Mizzou defensive tackles 2026 projections shift materially after Sterling Webb was cleared to play, a development that reduces pressure on a room already digesting Chris McClellan’s jump to the NFL.
As detailed by Rock M Nation, Webb’s return and a set of veteran transfers and underclassmen create a more predictable rotation for interior play this season.
Key Takeaways
- Sterling Webb was granted a temporary restraining order that restores his eligibility for the 2026 season.
- Chris McClellan was selected in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers.
- Webb played 407 snaps in 2025 and produced three sacks and 23 pressures, giving Missouri a proven interior pass-rush option.
- The projected depth chart features Marquis Gracial and Jason Dowell as early contributors with Jalen Marshall and Sterling Webb rotating in the nose and two-gap roles.
Sterling Webb impact on Mizzou defensive tackles 2026
Webb’s availability changes the interior rotation because he was a clear interior pass-rush piece last season and returns with significant 2025 tape.
He logged 407 snaps in 2025, recorded three sacks and generated 23 pressures, ranking fourth on the team in pressures behind several edge and interior rushers.
Webb began his career at New Mexico State before transferring to Missouri in 2024, and a St. Louis County judge granted a temporary restraining order that restores his eligibility for this season.
Interior depth chart and roles
Marquis Gracial projects as a starting defensive tackle with experienced early-down run duties and a 257-snap showing in 2025 that included an 86.8 run grade from PFF.
Jalen Marshall functions as the primary nose in short-yardage and heavy run downs, splitting 196 run-down snaps with 146 pass-play snaps and carrying a 67.5 run-defense grade per PFF.
Jason Dowell offers rotational depth after appearing in 31 games last season, Mark Hensley brings veteran snaps from Northern Illinois, and Donta Simpson Jr. represents a longer-term depth piece once available.
2025 snaps and background comparison
| Player | 2025 snaps / usage | Notable PFF marks and plays | Origin or note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sterling Webb | 407 snaps | 3 sacks, 23 pressures (fourth on team) | Transfer from New Mexico State; granted eligibility |
| Marquis Gracial | 257 snaps | 86.8 run grade (PFF) | Fifth-year returner and interior leader |
| Mark Hensley | 566 defensive snaps at Northern Illinois in 2025 | 30 tackles, 20 run stops, 12 pressures for NIU | Veteran transfer with significant collegiate snaps |
| Jalen Marshall | 196 run-down snaps, 146 pass-play snaps | 67.5 run defense grade (PFF) | Longbody nose tackle used primarily on run downs |
| Donta Simpson Jr. | 105 snaps at Miami (FL) in 2025 | 3 pressures as a freshman | Incoming transfer with four years of eligibility |
Projected depth chart roles and short-term expectations
The projected chart lists DT: Marquis Gracial, Jason Dowell, Mark Hensley, Tahj Overton; NT: Jalen Marshall, Sterling Webb, Sam Williams; Injured: Donta Simpson.
Gracial will likely shoulder early-down run-duty snaps while Webb and Marshall rotate on passing downs and heavy interior blocking situations.
Hensley and Dowell provide experienced depth, and the staff will monitor Dowell’s availability before finalizing a full snap-share plan.
How the DT room affects Mizzou SEC recruiting and playoff positioning
Interior continuity matters in the SEC because controlling the line of scrimmage influences run defense metrics and the ability to generate interior pressures against pro-style offensive lines.
Maintaining a mix of veteran transfers and developed returners helps Missouri present a clear path to playing time for recruits who value early snaps on a defensive front that can neutralize SEC run fronts.
A dependable interior rotation also improves the Tigers’ defensive profile when committee members evaluate front-seven play and strength of schedule for CFP conversations.
Reporting and specific numbers in this piece rely on the linked report above.
“The way I’ve worked all summer, being somebody that the transfers can look at, and the way I work has really stood out,” one player noted in fall camp comments cited in the source, highlighting leadership inside a room that will be leaned on heavily this season.
