June 17, 2026, 1:25 p.m. ET

Summer is here, and it is everyone’s favorite time of the year, scouting time. Every year, we do Summer Scouting to preview college football for Bucs fans and give them names to follow and watch in the fall as needs pop up for Tampa Bay.

Are we going to write about quarterbacks? Offensive tackles? Edge rushers? You know it, but why? Because other NFL teams will draft them, just as they will draft every other position. It all matters whether these players end up on the Bucs, the Bears, or the Steelers. We write these to keep Bucs fans as informed as possible.

So if you are still with us, enjoy our latest Summer Scouting report as we prepare you for the Fall.

Background InformationRedshirt SeniorLinebackerFlorida State SeminolesIrvington, New Jersey nativeIrvington High School alumnusTransfers from North CarolinaPreviously played at Nebraska6-foot-2, 218 poundsFormer four-star recruitPlayed in 36 career games entering 2026Played under current Florida State defensive coordinator Tony White at NebraskaAcademic All-Big Ten selection in 2023 and 2024USA Today All-New Jersey First Team selection in high schoolNeed a news break? Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!Notable Career Stats Heading Into 2026114 career tackles11.5 tackles for loss2.5 sacks3 pass breakups1 forced fumble3 fumble recoveries36 career games playedCareer-high 49 tackles during the 2024 seasonACC Linebacker of the Week in 2025 after recording a strip sack and fumble recovery touchdown against Richmond39 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and one sack at North Carolina in 2025Notable Numbers From PFF Heading Into 2026SeasonSnapsOverallRun DefenseTacklingPass RushCoveragePressures202525267.167.556.167.764.72202437572.178.370.863.164.75202324255.552.268.155.860.85Posted a career-best 72.1 overall grade in 2024Earned a 78.3 run-defense grade in 2024Recorded an 11.3% missed tackle rate in 2024Coverage grade remained at 64.7 in both 2024 and 2025Allowed 6.7 yards per reception in 2024Produced 5 pressures during the 2024 seasonImproved from a 55.5 overall grade in 2023 to a 72.1 grade in 2024StrengthsExtensive Power Four experienceProductive run defenderConsistent improvement throughout careerMultiple years of starting experienceFamiliarity with multiple defensive systemsProductive when given opportunitiesReliable tackler in 2024Active around the footballExperience on defense and special teamsStrong academic and leadership backgroundGood overall football résuméProven durabilityWeaknessesLimited full-time starting experienceModest career production compared to top linebacker prospectsMissed tackle rate increased significantly in 2025Coverage production remains averageStill searching for a true breakout seasonHas changed programs multiple times during careerLacks elite statistical productionNeeds to establish himself as a defensive centerpieceDraft stock remains dependent on 2026 performancePlayer Summary

Mikai Gbayor enters the 2026 season with a unique college football journey behind him. After beginning his career at Nebraska and spending the 2025 season at North Carolina, he now arrives at Florida State looking for an opportunity to secure a larger role and improve his NFL Draft outlook. His familiarity with defensive coordinator Tony White should help ease the transition as he enters his final collegiate season.

The statistical profile presents an experienced linebacker who has steadily improved throughout his career. His best season came in 2024 at Nebraska, where he earned a 72.1 overall PFF grade while posting career highs in tackles and tackles for loss. He followed that up with a productive campaign at North Carolina that included an ACC Linebacker of the Week performance and a defensive touchdown.

He has played in multiple defensive systems, accumulated meaningful Power Four experience, and demonstrated the ability to contribute in a variety of roles. At the same time, he has yet to fully establish himself as a long-term centerpiece of a defense.

Florida State offers what could be Gbayor’s final opportunity to put everything together. If he can earn a full-time role and produce the most complete season of his career, he has a chance to significantly improve his draft stock. Entering the year, he projects as an experienced linebacker with NFL developmental upside and a realistic path to becoming a late-round draft selection.