Making His Mark at Missouri
A change of program can test a player's ability to adapt, particularly when it comes early in a college career. Jeremiah Beasley experienced that challenge after leaving Michigan for Missouri in 2024. The former Belleville standout has since worked through the demands of a new defensive system and the competition of SEC football, gradually building his place among the Tigers' linebackers.
- Full Name: Jeremiah Beasley
- Sport: Football
- Position: Linebacker
- Jersey Number: 6
- Height: 6 feet
- Weight: 235 pounds
- Age: 20
- Hometown: Detroit, Michigan
- High School: Belleville High School, Michigan
- College: University of Missouri
- Previous School: University of Michigan
- Current Team: Missouri Tigers
- Class: Junior (2026)
- Years Active: 2024-present
Beasley developed his football skills at Belleville High School in Michigan, playing under head coaches Calvin Norman and Jermain Crowell. During his four-year career, he helped the program compile a 50-4 record and reach four consecutive state championship games.
Belleville captured back-to-back Michigan High School Athletic Association Division I championships in 2021 and 2022 before returning to the title game in 2023.
Playing both linebacker and running back, he became a productive contributor on both sides of the ball. Across his final two seasons, he recorded 228 tackles and rushed for more than 2,000 yards with 41 touchdowns. His defensive production included five sacks as a junior and 10 forced fumbles as a sophomore. He also participated in track and field.
Strong performances on the field earned recognition from major recruiting services. Both Rivals and 247Sports awarded him four-star ratings, while ESPN evaluated him as a three-star prospect. He also emerged as one of Michigan's highly regarded recruits in the 2024 class.
Initially joining Michigan's 2024 recruiting class, he enrolled in December 2023 and took part in the Wolverines' spring activities. Then, he later entered the transfer portal and announced his commitment to Missouri on May 1, 2024.
Adjusting to a new program and defensive scheme, he appeared in all 12 games during the 2024 season. He finished the year with eight tackles, five of them solo, while also contributing on special teams as he worked to earn a larger role in Missouri's linebacker rotation.
The 2025 season marked further progress in his development, as he played in all 13 games and totaled 19 tackles, 12 of which were solo. He also registered the first forced fumble of his college career.
Against Central Arkansas in the season opener, he delivered his standout performance with seven solo tackles and a forced fumble. His contribution placed him second on the team in tackles during the win.
Across the season, he continued to appear in Missouri's defensive rotation against opponents including Kansas, Louisiana, South Carolina, Massachusetts, Texas A&M, Mississippi State, and Virginia.
Turnover creation has been a notable part of his defensive game since high school, when he forced 10 fumbles as a sophomore. That ability carried over to the collegiate level, where he recorded his first forced fumble for Missouri in 2025, complementing his contributions as a tackler.
As a linebacker, his responsibilities include recognizing developing plays, pursuing ball carriers, and working through contact. His experience in Missouri's defensive system has given him opportunities to apply those skills against SEC competition.
Beyond football, he is listed as a business major at the University of Missouri. He is the son of Will McMichael and Peggy Carr-McMichael.
Beasley entered the 2026 season looking to build on his previous production, and his performances have reflected further progress.
He recorded seven tackles against Arkansas-Pine Bluff, matching his previous career high. He also appeared in games against Kansas, Troy, Florida, and Texas A&M. Through the first six games documented in Missouri's official roster biography, he had accumulated 21 tackles.
Against Arkansas, he added five tackles in Missouri's 34-10 victory. His performance against Texas on November 7 included a forced fumble recovered by safety Trajen Greco.
These performances established a new single-season career high in tackles for him, while the forced fumble against Texas added another turnover-producing play to his collegiate record.
Beasley's contribution to Missouri has come through consistent participation and his ability to provide depth at linebacker. Having played in different roles during his first three collegiate seasons, he has gained experience within the Tigers' defensive system and against SEC opponents.
Playing on both sides of the ball in high school provided him with a well-rounded understanding of the game. That versatility, along with his special teams contributions, has given him opportunities to help Missouri in different roles while continuing to compete for a place in the defensive rotation.
Still in his junior season, he has time to build on his existing production and establish a more prominent place in Missouri's defense.
For Beasley, the next measure of progress will not simply be the number of games played or tackles recorded, but how consistently he can influence Missouri's defense. With experience in the program and opportunities to take on greater responsibilities, he has a chance to strengthen his position within the linebacker group. What comes next will depend on how he turns those opportunities into lasting contributions.