Mizzou lands one of top linebackers available in the transfer portal
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Mizzou football coach Eli Drinkwitz added one of the best talents in the transfer portal to his 2026 roster.
Former Auburn starting linebacker Robert Woodyard Jr. confirmed his commitment by reposting the news on his social media accounts, on Monday night. He will come to Columbia after a season where he ranked second on the team with 67 tackles, 7.0 tackles for loss and 2.0 sacks through 433 snaps. He also added on a pass deflection to his junior season. As a result, the linebacker was a First Team All-SEC selection by Pro Football Focus.
When he faced Mizzou in the 2025 campaign, he tallied 11 total tackles (9.0 solo), as well as four tackles for loss and one quarterback hurry.
The Alabama native was regarded as the No. 9 linebacker available in the transfer portal, according to 247Sports, after spending four seasons at Auburn.
The 6-foot, 241-pound linebacker came out of high school as the No. 141 player overall in the Class of 2022 and the No. 13 at his position. He fielded offers from a slew of Southeastern Conference teams, including Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Ole Miss, Tennessee and many others.
He will come to Columbia to work in tandem with returning linebacker Nicholas Rodriguez, who had a breakout season for Coach Drinkwitz, totaling 27 total tackles and 1.5 sacks.
Woodyard Jr. is the third transfer portal addition for the Tigers. You can take a look at the full list of transfers below.
- Linebacker Robert Woodyard Jr.
- Wide receiver Caleb Goodie
- Cornerback Jahlil Florence
