Springfield‑born offensive guard Matthew Greene is set to anchor Missouri State University’s football offensive line as the Bears gear up for their season‑opening game on Sept. 5. Greene, a 6‑foot‑5, 285‑pound senior, transferred to MSU in 2025 after two seasons at UNLV and is the only returning starter from the line that helped the Bears reach the Xbox Bowl in their first FBS season.
Family roots and local ties
Greene’s connection to the university runs deep. His father, John Greene, played guard for Missouri State and for Springfield Public Schools in the 1980s, sharing a roster with future NBA player Winston Garland. Growing up in the Springfield area, Matthew learned about the Bears from his father rather than from recruiters.
New coaching staff, new look line
Offensive line coach Hussam Ouri, a former SMU assistant who followed coordinator Casey Woods to MSU, praised Greene’s leadership and work ethic. “He’s done a good job of setting the culture, playing hard, showing guys the right way,” Ouri said. Ouri has assembled a new‑look line that includes several transfers: redshirt freshman left tackle King Large from SMU, center Isaiah Villanueva from Jackson State, right tackle Sebastian Espinoza from Coffeyville junior college, and Will Dixon from Virginia Military Institute.
Returning veterans and depth hunt
Alongside Greene, returning players Brayden Thompson at right tackle, Ryan Mitchell at right guard, and versatile Makhete Gueye round out the core of the rotation. The Bears lost veteran starters Erick Cade, Cash Hudson, Ebubedike Nnabugwu, and Cristian Loaiza after the 2025 season, a unit that surrendered 53 sacks and 112 tackles for loss.
Coach Ouri emphasized the need for experienced bodies: “We wanted guys who played a lot of football, which allows you to troubleshoot and solve in‑game. We went after guys who had physical traits and/or tools we didn’t have.” He believes he has eight players who can start or rotate consistently and is still seeking additional depth.
Offensive strategy
In head coach Casey Woods’ up‑tempo, no‑huddle system, line rotation is crucial. Greene noted the group’s size as an advantage: “We’re a longer group; we’re all pretty tall. Last year we were tall, too, so it’s nice to have some big dudes out there, especially on the edges.” The Bears plan to establish the run game early and protect whichever quarterback takes the field—whether the mobile Skyler Locklear from UTEP or the pocket‑passing Henry Belin from Duke.
Looking ahead
Greene expressed confidence heading into the season: “We love the challenge. We’re a tough group. We love to compete. Ouri is hard on us in a good way. We’ll attack the challenge for sure.” The Bears will face their first scrimmage on Friday before the official season kickoff.
Original reporting: Springfield Daily Citizen — read the source article.
