Missouri’s football program is set to bolster its defense with the arrival of Robert Woodyard, a linebacker who transferred from Auburn and is slated to start in the upcoming 2026 season.
A SEC‑tested tackler with a track record of reliability
During his most recent season at Auburn, Woodyard started 11 games and finished second on the team with 67 tackles, a performance that earned him the eighth‑best rating among linebackers in the transfer portal according to 247Sports.
He will replace Josiah Trotter, a second‑round NFL draft pick and first‑team All‑SEC selection, whose departure leaves a sizable void in the middle of the defense.
Woodyard is expected to assume a leadership role in the communication chain, serving as the primary conduit between coaches and players on the field.
The Tigers’ defensive scheme remains a 4‑2‑5, a system that aligns with the one Woodyard mastered at Auburn, allowing him to transition smoothly into a starting role.
While other newcomers such as Nicholas Rodriguez will also see increased playing time, Woodyard’s experience gives Missouri a rare blend of depth and continuity at the linebacker position.