Columbia, Mo. – The Missouri Tigers are preparing for what could be the most demanding schedule in the nation this fall. After finishing the 2025 season with an 8‑5 record, head coach Eli Drinkwitz says the team is “something to prove” every day in the SEC.
Key player updates
Quarterback Austin Simmons, a transfer from Ole Miss, will take over for Beau Pribula, who left for Virginia. Simmons, who previously backed up Jaxson Dart and earned a starting role before an ankle injury, is expected to bring a stronger arm to the offense. He will have familiar targets in former Ole Miss teammate Cayden Lee and Minnesota transfer Caleb Goodie, along with veteran tight end Brett Norfleet.
Running back Ahmad Hardy, who rushed for an SEC‑best 1,649 yards and 16 touchdowns in his first season, is recovering from a gunshot wound sustained earlier this year. If he can return to full health, Hardy could again be a focal point of the ground game. In the meantime, Jamal Roberts (753 yards, six TDs last season) and Houston Christian transfer Xai’Shaun Edwards are expected to share carries.
Defensive turnover
The Tigers will see a largely new defensive unit after several key players departed via graduation or the transfer portal. The defense ranked eighth nationally last season, allowing 277 yards per game. However, the loss of pass‑rushers Damon Wilson II (who transferred to Miami) and Zion Young (selected in the second round of the NFL draft) leaves a gap in the sack department. Other notable departures include linebacker Josiah Trotter, also a second‑round NFL pick, and secondary starters Marvin Burkes Jr. and Daylan Carnell.
Schedule highlights
Missouri’s 2026 slate includes road games at Kansas (Sept. 11) and at Georgia (Nov. 14), as well as a home matchup against Texas on Nov. 7. The Tigers will face five of the top‑10 teams in the AP preseason poll, making the schedule one of the toughest in the country.
Coach Drinkwitz remains optimistic, emphasizing the program’s resilience and the belief that the Tigers belong among the SEC’s elite. “We have the same mentality we’ve always had: something to prove,” he said.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
