Missouri’s football squad took to the field for its 13th practice of fall camp on Tuesday, marking a noticeable turn from the more relaxed tone of Monday’s session. The drill, colloquially dubbed ‘Toughness Tuesday,’ set a higher bar for physicality and intensity.
Head coach Greg McElroy and new special teams coordinator John Papuchis made their presence felt, shouting encouragement that cut through the practice field. ‘Who wants a piece of it?’ McElroy barked, while Papuchis added a fiery ‘this is the f‑‑‑‑‑‑ SEC’ that left the players buzzing.
The session also featured a rare sight: senior wide receiver Sterling Webb lining up as a first‑team defensive tackle, his first such reps since a temporary restraining order against the NCAA cleared his return after months away from the program.
Adding to the intrigue, Florida transfer Naeshaun Montgomery ran with the first‑team offensive unit alongside projected starters Cayden Lee and Donovan Olugbode, signaling a potential reshaping of the Tigers’ attack.
Miami import Donta Simpson Jr. finally joined full drills, taking third‑team defensive reps, while another Miami transfer, Malik Bryant, earned second‑team work in the field end role formerly held by Zion Young.
Building a Foundation for 2026
Coaches used the practice to stress depth‑chart stability, highlighting situational packages and consistent roles in the secondary and offensive line. Jaden Jones was spotted as the backup to Langden Kitchen at defensive tackle, with the staff noting several viable options at defensive end.
The atmosphere was punctuated by moments of levity, as Peeler joked about having more energy than the players and Papuchis reacting to a punt drill. A brief exchange with a Chicago Bears scout and a nod to Luther Burden III’s career with the Bears added a layer of NFL intrigue.