Missouri entered the 2026 campaign unranked in many preseason forecasts, yet the AP poll placed the Tigers at No. 25, signaling cautious optimism about a program that finished the previous season with an 8‑5 record and an eighth‑place SEC finish.
The roster bears the imprint of a busy offseason, with more than 50 newcomers arriving through the transfer portal and high‑school recruiting, giving the team a fresh infusion of talent that reshapes both sides of the ball.
At the helm of the offense, senior quarterback Austin Simmons returns after a stint at Ole Miss, bringing a blend of experience and familiarity with the program, while sophomore wideout Donovan Olugbode is expected to become the primary contested‑catch threat after a promising freshman debut.
The receiving corps also benefits from the reliable presence of tight end Brett Norfleet, who should provide a steady outlet in the middle of the field and help sustain drives.
A Revamped Roster and a Tough Schedule
On the defensive side, coordinator Corey Batoon’s unit aims to rebound from a season that saw it rank outside the top 17 in points allowed, and the addition of pass‑rusher Darris Smith, projected as a top‑10 sack candidate, adds a new dimension to the front seven.
The defensive line will also feature transfers such as Malik Bryant, Robert Woodyard Jr. and Chris Graves Jr., blending veteran experience with fresh legs to create depth and versatility.
Predictions suggest an opening slate that includes victories over Arkansas‑Pine Bluff, Kansas, Troy and Mississippi State, as well as a marquee win at Florida, while the schedule also guarantees losses to Texas A&M, Georgia and Texas, making the SEC slate a tough test.
If the Tigers can translate early wins into momentum, they are projected to finish just outside the top tier of the conference, a stepping stone toward a future where the program could challenge the traditional powerhouses.