Mizzou Football Prepares 2025 Rebound With Key Transfers, Returnees

Missouri Tigers football is focusing on key player development and new talent to push for a College Football Playoff spot after a respectable 10-3 season in 2024. Edge rusher Nate Johnson and tight end Brett Norfleet are highlighted as needing bounce-back years following underwhelming performances, partly due to injuries, to help elevate the team's defense and offense in 2025. The Tigers also added standout transfer Ahmad Hardy, who is expected to make an immediate impact in the backfield after a stellar freshman year at Louisiana-Monroe, providing much-needed depth following significant departures. Meanwhile, former Mizzou star Darius Robinson is set for a bigger role in his second NFL season with the Arizona Cardinals, aiming to build on his strong college finish after an injury-limited rookie year. Across the NFL, other second-year players like Jets running back Braelon Allen and Steelers receiver Roman Wilson are also projected to take on larger roles in 2025, reflecting a broader trend of rising sophomores expected to make significant impacts.