Missouri’s secondary has been reshaped dramatically after the 2025 season, with five key contributors departing and leaving a noticeable gap at the STAR position.
Daylan Carnell, who anchored the unit with 41 tackles and an interception last year, signed an undrafted free‑agent deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers after the 2026 NFL Draft, marking the end of his collegiate tenure.
A pivotal transition
The STAR role demands a blend of physicality against the run and agility in coverage of receivers and tight ends, a combination that has guided the Tigers’ defensive scheme for years.
Enter Kensley Louidor‑Faustin, a transfer from Auburn who brings a diverse skill set, having logged over 250 snaps across slot corner, free safety and box formations in the SEC.
At Auburn he recorded 20 tackles, two passes defended and one interception while allowing just 16 receptions for 149 yards on 25 targets, numbers that illustrate his ability to limit big plays.
Redshirt freshmen CJ Bass III and JaDon Blair are also in the mix, but they lack the extensive snap count that Louidor‑Faustin brings, making the transfer a focal point of the defensive rebuild.
Coach Eli Drinkwitz and defensive coordinator Corey Batoon have emphasized that Louidor‑Faustin’s readiness will be pivotal to maintaining the unit’s cohesion and competitiveness in the upcoming season.