Missouri continues to lean into a familiar recruiting theme by bringing local talent back to Columbia, this time adding former Kansas State offensive lineman Will Kemna to strengthen its offensive line depth.
The Tigers’ coaching staff took another step toward rebuilding the trenches with Kemna’s addition last week. A Missouri native, Kemna redshirted during his lone season at Kansas State and will retain all four years of eligibility as he begins the next chapter of his college career closer to home.
Kemna is well known in mid-Missouri. He starred at Helias High School in Eldon, earning first-team All-State honors before leaving the state to join Kansas State. His stay in Manhattan was brief, and he now returns to the Show-Me State to continue his development just miles from where he first made his mark on the field.
Primarily recruited as a tackle, Kemna has most recently worked on the right side of the line. His high school and early college film shows a lineman with a quick first step, strong finishing ability and surprising footwork for his size. Those traits align well with Missouri’s outside-zone run scheme, though his next step will be adding strength and mass without losing his explosiveness.
Immediate playing time may be difficult to secure, as Kemna will compete with both returning players and new additions for snaps at tackle. Still, Missouri’s willingness to rotate linemen and an open spot along the line create opportunity. At 6-foot-4 and roughly 268 pounds as a freshman, Kemna has the frame to develop quickly after a year in a college strength program.
With Missouri losing significant offensive line depth to the transfer portal, Kemna’s arrival helps stabilize the position group. Beyond depth, he brings added motivation as a local prospect eager to prove himself after a quiet first collegiate season, making his return a meaningful addition for the Tigers’ future.
