More Tigers re-sign with Mizzou football for 2026 season
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
In the midst of transfer portal madness, Mizzou football is also working to re-sign standout players from its roster to the 2026 campaign. On Monday, head coach Eli Drinkwitz managed to lock down a few more signatures.
Defensive end Daeden Hopkins, tight ends Gavin Hoffman and Jordon Harris, defensive tackle Jalen Marshall and long snapper Brett Le Blanc joined the list of players that have re-signed new contract with MU, to bring the grand total up to 22. You can find a full list of all that players that have re-signed below.
- Running back Ahmad Hardy
- Running back Jamal Roberts
- Quarterback Matt Zollers
- Wide receiver Donovan Olugbode
- Wide receiver Shaun Terry II
- Tight end Brett Norfleet
- Tight end Jordon Harris
- Tight end Jude James
- Tight end Gavin Hoffman
- Offensive lineman Whit Hafer
- Linebacker Nicholas Rodriguez
- Linebacker Brian Huff
- Defensive tackle Marquis Gracial
- Defensive tackle Jalen Marshall
- Defensive tackle Sam Williams
- Defensive tackle Elias Williams
- Defensive end Darris Smith
- Defensive end Daeden Hopkins
- Safety Trajen Greco
- Cornerback Cameron Keys
- Kicker Blake Craig
- Longsnapper Brett Le Blanc
Hopkins will return to Columbia for another season, following a true freshman campaign, where he managed to impress Coach Drinkwitz. In fact, Drink raved about the Hermann, Mo. native's performance against Mississippi State, when he tallied a career-best 6.0 tackles (3.0 solo), as well as a pair of tackles for loss and a half sack in the win over the Bulldogs.
The Tigers managed to preserve Hopkins' redshirt, as well, by keeping him out of the Oklahoma and Arkansas games. He did play in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl, but that outing will not count against his redshirt.
In total, Hopkins ended his debut season with 7.0 total tackles (3.0 solo), as well as 1.0 tackle for loss and a 0.5 sack.
Marshall will be another key defensive returner for Coach Eli, as the defensive tackle played in all 12 games in 2025, including the bowl. He ended his redshirt junior campaign with 17.0 total tackles (4.0 solo), 0.5 sacks and 1.0 quarterback hurry.
The Overland Park, Kansas native has slowly seen his production go up over his years in the black and gold, playing in just one game in each the 2022 and 2023 campaigns. Then, in 2024, he had a breakout year, missing just one game due to an injury. However, 2025 was his best season, to date.
Keeping Marshall around was critical for Coach Drinkwitz, as he's losing veteran defensive tackles Chris McClellan, Bralen Henderson and Sterling Webb, since they are all out of eligibility.
On offense, Hoffman provides some necessary depth at tight end for the Tigers.
The Kansas native transferred to Mizzou from Iowa ahead of the 2025 campaign, but did not see any action. However, his re-signing with the team didn't come as much of a surprise, as black and gold runs in his blood. His mom played women's basketball for the Tigers, while his aunt lettered in track and field. Of course, MU fans also know his cousins - former women's basketball stars Lindsey and Sophie Cunningham.
In addition to Hoffman, the Tigers also re-signed Harris, who played in almost every game in 2025. He only tallied 48 yards on four receptions in his junior season, however, he made more of an impact blocking for one the best rushing offenses in the nation. Harris ended the season earning high marks for his run-blocking, being credited with a grade of about 70.0 by Pro Football Focus.
Mizzou has also re-signed starting tight end Brett Norfleet this offseason, as well as promising freshman Jude James. Between the two of them, Coach Drink is returning 335 yards of production through the air and seven touchdowns.
Check back for more updates on any additional Tigers who re-sign with the Tigers.
