Season Opener
Missouri football will open its 2026 season on Thursday, September 3, when the Tigers host Arkansas-Pine Bluff at Memorial Stadium.
New Coaching Additions
New offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey and tight ends coach Alex Atkins have joined the staff this season, bringing fresh ideas to the program.
Tight End Room
The tight end room features seniors Brett Norfleet, Jude James and Jordon Harris, transfer Gavin Hoffman, and reserves Isaac Jensen and Adam Molitor, providing a blend of experience and youthful energy.
Experience and Potential
Norfleet, the most seasoned of the group, reached a career‑high 254 yards and five touchdowns last year despite injury setbacks, underscoring his reliability.
James has shown a knack for making key catches, while Harris is valued for his blocking skills, both contributing to a versatile unit.
Hoffman, a transfer from Iowa, brings ideal size and athleticism that could make him a mismatch in the passing game, and his development will be closely watched.
Scheme Evolution
The coaching staff plans to employ more 12‑ and 13‑personnel sets, a formation that uses multiple tight ends on the field, a trend that has become common in professional football.
Looking Ahead
If the group stays healthy, Missouri could surpass the highest tight end receiving totals recorded in the Eli Drinkwitz era, a milestone that would highlight the depth of the current roster.
The depth also includes Vince Brown II and Dakotah Terrell, who add further options as the season progresses.