A New Era for the Tigers' Defense
Missouri’s defensive scheme for the 2026 season will be built around a group of sophomore players who are expected to step into larger roles after the departure of several key starters.
Among them, Dante McClellan emerged with a pick‑six in the season opener against Central Arkansas and later recovered a muffed punt in the Gator Bowl, highlighting his knack for game‑changing plays.
CJ Bass III, a former four‑star recruit, is poised to see increased snaps following the exits of Daylan Carnell and Mose Phillips III, while Jason Dowell, a sophomore defensive tackle, has added weight and improved agility that caught the eye of coaches during camp.
Daeden Hopkins, a Hermann Award finalist, took a redshirt year in 2025, limited his snap count, but his performance against Mississippi State hinted at a breakout potential as both a pass rusher and run defender.
The linebacker corps will be reshaped by Nicholas Rodriguez and fifth‑year transfer Robert Woodyard, who are slated to fill the vacancies left by Josiah Trotter, Khalil Jacobs and Triston Newson.
Coach Eli Drinkwitz emphasized that the depth created by these emerging talents will be crucial as the SEC schedule ramps up, giving the Tigers a chance to compete more effectively against traditional powerhouses.
The overall outlook suggests that Missouri’s defense could see a significant uplift, provided the sophomore cohort lives up to the expectations set by their early performances.