Missouri brings back nearly every tight end in 2026, headlined by senior Brett Norfleet, who owns 75 career catches for 686 yards and 10 scores, and run-blocking specialist Jordon Harris. With Chip Lindsey now on the offensive staff, the position could finally see a bigger role in the passing game.
Missouri wrapped up construction on its new North End Zone at Faurot Field this summer, with the addition set to open for the 2026 season. Fans get expanded concessions, restrooms and gathering areas, plus new premium seating and hospitality options.
Missouri leans on Darris Smith to anchor a thin pass-rush group after he posted 16 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and four sacks in the roving JACK role. Kitchen, Hopkins and Dubbert round out a unit replacing heavy production up front in Eli Drinkwitz's seventh season.
Missouri Athletics says Sheryl Crow will perform the national anthem before the Tigers' home opener against Arkansas-Pine Bluff at Memorial Stadium. The Kennett, Missouri, native earned her degree from Mizzou in 1987.
Preseason SP+ projections place six of Missouri's 2026 opponents inside the top 20, double last season's total, on a schedule that includes Georgia, Texas, Texas A&M and Ole Miss. The Tigers also return just 49 percent of their 2025 production, ranking 76th nationally.
Fifth-year senior Darris Smith returns as the leader of a Missouri edge group that must replace roughly 18.5 sacks of departed production. Smith posted 5.5 tackles for loss and four sacks in 2025, and six of the room's ten edge players arrived through the transfer portal.
On3 tabbed Missouri running back Ahmad Hardy as a first-team preseason All-American, with left tackle Cayden Green making the second team. Hardy, who led the nation in yards after contact in 2025, has been medically cleared following a May leg injury but sat out the opening week of fall camp.
Ex-Missouri star receiver Luther Burden III suffered a groin injury at Chicago Bears training camp and is expected to miss some time, a setback after a 652-yard, two-touchdown rookie season.
Ahmad Hardy, who set Mizzou's single-season rushing record in 2025, is progressing toward a return after a May leg injury but did not practice during the first week of fall camp, per coach Eli Drinkwitz.
Missouri returns 90% of its rushing production after leading the SEC in rushing yards per game in 2025, headlined by record-setter Ahmad Hardy (1,649 yards, 16 TDs) and Jamal Roberts (753 yards).
Missouri football is into its second week of fall camp as Eli Drinkwitz begins his seventh season in Columbia. Early practices have yet to produce clear frontrunners in the team's ongoing position battles.
A fan poll shows most Missouri supporters expect Ahmad Hardy to sit out the Sept. 3 opener against FCS foe Arkansas-Pine Bluff, as the star back works through a 5-8 week return-to-play protocol.
All-American running back Ahmad Hardy remains out of full practice as he recovers from a May gunshot wound, with coach Eli Drinkwitz saying he'll stick to rehab walkthroughs and expecting another update in about two weeks.
Missouri volleyball opens its 2026 season with starting jobs still up for grabs at outside hitter, middle blocker and setter, as coach Dawn Sullivan leans on team chemistry while integrating a young roster and two new assistants. The Tigers face a demanding nonconference slate featuring Nebraska at Wrigley Field, Oregon and Louisville.
FCS transfer Xai'Shaun Edwards is pushing for a bigger role in Missouri's running back room following Ahmad Hardy's injury, drawing praise from teammates at fall camp for his running ability and football IQ. He has three seasons of eligibility remaining.
Missouri @ Kansas Jayhawks
Missouri @ Miss State
Florida @ Missouri
Texas A&M @ Missouri
Missouri @ Ole Miss
Missouri @ Arkansas
