Depth Chart Thursday: Projecting the 2026 Missouri Tigers

As the Spring Ball & Recruiting 2026 season rolls into mid-May, the Missouri Tigers are adjusting to life without a traditional spring game. Due to the ongoing $250 million Memorial Stadium Centennial Project, head coach Eliah Drinkwitz and his staff evaluated the roster behind closed doors during 13 spring practices. With a recent Gator Bowl loss to Virginia in the rearview mirror and six players off to the NFL, this week's Depth Chart Thursday dives into how the Tigers are shaping up.

The most significant shift comes on offense, where new offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey has completely overhauled the quarterback room. Transfer Austin Simmons has already been officially named QB1 for the 2026 season. Behind Simmons, the backup quarterback competition features Matt Zollers, fellow incoming transfer Nick Evers, and Gavin Sidwar. This total revamp follows the transfer portal exit of Beau Pribula.

Simmons will have an impressive core of returning starters to rely on. The offensive line is anchored by standout offensive tackle Cayden Green. In the backfield, the Tigers return the running back duo of Ahmad Hardy and Jamal Roberts to make up for the transfer of Marquise Davis. Through the air, returning wide receiver Donovan Olugbode and tight end Brett Norfleet offer stability. To offset the NFL Draft departure of Kevin Coleman Jr. and the transfer of Joshua Manning, Missouri brought in wide receiver Cayden Lee from the portal to bolster the receiving depth chart.

On the other side of the ball, defensive coordinator Corey Batoon faces the challenge of replacing top-tier production. Mizzou tied a program record by sending six players to the 2026 NFL Draft, leaving noticeable voids on defense. The defensive line must replace defensive end Zion Young and defensive tackle Chris McClellan, while the linebacking corps lost Josiah Trotter. In the secondary, cornerback Toriano Pride Jr. departed for the NFL, and safety Marvin Burks Jr. opted to transfer out. To rebuild the defensive backfield, the Tigers tapped heavily into the portal, bringing in cornerbacks Chris Graves Jr. and Jahlil Florence, alongside safety Elijah Dotson. These incoming transfers are expected to immediately command starting roles.