The Southeastern Conference unveiled its preseason media poll on Tuesday, projecting the University of Missouri to finish tenth among the league’s 14 teams. The projection places the Tigers just above the bottom tier, but the poll also underscored a series of bright spots for the program.
Alongside the team ranking, the conference recognized three Missouri players on its All‑SEC squads, highlighting the depth of talent returning to Columbia. The selections come as the program looks to build on recent progress and contend for a higher finish in the upcoming season.
All‑SEC Honors Spotlight Mizzou Talent
Cayden Green earned a first‑team All‑SEC nod, while defensive end Ahmad Hardy also secured a first‑team spot. Brett Le Blanc was named to the third team, rounding out a trio of recognitions that signal the coaching staff’s confidence in the roster’s defensive capabilities.
Hardy’s recovery from a gunshot wound has been closely followed by fans and analysts alike. Medical updates suggest he could return to practice within five to eight weeks, a timeline that could see him back on the field before the season’s midpoint.
Green’s standout performance has also attracted NFL attention. Scouts project him as a first‑round pick in the 2027 draft, a prospect that could elevate the program’s visibility on the national stage.
The preseason expectations were further shaped by SEC Media Days held in Tampa, Florida, where coaches and players discussed the upcoming schedule, non‑conference matchups and the broader narrative surrounding the league’s powerhouses.
Georgia and Texas were selected as the predicted champion and runner‑up, respectively, setting a high bar for the SEC title game. Missouri’s tenth‑place forecast positions the Tigers as a sleeper candidate, with analysts noting that a few key breakout performances could shift the balance.