COLUMBIA — Mizzou football is finally back and underway with spring practice. The under-wraps segment of the season is primarily about identifying talent and finding identity, both of which head coach Eli Drinkwitz plans to put an emphasis on. 

"Our goals for spring are pretty clear and identified and defined," Drinkwitz said. "For us, number one is individual player development. Let's see where these players are and see how much better we can make them to lay the foundation of our schemes, offense, defense and special teams. What are our strengths, and what are we going to be really good at, and then develop team toughness and resiliency." 

Finding pillars to lay the foundational pieces are of the utmost importance — some are returning or have already emerged. There's Ahmad Hardy, Doak Walker Award finalist and Southeastern Conference leading rusher, who's back to helm the rushing attack. Then there's returning captain Cayden Green slotted to start at left tackle to protect projected-starting quarterback Austin Simmons. Offensive guard Dominick Guidice and linebacker Nicholas Rodriguez were named spring captains by Drinkwitz. 

While those five will certainly play major roles, many other spots in the roster are awaiting improvements from players seeking increased roles. Here's which Tigers to keep an eye on in spring ball. 

Terry redshirted his 2025 freshman campaign with the Tigers, appearing in three games and catching one ball for nine yards against Louisiana — knee injuries prevented a stellar season. However, he starred in at Ironton High School, racking up receiving 1,956 yards and 26 touchdowns in his final three seasons. 

Flashes of the player he was in high school are beginning to show through. 

"Shaun Terry II was a guy that we were really excited about," Drinkwitz said. "Got hampered by a knee injury last spring and never really got fully healthy again. And he's had an unbelievable off season so far, I'm really excited about him." 

Missouri both returns talent and brought in transfer talent at the wideout position, but Terry could very well carve out a role for himself with a strong spring ball — many of the transfers brought in have similar amount of previous experience as him. 

Reichert is another Tiger hampered by injuries, although is battles with injuries at Missouri have lasted longer than Terry's. He appeared in three games in 2025, but missed the first few months due to injury, but totaled 118 snaps in 2024. 

Now entering his fourth season with the Tigers, Reichert is finally healthy and ready to compete for a starting job — he's battling with veteran transfer Josh Atkins for the starting right tackle spot. 

"The anticipation right now is that (Atkins will) play right tackle," Drinkwitz said, "Compete with Logan Reichert, who's another guy that we need to step up, that we have an excitement for. He's healthy for the first time. It's really coming along in the right direction." 

Green sees the effort Reichert is putting in. 

"He's a guy that just keeps showing up," Green said. "Stuff hasn't really gone his way, but he just keeps showing up. He keeps working. He always has the same attitude, and I'm excited to see the future for him."