Early Camp Highlights
Missouri football opened its fall camp on Monday inside the Stephens Indoor Facility in Columbia, but only a five‑period segment of roughly 25 minutes was open to the media. The brief window focused on individual drills and fundamentals, giving reporters a limited yet telling glimpse of the team’s current state.
The defensive depth chart displayed Marquis Gracial and Jalen Marshall as the first‑team defensive tackles, while Darris Smith and Langden Kitchen lined up as the top defensive ends. The early setup suggests a continued emphasis on a balanced front that can pressure opposing offenses from multiple angles.
At the cornerback position, Nick DeLoach Jr. is battling for a starting role against the Oregon duo Sione Laulea and Jahlil Florence. The competition adds depth to the secondary and will likely shape the rotation as the season approaches.
Sterling Webb, eligible for the 2026 season, attended practice wearing a new number 90 and is expected to rejoin the defensive tackle rotation, bringing additional experience to the interior line.
Ahmad Hardy did not participate, consistent with a prior announcement that he would be limited this week, while injured right tackle Josh Atkins was present but moved around the facility with a cane. Defensive tackle Donta Simpson Jr. also appeared limited during the session.
Linebacker Nicholas Rodriguez and offensive linemen Cayden Green and Dominick Giudice led the opening stretches, signaling their roles as emerging team captains and anchors of the unit.
Five wide receivers — Donovan Olugbode, Cayden Lee, DaMarion Fowlkes, Shaun Terry II and Naeshaun Montgomery — used the session to work on punt returns, highlighting the special‑teams focus early in camp.
Defensive ends coach Brian Early noted that Darris Smith has bulked up to 265 pounds, up from 235 pounds last year, positioning him to fill a critical role as a game‑wrecking defensive end.