Mizzou's 2026 Depth Chart: Certainty at QB, Battles Everywhere Else
With Austin Simmons locked in as the starter, Eli Drinkwitz and his staff now focus on identifying playmakers and filling holes created by significant roster turnover.
On this Depth Chart Thursday, the biggest question facing the Missouri Tigers for the 2026 season has already been answered. Head Coach Eli Drinkwitz put any speculation to rest on March 19, naming Ole Miss transfer Austin Simmons the team's starting quarterback following the conclusion of spring practices. This early decision provides a clear foundation for an offense under new leadership.
With Simmons at the helm, the focus for new offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey now shifts to building the arsenal around him. Lindsey, who joined the staff in December 2025, is tasked with identifying and utilizing the top playmakers in his scheme. While Simmons is the undisputed QB1, the development of backups Matt Zollers and Nick Evers will be crucial for depth. The key offensive battles this summer will be for the skill positions and offensive line spots that will support the new signal-caller.
The picture is far less clear on the other side of the ball. The Tigers defense, under coordinator Corey Batoon, faces a significant overhaul. After a productive 2026 NFL Draft that saw six Tigers selected—tying a program record for the seven-round era—major holes need to be filled. The storyline for the defense is one of opportunity, as returning players and new transfers will compete to maintain the strong performance of the 2025 unit.
As Missouri aims to build on recent success and compete for a College Football Playoff spot, the clarity at quarterback is a massive advantage. However, the numerous position battles on both sides of the ball will be the story to watch as the Spring Ball & Recruiting 2026 season progresses. How these spots are filled will ultimately determine if the Tigers can navigate a challenging schedule and realize their championship aspirations.
Published 4 months ago
Staff
Staff writer for SEC Saturday Wire covering college sports.
Process Notes & Methodology
The article focuses on the 'Depth Chart Thursday' theme by highlighting the confirmed QB1, Austin Simmons, and contrasting that certainty with the ongoing position battles elsewhere on the roster. This uses the most definitive piece of information (Simmons as starter) while acknowledging the broader storylines of offensive retooling and defensive turnover.
The intro hooks the reader by directly referencing the 'Depth Chart Thursday' theme and immediately answering the biggest question for any team: who is the starting quarterback? This is anchored by the context point that Austin Simmons was named the starter after spring practices.
The body is built around several key facts from the context: new OC Chip Lindsey's search for playmakers, the 'significant turnover' on defense under DC Corey Batoon, and the recent loss of talent from a productive NFL Draft, which necessitates new players stepping up.
The conclusion pivots from the current state of the depth chart to the future, emphasizing that while the QB position is solved, the success of the 2026 season hinges on how the rest of the roster develops through the summer and into fall camp.
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