Offense
The quarterback position belongs to Ole Miss transfer Austin Simmons. Heat beat out Trinidad Chambliss for the starting role last season and lost it when he got hurt. He has a big arm but must cut down on turnovers. Matt Zollers started three games last season and UConn transfer Nick Evers also has starting experience.
The running back room is loaded. Ahmad Hardy and Jamal Roberts return after combining for 2,402 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns. Hardy had a scare this offseason when he was shot in the leg. He has recently been cleared to fully practice. He could be the best back in college football this season. Houston Christian transfer Xai’Shaun Edwards is no slouch either. He ran for over 1,000 yards last season.
The wide receiver room returns some experience in Donovan Olugbode and tight ends Brett Norfleet and Jordan Harris. The additions of Cayden Lee (Ole Miss), Caleb Goodie (Cincinnati), Naeshaun Montgomery (Florida), and Kenric Lanier II (Minnesota) provide much needed depth and explosiveness.
The offensive line room returns plenty of experience in Dominick Giudice, Whit Hafer, Curtis Peagler, Tristan Wilson, and Cayden Green (All-SEC). The additions of Zack Owens (Mississippi State), Will Kemna (Kansas State), Luke Work (Mississippi State), Josh Atkins (Arizona State), and Colin Sorensen (Charleston Southern) make this a very deep unit.
Defense
The defensive line room is very transfer heavy. Darris Smith, Langden Kitchen, Jalen Marshall, and Marquis Gracial return with experience. The additions of Mack Hensley (Northern Illinois), Malik Bryant (Miami), CJ May (Louisville), Cavan Tuley (Houston), Donta Simpson Jr. (Miami), Kamauryn Morgan (Baylor) and Jaden Jones (Florida State) provide depth and playmakers for this unit.
The linebacker room returns experience in Nicholas Rodriquez, Dante McClellan, Jeremiah Beasley, and Brian Huff. The additions of Bobby Washington Jr. (Miami) and Robert Woodyard Jr. (Auburn) provide playmakers for this defense. Woodyard has plenty of starting experience in the SEC.
The secondary room is also very transfer heavy. Nicholas DeLoach, Santana Banner, and Trajen Greco return with experience. The additions of Chris Graves Jr. (Ole Miss), Elijah Dotson (Michigan), Kensley Louidor-Faustin (Auburn), JaDon Blair (Notre Dame), Sione Lauiea (Oregon), and Jahlil Florence (Oregon) are massive.
Specialists
Kicker Blake Craig returns from a torn ACL and is much needed as this department took a dip without him. Punting duties will see a competition between Florida State transfer Bruno Reus and Tennessee State transfer Mark Shenoudu.
2026 Schedule
- 9/3 Arkansas-Pine Bluff
- 9/11 at Kansas
- 9/19 Troy
- 9/26 at Mississippi State
- 10/3 Florida
- 10/10 Texas A&M
- 10/17 at Ole Miss
- 10/31 at Arkansas
- 11/7 Texas
- 11/14 at Georgia
- 11/21 Kentucky
- 11/28 Oklahoma
Final Analysis
Missouri has become one of the most consistent winners in the SEC under Eliah Drinkwitz. This year, the Tigers face some uncertainty with no returning starters on defense and Austin Simmons cutting down on turnovers. There is plenty here for another solid showing though from the Tigers. Watch out for Ahmad Hardy to be a Heisman finalist.
