Missouri lands top Auburn linebacker in late-night transfer addition.
The Missouri Tigers bolstered their roster Monday night, securing a commitment from Auburn standout linebacker Robert Woodyard Jr., according to Hawes Fawcett and On3 Sports. Woodyard Jr., who earned first-team All-SEC honors from Pro Football Focus, was the highest-graded player on Auburn’s defense this past season.
“BREAKING: Auburn starting transfer LB Robert Woodyard Jr. has committed to Missouri,” Fawcett tweeted. “He totaled 67 tackles, 7 TFL, & 2 sacks this season (433 snaps). Named 1st Team All-SEC by PFF.”
At 6-foot-1 and 245 pounds, Woodyard Jr. recorded 67 tackles and two sacks for Auburn this season. Ranked as the No. 9 linebacker and No. 121 overall player in the transfer portal by 247Sports, he has one year of eligibility remaining. He becomes the Tigers’ third transfer under head coach Eli Drinkwitz—and arguably their top addition so far.
With linebacker Josiah Trotter leaving for the NFL Draft, Missouri had a key defensive gap to fill. Woodyard Jr. is expected to team up with Nicholas Rodriguez, creating one of the stronger linebacker pairings in the conference. His experience and production could immediately offset Trotter’s departure.
The Tigers’ portal activity continues to impress. Cornerback Jahlil Florence and wide receiver Caleb Goodie also joined the program Monday, giving Drinkwitz a strong start in addressing team needs. While Missouri still has more roster spots to fill, landing a player of Woodyard Jr.’s caliber signals the program’s recruiting momentum and gives fans plenty to be optimistic about.
