Fall camp is officially here, Tiger fans. Missouri opened its 2026 preseason Monday in Columbia — the first of 15 practices before the September 3 home opener against Arkansas-Pine Bluff — and the headlines came fast. Ole Miss transfer Austin Simmons took his first official practice reps as the starting quarterback, defensive tackle Sterling Webb was back on the field after a court order restored his eligibility, and star running back Ahmad Hardy remains limited to rehab and walkthroughs as he works his way back.
The Rundown
- Fall camp opened Monday, Aug. 3 — the first of 15 practices before the Sept. 3 opener vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff
- DT Sterling Webb rejoined the team after a judge’s order restored 2026 eligibility for the high school class of 2022; he’s now wearing No. 90
- RB Ahmad Hardy, recovering from a May 10 gunshot wound, is limited to rehab and walkthroughs this week, with another update expected in roughly two weeks
- New OC Chip Lindsey and QB Austin Simmons opened camp with a heavy red-zone focus over the first three practices
The Simmons-Lindsey Era Is Officially Underway
Monday marked the first time we got to see the new-look offense in an official practice setting: Simmons running the show with first-year offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey calling the shots. Eli Drinkwitz has structured the early part of camp deliberately, with the first three practices built largely around red-zone work — exactly the area where our Tigers need to turn drives into touchdowns if this offense is going to take the next step. One wrinkle worth watching up front: right tackle Josh Atkins, the Arizona State transfer projected to start, suffered a setback in his recovery from a spring leg injury, and Drinkwitz has said a midseason return is now less certain. With the left-handed Simmons under center, that right tackle spot protects the blind side.
Webb’s Return Bolsters the Defensive Line
The most surprising sight at practice No. 1? Sterling Webb, back in black and gold. Webb had exhausted his eligibility after the 2025 season, but a Colorado judge’s injunction covering the entire high school class of 2022 opened the door, and a temporary restraining order granted last Thursday made him eligible for 2026. Webb logged 407 snaps, 20 tackles, 23 pressures and two sacks a year ago, so this is real depth for a line that already features Marquis Gracial and Jalen Marshall. Drinkwitz cautioned the return will be gradual — and because the eligibility ruling is temporary, the situation could still change.
Hardy Watch: Patience Is the Play
Ahmad Hardy will not practice this week as he continues recovering from the gunshot wound he suffered May 10. The good news: he’s medically cleared, attacking rehab, and participating in walkthroughs. Drinkwitz said another update should come in about two weeks. Until Hardy is full-go, Jamal Roberts steps into the lead back role.
The takeaway: Camp is open, the quarterback room has its leader, and the roster just got an unexpected boost on the defensive line. The next two weeks — especially Hardy’s progress and the right tackle battle — will tell us a lot about how ready our Tigers will be on September 3.
Sources: Missouri Tigers On SI, 247Sports/PowerMizzou, ABC17 News
