Mizzou’s football surge ahead of bowl season
Mizzou’s football program is generating buzz as fourteen of its players have earned spots on the East‑West Bowl watch list, a testament to the talent amassed through both high‑school recruiting and the transfer portal.
Among the highlighted offensive playmakers are Austin Simmons, Ahmad Hardy, Jamal Roberts and Brett Norfleet, while linebackers Robert Woodyard Jr. and Nicholas Rodriguez are expected to anchor the defense.
Kicker Blake Craig, who was recently named a Good Works Team Nominee by the American Football Coaches Association, overcame a torn ACL sustained last season and, according to head coach Drinkwitz, is now fully recovered and ready for action.
The athletic department also welcomed new leadership, with Dr. Bryan Maggard appointed as Deputy Athletics Director and Chief Operating Officer; formerly the Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics at the University of Louisiana, Maggard brings a wealth of administrative experience.
In the roster shuffle, Austin Popplewell, known for his postseason experience, transferred to Oklahoma, while Laird Veatch made a notable hire within the Mizzou tennis program, further diversifying the school’s athletic offerings.
New faces and media coverage
Rock M staff have already selected nine freshmen and transfers as the most promising additions, and candidates for Newcomer of the Year are now being debated, with separate male and female awards set to be announced.
Fans can stay updated through Rock M Radio’s ‘Before the Box Score’ podcast, where hosts Nate Edwards and Nathan Hurst break down SEC Media Days, and the show is available on Apple Podcasts, Megaphone and Spotify.
Listeners are encouraged to leave a five‑star review with questions, giving them a chance to have their queries answered on the program.
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