All-American RB Xai'Shaun Edwards ignites Mizzou's backfield. Discover how this explosive FCS talent brings speed and scoring to the Tigers.
Missouri has landed its third offensive player of the 2026 transfer portal cycle, earning the commitment from former Houston Christian running back Xai'Shaun Edwards.
The redshirt freshman ran for 1,019 yards and 12 touchdowns while catching 18 passes for 106 yards en route to earning FCS Freshman All-American honors in 2025, and played minimally in 2024. He was ranked as a three-star prospect in the 2024 freshman class, as well as a three-star transfer in 2026.
The 5-foot-9, 179-pound tailback is on the smaller side — especially for Southeastern Conference standards — but his speed and agility can make him useful nonetheless.
Missouri originally had an offer on Edwards back in 2022, and was actually the first team to offer him. Multiple other Power Four schools, along G5 schools hopped on his offer list, before Edwards eventually decided to go the FCS route and stay local by committing to Houston Christian.
He'll now get the chance to take the leap to Missouri to play behind Ahmad Hardy and Jamal Roberts in 2026, and potentially earn himself an increased role in the seasons after, when either one or both of Hardy and Roberts leave.
For now, Edwards is likely slotted to play a Marquise Davis-esque role, getting an increased workload in buy games and playing as a reserve against top competition. Incoming freshman Maxwell Warner could also play a legitimate role, given the departures of Brendon Haygood and Tavorus Jones alongside Davis.
While Edwards won't start, here's a look at Missouri's projected starting lineup anyway.
Projected 2026 Starting Lineup
Bold indicates 250 or more snaps for Missouri in 2025
QB: Austin Simmons (Ole Miss transfer)
RB: Ahmad Hardy
WR: Donovan Olugbode
WR: Caleb Goodie (Cincinatti transfer)
WR: Shaun Terry II
TE: Brett Norfleet
LT: Cayden Green
LG: Tristan Wilson / Logan Reichert
C: Dominick Guidice
RG: Curtis Peagler
RT: Jack Lange
Edwards joins Austin Simmons and Caleb Goodie as Missouri's offensive transfers, while Jahlil Florence, Robert Woodyard Jr., and JaDon Blair make up the Tigers' defensive acquisitions.
Follow along with our portal tracker here to keep up with every Missouri portal addition and departure, along with every other move the Tigers' make.
