Reports: Projecting Missouri Football Power-House Offensive Depth Chart Of 2024

Missouri’s football offense looks promising as the preseason unfolds.

The Tigers are set to benefit from their starting quarterback entering his third full season at the helm. He’ll be joined by every wide receiver who caught a pass last year, a freshman All-American tight end, and three returning starting offensive linemen.

Despite losing some key players, the team has effectively addressed these gaps. They’ve brought in two top-ranked transfer portal players to fill positions at left guard and left tackle. Additionally, two seasoned running backs have been added to replace the legendary Cody Schrader.

Offensive coordinator Kirby Moore is back for a second season following a standout debut year.

With exactly two weeks until Missouri kicks off the new season against Murray State on Thursday, Aug. 29, at Faurot Field in Columbia, the Tribune is offering a projected depth chart.

Here’s a look at the anticipated starters, key rotational players, and reserves for Missouri’s 2024 offense. This list includes all scholarship players and notable walk-ons:

Quarterback

• Starter: Brady Cook, sr.
• Backup: Drew Pyne, so.
• Reserves: Aiden Glover, fr.; JR Blood, sr.; Sam Horn (out), so.

This position is clear-cut.

Cook remains Mizzou’s starting quarterback for the third consecutive year. Pyne will step in as the backup, with head coach Eli Drinkwitz confirming Pyne’s role after the first week of camp.

Horn, who had Tommy John surgery in the offseason, is expected to miss the entire 2024 season.

Running Back

• Starter: Nate Noel, sr.
• Main Rotation: Marcus Carroll, sr.
• Reserves: Jamal Roberts, r-fr.; Tavorus Jones, so.; Kewan Lacy, fr.; Austyn Dendy, fr.

The running back situation remains fluid.

Noel is likely to get the majority of the carries over the course of the season due to Carroll’s more physically demanding running style. However, both players are expected to see significant playing time, with their usage depending on game situations and play calls.

Roberts is currently projected as the third-string back and may see action in the second half of games where Mizzou has a comfortable lead.

Although more relevant for future seasons, true freshman Dendy, who started as a safety, has established himself in the running backs group.

Wide Receivers

• Starters: Slot: Luther Burden III, jr.; X: Theo Wease Jr., sr.; Z: Mookie Cooper, sr.
• Main Rotation: Marquis Johnson, so.; Mekhi Miller, jr.; Daniel Blood, so.; Joshua Manning, so.
• Reserves: Courtney Crutchfield, fr.; James Madison II, fr.

The receiver position offers plenty of options.

Burden is a top contender for the Biletnikoff Award and a potential Heisman candidate. Wease, a team captain, was a significant addition last season.

Johnson is among the fastest players on the team, Cooper has improved steadily over his three seasons, Miller has been impactful in third-down situations, and Blood is noted for his agility in his second year.

Manning, who has impressed during camp, might mainly contribute on special teams this season but could see some backup reps behind Wease.

In summary, Mizzou’s offensive coordinator faces the challenge of managing a wealth of talented receivers. Freshmen Crutchfield and Madison are promising prospects for the future, but opportunities will be limited with so many established players.

Tight End

• Starter: Brett Norfleet, so.
• Reserves: Tyler Stephens, sr.; Jordan Harris, so.; Jude James, fr.; Whit Hafer, fr.

Brett Norfleet, a St. Louis native and Francis Howell High graduate, is expected to rejoin camp this weekend after a brief absence. If he returns as planned, he will be the starting tight end and play a significant role when the Tigers face off on Aug. 29.

Jordan Harris, who has also been sidelined during camp, is anticipated to return soon. He may continue in his role on special teams. Tyler Stephens is likely to step in if the Tigers decide to use a heavier formation or need to substitute Norfleet.

Offensive Line

• Starters: LT: Marcus Bryant, sr.; LG: Cayden Green, so.; C: Connor Tollison, jr.; RG: Cam’Ron Johnson, sr.; RT: Armand Membou, jr.
• Backups: LT: Jayven Richardson, so.; LG: Curtis Peagler, so.; C: Drake Heismayer, sr.; RG: Logan Reichert, r-fr.; RT: Mitchell Walters, sr.
• Reserves: Triston Wilson, so.; Brandon Solis, r-fr.; Talan Chandler, fr.; Ryan Jostes, fr.; Caleb Pyfrom, fr.

Marcus Bryant, an SMU transfer, has emerged as the likely starter at left tackle, completing Mizzou’s offensive line lineup.

Oklahoma transfer Cayden Green will be positioned next to Bryant at left guard, while Connor Tollison, Cam’Ron Johnson, and Armand Membou return to their starting spots from center to right tackle.

Jayven Richardson is currently the backup at left tackle and could also serve as a sixth lineman or swing tackle for a heavier set.

Mitchell Walters has received positive feedback for his offseason performance and can back up various guard or tackle positions, primarily serving as the backup right tackle in camp.

Triston Wilson had been snapping to backup quarterback Drew Pyne, but the reserve center role is expected to be filled by senior Drake Heismayer.