Following Missouri’s 13-7 Gator Bowl loss to Virginia, head coach Eli Drinkwitz paused during a press conference to reassure fans and media that star linebacker Nick Rodriguez will be returning to the Tigers for the 2026 season.
With the transfer portal opening on January 2, uncertainty is high across college football rosters, but Drinkwitz made it clear that Rodriguez is committed to staying. “We’ve got a really strong foundation. Nick’s going to be back. You’re coming back, right?” Drinkwitz asked, prompting a smile and confirmation from Rodriguez.
Drinkwitz also confirmed that running back Ahmad Hardy and quarterback Matt Zollers have re-signed, providing Missouri with a core of experienced players heading into next season. Hardy, who set the Tigers’ single-season rushing record in 2025, and Zollers will be pivotal in anchoring the offense.
Despite these confirmations, Drinkwitz acknowledged the reality of modern college football, where players can enter the transfer portal at any time, and departures due to transfers, graduations, and potential NFL declarations are expected. “People are making fun of announcements for returning players now,” Drinkwitz joked. “But it’s the new normal — you have to let everyone know who’s coming back.”
The Tigers enter the offseason with a mixture of returning talent and roster uncertainty, but securing key players like Rodriguez, Hardy, and Zollers provides a strong foundation for Missouri as they prepare for the 2026 campaign.
