New faces of Mizzou football settling in after first week of camp
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Head coach Eli Drinkwitz brought in 30 new transfers to his squad ahead of the 2026 season.
With all of that change across both sides of the ball, the biggest challenge won't be strictly performance based, but a question of how well they integrate into the system.
"We have a big group of new players coming in," new quarterback Austin Simmons said on Friday. "So just building that chemistry over time, getting connected to all the players, including the offensive linemen."
You can watch Friday's full press conference with Simmons and the rest of the players in the video player above.
That offensive line is one of the most-consistent groups on the roster, returning several players from last year's unit. However just because there is that consistency, doesn't mean they're not still mentoring the guys set to take their spots in the future.
Senior Dominick Giudice moved to center in the offseason and is now in complete control of the front five. He is focused on making sure the Tigers have the best O-line in the country.
"I think the biggest thing is just the comfortability and being able to trust each other," Giudice said. "There's no doubt in our capabilities and what we could do. We all know what we could do, and we all know what we're looking to do this year: Be the best offensive line. So we're pushing each other each and every day to get to that."
Having a talented roster is one thing, but ensuring that this team can come together as a unit and compete at the highest level is a whole different thing. Senior safety Santana Banner is taking many of those new pieces in the secondary under his win and is teaching them how to be a part of the Mizzou system.
"[I'm] just making sure I hold them to the standard we have up here," Banner said. "We hold everybody to it no matter who you are. Like we say every day, come in the building with your cool suit off. Make sure you're humble and got your head on straight."
With fewer than four weeks until season opener, there is still plenty of time for the new transfers to fully adapt to the new system. But according to the returners, they already look like seasoned vets.
"They came in dialed in, it's like it's their second year here the way they're locked in," senior edge rusher Darris Smith said. "Especially the DB room, I feel like that's my favorite, those guys came in, they locked in, they're just ready to go."
Up Next - The Tigers open their season against Arkansas-Pine Bluff at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3 at Faurot Field.
