16powers.com takes a look at each SEC team’s biggest strength and biggest weakness heading into the 2026 season. In this segment we’ll look at the Missouri Tigers.
Missouri Tigers
Biggest Strength — Linebackers
Missouri’s linebacking corps should be the centerpiece of another potentially strong defense. Nick Rodriguez and Robert Woodyard Jr. headline a talented group with enough athleticism to run, cover and pressure quarterbacks. That matters because Missouri’s defensive line is undergoing considerable reconstruction. Strong linebacker play can compensate by cleaning up running plays that reach the second level and allowing the coaching staff to create pressure through blitz packages. Missouri has quietly become one of the SEC’s most consistent programs, winning 29 games over the past three seasons, and defense has played a major role. The Tigers have produced two top-15 SP+ defenses during that span. The linebackers give Missouri a chance to maintain that identity despite personnel turnover elsewhere.
Biggest Weakness — Defensive Line
Missouri’s biggest concern is whether its reconstructed defensive line can generate consistent pressure. The Tigers lost important contributors from last year’s front and now must depend upon players such as Darris Smith along with transfers Malik Bryant and Jaden Jones. There is athletic ability, but considerably less proven production. That matters in the SEC, where allowing quarterbacks to stand comfortably in the pocket eventually exposes even talented defensive backs. Missouri also cannot afford to continually commit linebackers to stopping the run because doing so compromises coverage. The Tigers need their front four to win enough individual matchups to disrupt plays without constant assistance. If the new defensive line develops quickly, Missouri could again field one of the league’s better defenses. If not, the Tigers may find themselves asking an excellent linebacking corps to solve too many problems.
