Austin Simmons was named Missouri’s starting quarterback after spring practice, making him the top Mizzou player to watch for the 2026 season.
Local reporting shows Missouri’s roster is in flux this offseason, with 54 new players and 30 transfers reshaping depth as new offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey and quarterback-room coach Garrett Riley sketch a different attack for the coming year, as detailed by Kansas City Star.
Key Takeaways
- Austin Simmons was named Missouri’s starting quarterback after spring practice and will lead the offense.
- Missouri’s roster includes 54 new players this year, with 30 arriving via the transfer portal.
- Chip Lindsey is Missouri’s new offensive coordinator and Garrett Riley joined the quarterback room.
- The offensive line returns veterans and Ahmad Hardy’s medical recovery is a key roster storyline.
Mizzou QB outlook
Austin Simmons emerged from spring practice as the clear starter at quarterback for Missouri.
Simmons is listed at 6-4 and 220 pounds and arrives in Columbia as a former Ole Miss starter who showed arm strength and running ability in limited starts.
The addition of Garrett Riley to the quarterback room alongside offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey signals a different passing emphasis for the offense.
Austin Simmons profile
Simmons brings college starting experience and developmental upside to Missouri’s offense.
His combination of size, arm strength and mobility should define the Tigers’ passing plans if he translates previous production to consistent starts at Mizzou.
Line play and new offensive weapons
Cayden Green anchors the line as a 6-5, 325-pound senior left tackle who is expected to protect Missouri’s blind side.
Returning starters like guard Curtis Peagler and center Dominick Guidice provide continuity, while transfers Zack Owens and Luke Work add veteran depth on the interior.
Missouri’s receiving corps includes Donovan Olugbode, Cayden Lee and Caleb Goodie, and tight end Brett Norfleet is identified as an experienced weapon in the new offense.
Defensive upside and special cases to monitor
Daeden Hopkins, listed at 6-6 and 250 pounds, showed flashes as a true freshman with seven tackles, one tackle for loss and a half sack in four games.
Sione Laulea transferred to Missouri after junior college and Oregon, bringing length and athleticism after playing 166 snaps at Oregon across two seasons.
Ahmad Hardy’s medical recovery is a roster and human-interest storyline; he was shot in May while leaving a concert, has been medically cleared and has not yet suited up for practice.
Roster turnover and returning experience
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| New players on roster | 54 new players reported, representing significant turnover across the depth chart |
| Transfer portal arrivals | 30 players entered through the transfer portal, reshaping multiple position groups |
| Returning veterans and starters | Key returners include guard Curtis Peagler and center Dominick Guidice on the offensive line |
| Position stability | The offensive line projects as one of the more stable units with Cayden Green and experienced interior pieces |
How roster changes affect Missouri’s SEC and CFP outlook
The scale of turnover and incoming transfers will shape Missouri’s short-term ceiling within the SEC, where depth and line play frequently decide conference outcomes.
Recruiting momentum and transfer integration will influence roster construction, with 2026 performance affecting future portal activity and recruiting conversations.
