Austin Yelder is a junior linebacker for Missouri State standing 6'0" and weighing 223 pounds. A native of Montgomery, Alabama, Yelder was a two-year starter at Robert E. Lee High School, earning 6A first-team all-state honors in 2021 with 108 tackles, 12.0 tackles for loss, and 3.0 sacks. He began his college career at Tennessee State in 2022 as a true freshman, appearing in two games before redshirting. Yelder transferred to Independence Community College in 2024, recording 16 total tackles with 1.5 tackles for loss across 8 games. In his 2025 debut season at Missouri State, he appeared in 11 games (92 snaps), posting 7 total tackles including 3 solos. He recorded a 0.5 tackle for loss and was named to the Athletic Director's Honor Roll for Spring 2026.