Missouri’s defensive backfield will look markedly different heading into the 2026 season after the program lost three of its most reliable cornerbacks to the NFL.
Drey Norwood, Toriano Pride Jr. and Stephen Hall combined for 94.5 percent of the team’s defensive snaps last year, a heavy loss that leaves a void at the outside.
Bringing in fresh talent
The Tigers addressed the gap with a trio of high‑profile transfers: Chris Graves Jr. from Ole Miss, Jahlil Florence from Oregon and Sione Laulea, also from Oregon. Graves, the most experienced of the group, has logged 41 career games and 683 defensive snaps, improving his PFF grade from 59.7 to 64.7.
Florence, a former starter for the Ducks, posted a 72.6 PFF rating as a sophomore before transferring mid‑season, while Laulea, a 6‑foot‑4 prospect, recorded a 77 defensive grade and a 76.7 coverage rating in his last year in Eugene.
Missouri also retains two depth players, Nick DeLoach Jr. and Cameron Keys, who saw limited action but posted a 73.1 PFF grade, suggesting they could contribute more heavily this year.
Two freshmen, Jaxson Gates and Trashundon Neal, have joined the roster. Gates is ranked as the No. 11 cornerback in the state, while Neal, a three‑star in‑state prospect, adds depth at the boundary.
Coaching continuity and expectations
Cornerbacks coach Al Pogue, who previously helped lift the unit from 47th to 11th in passing yards allowed, will oversee the new‑look secondary. His history of developing transfers and refining technique is seen as a key factor in whether the group can exceed last season’s defensive metrics.
The coaching staff believes the blend of veteran transfer experience, returning depth and promising freshmen will allow the Tigers to build on the progress made in 2025 and compete more effectively in the SEC.