Cody Slovensky
LSU Writer
Just a heads up, the defense in Columbia, Missouri, is pretty underrated. While many may write off the Missouri Tigers to have a basic season, there is high potential here. Just like the offense mentioned in my previous article, you simply cannot sleep on head coach Eli Drinkwitz and this Missouri team.
A 21-5 record the last two seasons, two bowl wins and tons of momentum. Seven returning defensive starters, 4 instant impact transfers. What is there to not like about this team?
In 2020, the COVID-19 season, the Arkansas Razorbacks finished the year 3-7, and while the season was not ideal for their program, a star emerged. Jalen Catalon was a redshirt freshman that season and earned All-American and All-SEC honors. Catalon was poised to be a breakout star for the Razorbacks going forward. Unfortunately for him, the next few seasons would be filled with injuries and new scenery.
After making stops at Texas and UNLV, Catalon is healthy and ready to make a big impact in his final year of eligibility. In 2024 at UNLV, Catalon finished with 61 tackles, 5 interceptions, 4 passes defended and a forced fumble. Now Catalon returns to the SEC with plenty of experience under his belt.
Joining Catalon at defensive back are Toriano Pride Jr., Marvin Burks Jr., Drey Norwood, Daylan Carnell, and Washington State transfer Stephen Hall. All of them are upperclassmen with plenty of proven experience.
Missouri runs a 4-2-5 defense. The front six is another area full of experience. The defensive line returns starters Zion Young and Chris McClellan. Georgia transfer Damon Wilson II had 3 sacks and 2 forced fumbles for the Bulldogs in 2024 and looks to thrive in his role this season. Also on the defensive line is Sterling Webb, who made an impact when he was on the field in 2024.
Returning at linebacker is Triston Newson. Newson finished 2024 with 71 total tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, with 1 sack, 4 quarterback hurries and a forced fumble. Joining Newson is West Virginia transfer Josiah Trotter. For the Mountaineers in 2024, Trotter finished with 92 total tackles, 4 tackles for loss, with .5 sacks, 5 quarterback hurries and an interception.
It is safe to say that the talent is there for Missouri. 2025, the word that can describe this Missouri team is “potential.” So much talent returning, with impactful transfers incoming; it is safe to say that the ceiling is high for Missouri.
Prediction: Ceiling 10-2 (6-2 SEC)
Floor 6-6 (3-5 SEC)
Official prediction- 10-3 (6-3 SEC)
