COLUMBIA, MO — As the 2025 football season approaches, Mizzou has officially announced the completion of its leadership transition, filling the void left by a host of key veteran players. The Tigers have undergone a significant shift in personnel, with the departures of standouts like Brady Cook, Luther Burden, Darius Robinson, and Cody Schrader. However, head coach Eli Drinkwitz and his staff have worked diligently to ensure that the leadership vacuum in the locker room will be filled by a new generation of Tigers.
Returning veteran starters such as Connor Tollison, Chris McClellan, Daylan Carnell, Dreyden Norwood, and Zion Young are expected to take on prominent leadership roles in 2025, providing the team with the experience needed to guide their younger counterparts. These returning players have proven themselves on the field and are now tasked with stepping up as the emotional and vocal leaders of the team.
Summary of Mizzou’s Leadership for 2025 Season:
- Brady Cook (Quarterback) – Leadership replaced by Beau Pribula (Quarterback)
- Luther Burden (Wide Receiver) – Leadership replaced by Speedy Johnson (Wide Receiver)
- Darius Robinson (Defensive Tackle) – Leadership replaced by Mikai Gbayor (Defensive Line)
- Cody Schrader (Running Back) – Leadership replaced by Jamal Roberts (Linebacker)
- Connor Tollison (Offensive Line) – Continued leadership
- Chris McClellan (Defensive Line) – Continued leadership
- Daylan Carnell (Cornerback) – Continued leadership
- Dreyden Norwood (Safety) – Continued leadership
- Zion Young (Linebacker) – Continued leadership
- Josiah Trotter (Linebacker) – New leadership addition
- Stephen Hall (Cornerback) – New leadership addition
- Jalen Catalon (Safety) – New leadership addition
- Marvin Burks (Defensive Back) – Emerging leadership
- Brett Norfleet (Tight End) – Emerging leadership
- Cayden Green (Offensive Line) – Emerging leadership
In addition to these veterans, Drinkwitz has leaned heavily on the transfer portal, bringing in players with not only strong football talent but also proven leadership qualities. Newcomers like Beau Pribula, a standout locker room presence from Penn State, and Josiah Trotter, a seasoned player from a football family, are expected to play key roles in shaping the team’s culture. Stephen Hall, a former captain at Washington State, Mikai Gbayor, a three-time “All Citizen Team” honoree from Nebraska, and Jalen Catalon, a captain at Arkansas, will all contribute leadership on the field and off.
Young players such as Jamal Roberts, Speedy Johnson, Marvin Burks, Brett Norfleet, and Cayden Green are also showing signs of stepping into leadership positions as they gain experience in the SEC. With these new leaders emerging, Mizzou is confident that the culture of toughness, grit, and unity established by the previous core group will continue in 2025.
While the team has lost a generation of talented leaders, Drinkwitz and his staff have made it a priority to ensure that the leadership on and off the field will remain strong, as Missouri looks to build on the success of its recent seasons. With the leadership roles now firmly in place, the Tigers are ready to face the challenges of the 2025 season, as new leaders rise to carry the team forward.
