The University of Missouri’s football program is reshaping its secondary for the 2026 season after a mass exodus of experienced safeties. Daylan Carnell, Jalen Catalon and Marvin Burks Jr. accounted for 1,542 snaps last year, creating a significant turnover in the safety room.
A Revamped Defensive Backfield
Among the few who remain, Santana Banner brings a proven track record, having logged 59 tackles and a PFF tackling grade above 75 in the first eight games of 2025. Trajen Greco, who stepped into a larger role last season, will anchor the free safety spot, providing both size and versatility.
New additions aim to inject fresh energy and depth. JaDon Blair, a Notre Dame transfer, arrives with limited collegiate snaps but is expected to grow into a key contributor at the STAR position. Freshmen Brady Jones from Fayetteville and Graham Faust from St. Louis Country Day are also expected to make defensive contributions.
The projected depth chart lists Louidor‑Faustin, Dotson and CJ Bass III as the three‑person rotation at the STAR spot, while Banner and Jayden McGregory are slated for the ROVER role. At free safety, the group includes Greco, Carter Stewart, Maddux Hermestroff and the incoming freshman Brady Jones, giving the staff multiple combinations.
The turnover is significant, but the blend of experience and youthful talent suggests a more stable and competitive unit. Coaches hope the mixture of proven veterans and promising newcomers will translate into improved turnover creation and run support as the Tigers aim to build on the 2025 breakthrough.