Missouri Tigers football gears up for 2026 season with new transfers and Senator Schmitt attendance

U.S. Sen. Eric Schmitt said he will be at Faurot Field in Columbia “a bunch” this fall to watch the Missouri Tigers and attend the ribbon‑cutting for the $250 million Memorial Stadium improvement project marking the stadium’s 100th anniversary. He praised coach Elijah Drinkwitz and the team’s upcoming offensive explosiveness.

Coach Drinkwitz has added 30 new transfers for the 2026 season, including quarterback Austin Simmons. Senior players such as Dominick Giudice, Santana Banner and Darris Smith emphasized building chemistry and maintaining high standards as the squad integrates the newcomers ahead of the season opener against Arkansas‑Pine Bluff on Sept. 3.