Could I analyze the defensive line as an entire unit? Absolutely. However, Missouri loves to rotate players, so we’re going to break it down into two separate positions, interior and edge. Missouri loses one of its best players from last season in Chris McCellan, who was a nightmare for opposing centers, guards, and quarterbacks. McClellan had 6 sacks last season, which finished 3rd behind Damon Wilson and Zion Young.

With that key departure, new cats get to step up and play in roles that they may not be used to. This is the common theme that you’ll see as we break down the defense, considering that Missouri brings back zero starters from last season. The unit has a plethora of guys who have plenty of experience, but they have yet to be called upon like this before. Let’s break down the interior d-line, starting from expected starters and working our way down.

Marquis Gracial:

• RS Sr
• 6’4
• 315 lbs

Gracial is a fifth-year senior and is now expected to be a full-time starter in the interior of the line. Gracial came into the program as a four-star recruit and each season, he has taken a leap. Gracial spent his first two seasons sitting and learning, soaking up all he could from guys like Darius Robinson. In 2024, Gracial saw the field in all 13 games, even making one start. He recorded 9 tackles, and added 1.5 tackles for loss. Heading into the 2025 season, coaches raved about Gracial. Everything from his technique, physical condition, etc. Gracial showed why.

The then redshirt junior recorded a dominant season, with 16 tackles and 2 tackles for loss, also tacking on a game changing forced fumble against bitter rival Kansas. Gracial was pivotal in the run defense efforts, and has been on record this fall camp, voicing that he has been working on his pass rush. Gracial has the chance to take a leap, just as he has every year he’s played.

Jalen Marshall:

• 6’4
• 335 lbs
• RS Sr

Marshall is in a similar boat with Gracial, as he has not yet been a consistent starter, at least until this season. Marshall saw action in 25 games the last two years, accumulating one start in those 25 appearances. He’s been a consistent and reliable rotational piece and now bodes the opportunity to elevate his game in his last season. Room for optimism like Gracial? Yes.

Marshall’s 2024 season was quiet, with 5 tackles in 12 appearances. The next season, however? 17 tackles in 13 games, with a start in Nashville against Vanderbilt. Tripling your tackle numbers is impressive as is, and Marshall also tacked on a TFL and a sack last season. Gracial and Marshall have a lot to prove with having to step into bigger roles and fill some massive shoes, but given the statistics, I think they can get the job done.

Sterling Webb:

• 6’1
• 285 lbs
• RS Sr

This was a wrinkle that not many were expecting in fall camp. Sterling Webb graduated last year, but he was able to receive an extra year of eligibility, so Webb is officially back on the team. I really didn’t know where to put Webb, given he could very well be the starter due to is returning experience. Webb had a solid year last season, posting 20 tackles, four tackles for loss, and two and a half sacks. If Webb is not the starter, he will surely be the third interior lineman.

Donta Simpson:

• 6’4
• 300 lbs
• transfer from Miami
• SO

Donta Simpson was a 3-star prospect coming out of high school. Despite Simpson being on a loaded Miami roster, the true freshman still found playing time, appearing in 8 games throughout the season. The true freshman recorded 5 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss. Whilst Simpson will be another rotational piece this year, he will look to grow and be a solid backup at the position.

Jason Dowell:

• 6’2
• 295 lbs
• SO

Now we get into the weeds here. The first four guys mentioned will get a large portion of the playing time, whilst the guys that follow will be striving to just get semi-consistent snaps. Dowell appeared in 3 games last season, primarily in garbage time, against teams such as Central Arkansas, Louisiana, and UMass. Dowell was a consensus 3-star prospect, a 4-star on some sites. The talent is there, just like many on the unit, but the question is, can he break through?

Sam Williams:

• RS Jr
• 6’3
• 300 lbs

Sam Williams has been with the program for 3 seasons but has struggled to find playing time consistently. In 2023, Williams did not appear in a single game. In 2024, he appeared in six, but last season, the decline occurred as he appeared in two. Williams has had the misfortune of sitting behind some very talented players and has never seen the light of day. This year may just be his last to find viable playing time, given the beast of the transfer portal.

Tajh Overton:

• FR
• 6’3
• 284 lbs

Overton is the freshman of the group, but his talent alone may lead him to climb the depth chart throughout the season. Overton is a 4-star prospect and if all goes well for him, we could see him climbing the depth chart as the season trucks along.

In summary, this group has plenty of talent, but with the key departures of last season, the guys will have to step up and fill those shoes.