A New Direction for Mizzou’s Special Teams
The 2024 season left the Missouri Tigers’ special teams unit under a cloud of missed opportunities. The team converted only 13 of 19 field‑goal attempts, often settling for shorter ranges and battling timing inconsistencies that cost crucial points.
Enter John Papuchis, the newly hired coordinator who arrives from Florida State with a reputation for revitalizing units that have struggled with precision. His appointment signals a shift from the previous regime of Eric Link, whose tenure ended after a season that failed to meet the program’s standards.
Punting duties will be contested by a quartet of candidates. Former starter Connor Weselman was deemed insufficient after a season of erratic hangs, opening the door for transfer Brunno Reus. Ranked second nationally among punters and third among kickers for the 2025 class, Reus brings a high‑profile pedigree from the Seminoles and a fresh arm to the mix.
Blake Craig, the kicker who missed the entire 2024 campaign due to an ACL tear, is back and already showing a perfect 2‑for‑2 field‑goal record in early work. His focus now is on consistency rather than record‑breaking numbers, and the mental reset from injury appears to be sharpening his approach.
Long snapper Brett Le Blanc emerged as the unit’s only reliable constant in 2024, delivering zero botched snaps. His chemistry with Reus has already translated into quicker protection schemes and a noticeable lift in the punter’s confidence on the field.
The competition also involves Mark Shenouda, John Butcher and other holdovers, but the underlying theme is clear: a unit that finished the season with more questions than answers is now being reshaped by fresh leadership, proven talent and a commitment to precision.