Former Missouri Football Players Set for Showdowns This Season

As the college football season approaches, the anticipation for matchups featuring former Missouri players is building. While not as theatrical as the recent Texas Tech-Florida softball drama, the upcoming season holds its own potential for intriguing reunions on the field.

The spotlight will be on marquee events such as the clash between Missouri and Ole Miss on October 17, where current Mizzou players will face off against their former teammates. Among those making a return is Kewan Lacy, who spent the 2024 season with Missouri before establishing himself as a standout with the Rebels, rushing for 1,567 yards and 24 touchdowns last year. Marquis Johnson, who had a brief tenure with the Tigers, is expected to start as a wide receiver for Mississippi State when they host Missouri on September 26.

Other notable former Tigers include Courtney Crutchfield, now with Arkansas, and Mark Manfred III at Kentucky, both of whom will also be on the field against their old team. Additionally, Horatio Fields had a short stint at Missouri before quickly transferring to Ole Miss after just over two weeks.

On the flip side, several current Tigers are set to face their previous squads. Quarterback Austin Simmons, along with wide receiver Cayden Lee and cornerback Chris Graves Jr., will return to Ole Miss, where they previously played. This trio is expected to play a crucial role in Missouri's strategy for upsetting their opponents.

Meanwhile, offensive linemen Luke Work and Zach Owens might find themselves squaring off against their former team, Mississippi State, while Darris Smith looks to lead Missouri's defensive efforts against Georgia. With these matchups, the upcoming season is shaping up to be filled with personal stakes and competitive spirit.