Tigers bolster secondary and D-line ahead of 2026 season
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Mizzou is looking to keep its defense atop the SEC.
The 'Death Row Defense' has been a staple of head coach Eli Drinkwitz's squads since he took the job in Columbia nearly seven years ago. But heading into 2026, the team is facing a new challenge.
A majority of last year's starters have moved on, leaving many question marks around who will be the guys to step into those shoes. Defensive coordinator Corey Batoon said that the key to keeping the consistency of the unit, is completely stripping it down, and starting from scratch.
"Every year it's a totally different unit," said Batoon. "You don't take anything for granted, so you start back at day one."
"We have a lot of potential," said coach Drinkwitz. "We need to turn that into production, specifically on the defensive side of the ball."
Each group of players has its own specific strengths, and with the 2025 defense excelling with the front four, building a secondary to match that adds a challenge of its own. While the starting 11 won't be known until the first snap, there have already been a few players turning heads.
One of those being Ole Miss transfer cornerback Chris Graves Jr. He received high praise from his teammates and coaches in summer workouts, and will look to be one of the centerpieces of that secondary.
"A lot of guys who may have transfered and went to other places, they may not have really played much, but man he has a lot of time in this league," said cornerbacks coach Al Pogue. "He's faced a lot of good receivers, and he's been in a lot of meaningful situations."
While the secondary is looking to take a big step forward in the new season, the defensive line will look to replicate its success from a year ago. But with all the new faces, it won't be easy to with a new class of starters. Luckily, that's exactly coach Drinkwitz, has been hoping for.
The defense has been built around guys that have some experience, but will now earn the chance to take a big step forward as a full time starter. Edge rusher Darris Smith got the chance to learn behind guys like Zion Young and Damon Wilson, and is ready step up and show off his skills.
"For Zion, I would just say being consistent, because he was the same guy every day," said Smith. "And for Damon, I would just say be a dog on the field, because there were times you wouldn't know if Damon will make a play, and he just makes plays."
The new generation will look to step up and fill the shoes of the guys that came before them, and carry on the 'Death Row' legacy.
Up Next - Mizzou football begins its season on Thursday, September 3 at home against Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Kick off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
