Missouri’s Linebacker Revival Ahead of 2026 Season
Missouri’s linebacker corps looks to rebuild after key departures, relying on high‑profile transfers and promising young players for the upcoming 2026 campaign.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Nicholas Rodriguez across Football.
Missouri’s linebacker corps looks to rebuild after key departures, relying on high‑profile transfers and promising young players for the upcoming 2026 campaign.
Missouri will showcase its key players and storylines at the SEC Media Days in Tampa, with injury updates and quarterback decisions taking center stage.

With the 2025 season ending in a Gator Bowl loss, the University of Missouri looks to reshape its offense. Head coach Eli Drinkwitz and key players will headline SEC Media Days, where new quarterback Austin Simmons, injured stars Ahmad Hardy and Josh Atkins, and backup Jamal Roberts will discuss the road ahead.

Missouri football will attend the SEC Media Days in Tampa, where the Tigers will outline their plans for a rebound season after an 8‑5 finish, highlighting new quarterback Austin Simmons, running back Jamal Roberts, and a revamped defense.
The Vols will join a lineup of SEC programs on July 20, with a schedule that includes a broadcast on the SEC Network and streaming options on ESPN platforms.
The Tennessee Volunteers will join SEC Media Days on July 20 in Tampa, where coach Josh Heupel and several players will speak. The event will be televised on SEC Network and streamed via the ESPN app and SEC Network+, while the Vols prepare to open the 2026 season against Furman at Neyland Stadium.
The SEC released its preseason media poll, projecting the University of Missouri to finish tenth, while three Mizzou players secure All‑SEC selections and a key defender eyes a comeback after a gunshot wound.
The recent NCAA decision to scrap redshirting and grant athletes five years of eligibility is reshaping roster planning, and Missouri's 2026 class offers several early-enrollment candidates poised to contribute right away.

Fourteen Mizzou players are on the East‑West Bowl watch list, kicker Blake Craig is a Good Works Team Nominee, Dr. Bryan Maggard joins as Deputy Athletics Director, and Austin Popplewell heads to Oklahoma. The roster moves, recruiting highlights and media coverage illustrate a busy offseason for the Tigers.
With the 2026 season 63 days away, Missouri football balances a strong recent record against a challenging schedule and key player uncertainties.
With 63 days until kickoff, Missouri football is poised for a pivotal 2026 campaign. Coach Eli Drinkwitz celebrates 29 wins over the past three seasons, a contract extension, and a preseason top‑25 consideration, yet the team faces a demanding slate and critical player uncertainties.

Analysts Killian Wright and Zach Knox-Doyle outline a revamped defense, spotlight key positional battles and the impact of a highly ranked 2027 recruiting class.

Nicholas Rodriguez’s breakout performance and captaincy set the stage for Missouri’s defensive resurgence in 2026.

After losing key contributors, Missouri turns to a seasoned linebacker whose tackling prowess and communication skills are expected to shape the team’s defense in the upcoming season.

Indiana leads the latest preseason top 25, with Oregon, Ohio State and a host of other programs rounding out the early rankings. Key players and coaching storylines promise a competitive year.