Fall camp is underway across the SEC, so it’s time to get some overreactions and observations in. Your team is healthy, the schedule is manageable, and the amount of hope floating around the program is absolutely off the charts. Still, every team has some questions.
Here are three burning questions for every SEC team. Next up, Missouri.
1. How long will it take for Ahmad Hardy to get back?
At SEC Media Days, Eli Drinkwitz confirmed that Ahmad Hardy was medically cleared. That moment of excitement was quickly quelled by the realization that Drinkwitz didn’t necessarily mean Hardy would be cleared to play. Hardy led the SEC in rushing a season ago and did so despite having 50 less carries than Kewan Lacy. The running back room isn’t desolate and is still full of talent despite the absence of Hardy. Backup RB Jamal Roberts was incredible last year and averaged over six yards per carry. Still, the success of the offense, and this year’s team in general, feels like it’s tethered to the health of Hardy.
2. Can the secondary step up despite all the new faces?
There are two units on this year’s Missouri team that are drawing the most concern and criticism: the edge rushers and secondary are both very green. The pass rush lost 43% of its production for tackles for loss and sacks from a season ago. The secondary was also elite a season ago. The 2025 Tigers finished second in the SEC in passing yards per game allowed. They also finished first in the SEC in yards per attempt.
This year’s secondary is almost entirely new. There are a lot of new faces and guys stepping in for players off to the NFL or graduation. The offense has gotten so much of the attention this offseason with Hardy and new quarterback Austin Simmons, but if the defense can’t get to the quarterback or stop anyone from throwing it could be a long season.
3. Can the receivers, or one receiver, make up the production lost from Kevin Coleman?
Kevin Coleman Jr. didn’t blow anyone away with his stats a season ago. The former Mississippi State transfer only had one touchdown on the season. Coleman did, however, finish fifth in receptions with 66. This year Missouri upgraded at quarterback with Austin Simmons. The backfield is possibly the strongest duo (when healthy) in the entire country. The pass catchers are in question though.
