A Rebuilding Front Seven
The 2026 season marks a turning point for the Missouri Tigers as they lose two of their most potent edge rushers, Zion Young and Damon Wilson II, who together accounted for 16 sacks and 111 pressures last year. Their departures leave a void at the edge that the coaching staff must address through a mix of experience and fresh talent.
Depth and Experience
Returning senior Darris Smith, who generated 30 pressures, four sacks and 5.5 tackles for loss after an ACL recovery, is expected to anchor the pass rush, while Langdon Kitchen, a senior from Huntsville, Missouri, brings a Power 4 pedigree and a PFF grade of 71.3 from 171 snaps in 2025. Both players are projected to start, providing a foundation for the new unit.
The depth chart also welcomes newcomers such as Jaden Jones, a fifth‑year player who recovered from an ACL tear to record six pressures, and Demarcus Johnson, a junior from Roseland, Louisiana, whose 270‑pound frame and two‑year production of 4 sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss add size and versatility. Freshmen like Daeden Hopkins, who notched a sack as a true freshman, and special‑teams stalwart Cavan Tuley, who has logged over 260 snaps on coverage units, could contribute in unexpected ways.
Inside the line, the interior remains solid, anchored by veterans who have already proven their durability. The staff’s reputation for developing talent under pressure adds optimism that the unit can compensate for the loss of elite edge speed.
Nevertheless, the Tigers face a demanding SEC schedule that will test the new front seven early, and the success of the rebuild will hinge on how quickly the replacements can generate consistent pressure and maintain discipline against power‑conference offenses.