When the Tigers open the 2025 season, two names dominate the conversation about the defense they will have to crack. Kewan Lacy, once a workhorse for the Missouri Tigers, now powers the Ole Miss Rebels as a dynamic running back, while Kelley Jones, a towering cornerback for Mississippi State, earned third‑team All‑SEC honors for his coverage mastery.
Kewan Lacy’s Dual Threat
Lacy’s 2025 campaign produced 1,567 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns, numbers that place him among the most prolific backs in college football. His ability to shift between power runs and quick sweeps forces defensive coordinators to design schemes that can contain both his ground game and occasional receiving threats out of the backfield.
Kelley Jones: The Coverage Enforcer
Standing out for his size and physicality, Jones excels in man coverage, often erasing top receivers before they can gain separation. His technique and instincts have made him a cornerstone of Mississippi State’s secondary, earning him recognition as one of the conference’s most formidable defensive backs.
What It Means for Mizzou
Mizzou’s defensive unit will face a dual challenge: stopping a running back who can break tackles and convert short gains into big plays, and matching up against a cornerback whose size and coverage skill set can neutralize even the most polished receivers. Coordinators are already adjusting pre‑snap alignments and blitz packages to counter these distinct threats.
The upcoming games against Ole Miss and Mississippi State will serve as early indicators of how effectively the Tigers can adapt. Success will hinge on disciplined gap control, disciplined tackling, and the ability to pressure Jones without giving up big plays in the secondary.