Missouri wide receiver Donovan Olugbode pulls in a catch under pressure from Alabama defensive back DaShawn Jones on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, in the fourth quarter of a game at Memorial Stadium in Columbia, Mo.
COLUMBIA, Mo. — The concept of a college football player signing with a program out of high school and taking the time to climb the team’s depth chart rung by rung is a far less popular career path than it was a decade ago.
Darris Smith, University of Missouri Tigers defensive end, heads to practice on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, at the Kadlec Athletic Fields in Columbia as the team prepares for the upcoming 2025 season.
Oklahoma punter Luke Elzinga, top, throws a pass over Missouri's Trajen Greco (21) during a fake punt in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, in Columbia, Mo. (AP Photo/L.G. Patterson)
Mizzou football coach Eli Drinkwitz speaks with the media on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (Video by Mizzou Network, used with permission of Mizzou Athletics)
There's still no clarity over whether Hardy will be able to play for the Tigers in 2026.
Missouri wide receiver Donovan Olugbode pulls in a catch under pressure from Alabama defensive back DaShawn Jones on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, in the fourth quarter of a game at Memorial Stadium in Columbia, Mo.
Darris Smith, University of Missouri Tigers defensive end, heads to practice on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, at the Kadlec Athletic Fields in Columbia as the team prepares for the upcoming 2025 season.
Oklahoma punter Luke Elzinga, top, throws a pass over Missouri's Trajen Greco (21) during a fake punt in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, in Columbia, Mo. (AP Photo/L.G. Patterson)
