer Justin Medlock, a veteran presence who brings Power Five experience and a versatile skill set to Chestnut Hill.
Medlock, a 6-foot linebacker originally from Missouri City, Texas, is making his second transfer after stints at Utah and SMU. He spent the past season with the Mustangs, where he appeared in eight games and posted 25 tackles, an interception, and two pass breakups. While he missed the matchup against Boston College, he still logged 250 defensive snaps and added another 50 on special teams-showing he’s more than capable of contributing in multiple phases of the game.
His 2024 campaign was quieter statistically-just three tackles in 10 games-but the bigger picture here is about depth, experience, and leadership. Medlock arrives with a solid understanding of high-level defensive schemes, having spent time in both the Pac-12 and the American Athletic Conference. That kind of background is exactly what Boston College needs right now.
The Eagles’ linebacker unit was hit hard this offseason. Between the transfer portal and graduations, they lost key contributors like Bryce Steele, Jaylen Blackwell, Bam Crouch, and Owen McGowan. That exodus left the room thin heading into 2025, and it became clear that reinforcements were a must-not just for depth, but for stability.
Enter Medlock, along with fellow transfers Anthony Falano (who saw meaningful snaps at Washington State) and Bodie Kahoun (who was buried on Notre Dame’s loaded depth chart but brings upside). Together, they give BC a more experienced look at linebacker heading into 2026. Instead of relying solely on young, untested talent, the Eagles now have seasoned players who can anchor the defense while younger prospects like Kemori Dixon, Griffin Collins, and Palaie Faoa develop at a more natural pace.
Medlock was a three-star recruit out of high school and held offers from a who’s who of college football powers-Miami, LSU, Ohio State, Oregon, and Tennessee, among others. That kind of recruiting pedigree still matters, especially when paired with years of college-level reps. He’s not just a stopgap; he’s a player who’s seen different systems, adapted to different roles, and now has a chance to make a real impact in the ACC.
This move won’t make national headlines, but it’s the kind of addition that can quietly elevate a defense. Boston College needed experience and versatility in the linebacker corps-and they just got both in Justin Medlock.