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A Blog for Ol' Mizzou
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Commute: Mizzou MBB in the NIL competition
Missouri basketball lands in the NIL "Third Tier" this offseason, spending an estimated $15.1‑$17.5 million – roughly $3 million more than the Power‑Five average of $13.5 million. Coach Dennis Gates downplays the budget gap, noting the Tigers can stay competitive despite lower spending than SEC powerhouses like Kentucky and Florida, which exceed $20 million. Key recruits Mark Mitchell, CJ Gunn, five‑star freshmen Jason Crowe Jr. and Toni Bryant drive the higher end of the range, while negotiations on Bryant and Crowe likely keep Missouri toward the lower end. The report, based on 100+ sources, highlights a market surge with star centers commanding $4‑5 million and ongoing eligibility lawsuits.
Mizzou soccer overcomes early deficit to keep tournament hopes alive
Mizzou rallied from a 0-2 hole to beat Texas A&M 3-2, keeping their SEC Tournament hopes alive with two games left. Ireland Churchill put the Aggies ahead twice in the first seven minutes, but senior defender Taryn Chance answered with a 25‑yard curler to make it 2-1. A chaotic finish saw Emily Derucki feed Rylie Morse for the equalizer, and Bu els headed a free‑kick from Morse for the winner, her first game‑winning goal. The win lifts the Tigers to 5‑9‑2 overall, 2‑6‑1 in the SEC, sitting 13th—just one point shy of the final tournament slot. Their next must‑win comes against LSU on Nov. 1.
Mizzou Men’s Golf places fifth at Abilene Christian Intercollegiate
Mizzou men’s golf wraps up its fall season with a fifth‑place finish (12‑over) at the Abilene Christian Intercollegiate held Oct. 19‑21 at Halbert National Golf Club in Granbury, Texas. Senior Veikka Viskari leads the Tigers at 1‑under (tied 11th), while freshman Antoni Hawkins posts an even‑par total and his best round (70) on the final day. Texas A&M dominates the event, winning both team and individual titles by 17 strokes. Coach Glen Millican highlights the challenges of the new 7,485‑yard Tom Fazio‑designed course, especially the tough par‑3 8. The Tigers head into a break before the National Invitational Tournament on Feb. 1.
Race for the CFP Week 8: Chaos Ensues
A historic weekend saw five of the AP Top 25’s seven leaders lose, reshaping the CFP race as Week 8 begins. Ole Miss dominates with a 31‑3 win over Missouri and eyes Texas, while Miami (FL) stays unbeaten at 6‑0 as the top seed. Ohio State beats Indiana but loses Julian Sayin to injury; BYU, also 6‑0, climbs to No. 2 after a 28‑24 win over Notre Dame. Notre Dame remains an automatic‑bid contender despite the loss, and Boise State (5‑1) secures the Group of Six spot. At‑large hopefuls include Georgia, Indiana, Tennessee, UCLA, Texas Tech and Kentucky. The projected top seeds are Miami, BYU, Ohio State and Ole Miss, with a Miami‑over‑Ohio State national champion prediction.
Nate Oats is going to have his hands full
Alabama coach Nate Oats heads into his eighth season with a tough SEC schedule and a roster in flux. Star guard Labaron Philon returned for a breakout year, helping the Tide finish 25‑10 (13‑5 SEC) and secure a protected NCAA seed, but the team lost three non‑conference games and saw combo guard Aden Holloway suspended after a marijuana arrest. With Philon departing for the pros, Oats must replace his production while integrating a healthier Latrell Wrightsell and coping with the loss of interior presence Aiden Sherrell. The Tide are projected to finish fifth in the SEC, ranked second in analytics, and will rely on Oats’ high‑pace, high‑efficiency style to stay competitive.
Why Jude James earned a larger role in Mizzou’s offense
Jude James stepped up against Mississippi, logging a career‑high 40 snaps and becoming the most productive Missouri tight end this season with five catches for 57 yards in a 31‑3 loss. He hauled a 22‑yard seam gain—the longest TE reception of the year—and added a 16‑yard in‑route. With Brett Norfleet sidelined, James ranked second among qualified receivers at 2.19 yards per route, eclipsing his seniors in vertical threat. Despite sharing run‑blocking duties, his speed and playmaking could earn him a larger role after the bye, especially heading into the Halloween clash with Arkansas.
Strength in Variety: How Mizzou’s frontcourt protects the paint by committee
Under Coach Dennis Gates, Missouri has overhauled its front‑court by adding transfer Jaylen Carey and focusing on Bryson Tiller’s upside, while keeping developmental big Trent Burns. The trio—each a backup last season with just over 16 minutes per game—offers Gates flexibility to protect the paint, a need highlighted by the Tigers’ late‑season collapse when guards penetrated the lane. Tiller, despite showing versatility and solid defensive metrics (0.713 PPP on ball‑screen defense, 74th percentile nationally), struggled with rebounding and physicality in key moments, as evidenced by a 118.3 defensive rating when he played. The article examines how this committee approach could stabilize Missouri’s interior defense this year.
Commute: Austin Simmons Planning to Return in 2027
Mizzou quarterback Austin Simmons is reportedly negotiating a return for the 2027 season, according to Ryan Roberts. Simmons has propelled the Tigers to a 5‑2 record and a No. 22 ranking, posting 1,773 yards, 14 TDs and a 63.2 % completion rate in seven games, sparking NFL draft buzz. The Tigers also saw four players earn midseason AP All‑American honors, with RB Jamal Roberts and LB Nicholas Rodriguez landing first‑team nods. While the offense shows inconsistency, Simmons' potential comeback could be a major boost for Missouri football.
Mark Byington and Tyler Tanner are changing Vanderbilt
Mark Byington’s third season at Vanderbilt has turned the Commodores into a top‑half SEC contender and back‑to‑back NCAA Tournament team. After a smooth non‑conference slate, Vandy rose to fifth in analytics before a loss to Texas, then finally faced a ranked opponent in Alabama on Jan. 7. Guard Tyler Tanner, ranked 10th in KenPom’s MVP list, has been the catalyst, repeatedly rescuing the team from early deficits. Despite size challenges and occasional blowout losses, Vanderbilt finished 27‑9 (11‑7 SEC) and is projected to finish sixth in both media and analytics polls for 2026‑27. Byington’s strategic roster building and calm sideline demeanor are credited for the rapid turnaround.
Columns and Courts: Mizzou Tennis takeaways
Missouri women’s tennis, under first‑year head coach Robin Goodman, uses fall tournaments to shape a largely new roster and build team chemistry ahead of the spring dual‑match season. After a coaching overhaul in May 2026, the Tigers posted 11 wins on opening day of the ITA Central Regional Championships (Oct. 15) and finished the event with 17 wins, including a 4‑0 start in doubles. Freshmen dominate the nine‑player line‑up, with sophomore Alex Ackman as the sole returner and transfer Millie Skelton adding experience. The staff emphasizes consistency, discipline and communication as the team prepares for the Jae Foundation Invite (Oct. 22‑24) and future ITA sectionals.
Bye Week Breakdown: Offense
After seven games, Missouri's offense has shifted from a run‑focused scheme to a more explosive, pass‑heavy attack, but its overall efficiency has slipped to a 40.7% success rate—the lowest of the Drinkwitz era. While the Tigers rank in the Top 20 for turnover margin and have improved 20‑yard play frequency by 13%, they fell from 2nd to 69th in 3rd‑down conversions (41.0% now vs. 61.6% last season) and see a drop of nearly one point per scoring opportunity. Running back Austin Simmons cut the sack rate in half, yet the run game remains a liability, leaving the passing game unable to fully compensate.
Mizzou is 5-2. Have they met expectations?
Mizzou sits at 5-2 entering its bye week, matching the author’s preseason projection but with a surprising mix of wins and losses. The Tigers beat Florida and dominated Texas A&M, showing a stronger defense than expected, yet fell short at Mississippi State and were blown out 31-3 by Ole Miss on the road. The author now revises the outlook, seeing Arkansas as a winnable road test and a tentative Texas matchup, while still questioning the team’s ability to consistently compete with SEC elites. The piece assesses whether the Tigers can exceed the original 7‑5 forecast and outlines the challenges ahead.
Commute: Four Mizzou football players named Midseason AP All-Americans
The AP midseason All‑American team spots four Missouri football standouts. Running back Jamal Roberts and linebacker Nicholas Rodriguez earn first‑team honors, with Roberts leading the SEC at 867 rushing yards and Rodriguez topping the conference with 76 tackles. Offensive lineman Cayden Green, who has allowed no sacks and only three pressures all season, and defensive end Daeden Hopkins, posted eight sacks and 24 pressures, land on the second team. The release highlights Missouri’s growing talent pool amid a tough SEC schedule.
Mark Pope needs a big year to put a wild offseason behind him
Mark Pope enters his third season at Kentucky with the Wildcats needing a breakout year to erase a turbulent offseason. After an over‑hyped first year that earned a No. 3 NCAA seed, the team fell to a 22‑14 (10‑8 SEC) record last season, dropping games to Louisville, Michigan State, North Carolina and Gonzaga, and slipping to 0‑2 in SEC play before losing five of their final seven. Injuries aside, the roster—once the most expensive in college basketball—has underperformed, and Pope’s missteps in the transfer portal have angered a fanbase accustomed to John Calipari’s dominance. With the SEC more competitive than ever, Kentucky is projected seventh in both media and analytics polls, and Pope must exceed expectations to keep his job.
2026 Mizzou Men’s Basketball Preview: Meet Your Point Guards
Mizzou’s point guard overhaul could define the 2026‑27 season. After transfers T.O. Barrett and Anthony Robinson II left, freshman phenom Jason Crowe Jr. – a 5‑star recruit, McDonald’s All‑American co‑MVP and California’s all‑time scorer with 4,718 points – earns the starter’s nod. Backup Aaron Rowe, a former five‑star who redshirted to bulk up and improve defense, now aims to translate his potential into SEC production. Coach Dennis Gates bets on Crowe’s scoring and possible NBA trajectory, while Rowe must prove he can contribute beyond his limited freshman year. Success at the point could unlock the Tigers’ talent‑rich roster; struggles may stifle it.
Mizzou Women’s Golf wraps up fall season with second-place finish at Jim West Challenge
Mizzou women’s golf caps the fall season with a second‑place finish at the Jim West Challenge (Oct. 18‑19) at Kissing Tree Golf Club, marking their fourth straight top‑three show. The Tigers post a team 12‑under‑par total (‑8, E, ‑4 rounds) behind TCU. Junior Alexandra Berglund dazzles with a 65‑71‑72 (‑8) for third overall, setting a new personal 54‑hole record of 208 — the 10th‑best in school history and the second‑lowest single‑round score ever (65). Senior Addie Dobson ties for fifth, Fleur van Beek ties for eighth, while the squad heads to a break before the Westbrook Invitational on Feb. 21.
Beyond the Box Score: Reverse!
Missouri’s 2026 season swings dramatically from a three‑score win over Texas A&M—holding the Aggies to 27% passing, 21% rushing and just four scoring chances—to a four‑score loss the next week after being limited to 39% passing, 12% rushing and the same four opportunities. The blog argues that the Tigers rely on big‑play explosiveness but lack drive efficiency, scoring only 0.8 points per chance while Ole Miss converts 5 points per chance. Missouri’s defense shines against the run but struggles in pass coverage, and a shortage of reliable rushers forces a 100% pass rate on 3rd‑down attempts. The piece highlights the futility of the “transitive property” in college football and stresses the need for balanced, efficient offense.
Commute: Mizzou Hoops Unranked in Preseason AP Top 25 Poll
The preseason AP Top 25 basketball poll drops on October 20, 2026, lists seven SEC teams but leaves Mizzou unranked, just one spot away with the most votes. Coach Dennis Gates inherits a talented roster and a tough slate that includes No. 8 Tennessee and No. 12 Arkansas twice, plus a non‑conference clash with No. 17 Kansas in the Border War. The article also previews Mizzou football’s Oct. 31 SEC Network game at Arkansas and highlights recent successes across Mizzou volleyball, tennis, swimming & diving, and NFL alumni performances.
Highlights From Mizzou Men’s Basketball’s Media Day
Missouri men’s basketball head coach Dennis Gates and the Tigers host a media day on Oct. 19, 2026, outlining a roster that blends seasoned leaders like senior guards Trent Pierce and Cord Stansberry with promising newcomers, notably freshman point guard Jason Crowe Jr. Gates discusses ongoing eligibility cases for Mark Mitchell and CJ Gunn, his recruiting philosophy, and his ambition to lead Mizzou to its first national championship and Final Four. He highlights Crowe’s high basketball IQ, Aaron Rowe’s offseason development after redshirting, and the team’s hard‑working culture. Fans can expect a season focused on chemistry, accountability, and a tough schedule as the Tigers aim to maximize their potential.
SBN Reacts: How Has Mizzou Football Fared in Your View So Far This Season?
Missouri Tigers sit at 5-2 (2-2 SEC) entering their bye week, slipping to No. 22 after a 31-3 defeat at Ole Miss. While a CFP run looks unlikely with five games left, Mizzou boasts wins over Kansas State in the Border War, a Homecoming upset of ranked Florida, and a victory over Texas A&M. Road losses to Mississippi State and Ole Miss keep them on the fringe, and betting over/under odds have risen from 6.5 to 7.5 wins. SB Nation Reacts now polls fans on how they view the season so far.
What is up with Mizzou’s red zone offense?
Missouri’s red‑zone woes hit a breaking point in the Oct. 17 loss at Ole Miss, where the Tigers turned a first‑and‑goal at the 3‑yard line into a turnover on downs and fell 21‑3. Through seven weeks, Mizzou ranks last in the SEC, converting only 75% of red‑zone trips (21‑for‑28) and just 50% of red‑zone chances into touchdowns (14‑for‑28), far below peers like Mississippi (100%) and Alabama (96.5%). The article blames poor offensive‑line blocking, botched snaps, and missed passes—issues that have recurred since week 2—and warns the Tigers still face the conference’s top two red‑zone defenses (Oklahoma and Texas) ahead. Readers get a detailed breakdown of the failures and why Mizzou’s scoring efficiency remains a glaring concern.
PJ Haggerty will be the face of the Texas A&M Aggies
Texas A&M’s rise under second‑year head coach Bucky McMillan sets the stage for junior guard PJ Haggerty to become the program’s new marquee player. The Aggies finished 22‑12 (11‑7 SEC), climbing to #39 nationally after a 17‑4 start, highlighted by wins over Florida State, Auburn, Oklahoma, Texas and Georgia. Their fast‑paced “Bucky Ball” produced the conference’s third‑best three‑point defense and the second‑most threes by percentage, despite a undersized roster and injury setbacks. Entering the 2026‑27 season, analysts project a 10th‑place SEC finish, but with Haggerty leading the charge, the team aims to extend its streak of NCAA appearances and possibly match the program’s record six‑year run.
First Serve: Mizzou volleyball finds its rhythm with back-to-back sweeps
Missouri women’s volleyball strings together three straight wins, highlighted by back‑to‑back 3‑0 sweeps—the first such streak since 2021. On Oct. 19, the Tigers dominated Alabama 25‑13, 25‑21, 25‑11 to improve to 11‑8 overall and 4‑3 in the SEC, showcasing aggressive serving and solid block defense. Coach Robyn Sullivan praised senior leaders Kayleen Rush, Kimani Johnson, Sierra Dudley and Grace O’Reilly for their cultural impact as the team prepares for its next test on the road against South Carolina. The recent surge offers a timely confidence boost as the SEC schedule tightens.
Swim + Dive sweeps Indiana State, Missouri State in home opener
Mizzou opens its swimming & diving season with dominant home sweeps, beating Indiana State women 259‑94, Missouri State women 270‑83, and Missouri State men 249‑104 at the Mizzou Aquatics Center. Freshman standout Bruno Primerano posts a 9:13.07 1000‑free, the sixth‑fastest in school history, while Amelia Lee, Tori Yamamura and Lexi Cook each capture multiple podium spots. The Tigers also top relays and secure 1‑2‑3 finishes in several events, with multiple lifetime‑best performances across flies, backs, breaststrokes and IMs. Coach Andrew Grevers praises the squad’s attitude and depth as they head into a tough SEC schedule.
Tiger Topspin: Mizzou tennis builds momentum at ITA Central Regional Championship
Mizzou women's tennis, coached by first‑year head Robin Goodman, racks up 17 wins at the ITA Central Regional Championship in Memphis (Oct. 15‑17). Sophomore Alex Ackman leads with singles wins over Iowa’s Shuqian Xu and Tulsa’s Lilitha Sithenkosi Ndungane, while freshmen Daria Budko, Leticia Bazán, Alba Salles Canudas and Mariana Higuita Barraza add key victories. The Tigers sweep all four doubles matches, highlighted by Ackman/Higuita Barraza’s 8‑1 win over Kansas State. Despite late‑round losses to Oklahoma State and Nebraska, Mizzou finishes strong and heads to the Jae Foundation Invite (Oct. 22‑24, Fort Worth).
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