Mizzou football added another offensive lineman to Eli Drinkwitz’s trenches project as Brandon Anderson became the second offensive lineman to join the Tigers’ 2026 recruiting class.
Since the addition of Anderson, the team has since added a third commitment from Boonville native Braylon Ellison to bolster its offensive line for the future.
Coming in at 6’3.5 on 247Sports and 6’5 on Rivals and On3, the 326 lbs lineman becomes one of the biggest additions (literally and metaphorically) to Mizzou’s class.
BREAKING: Class of 2026 IOL Brandon Anderson has Committed to Missouri, he tells me for @on3recruits
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) June 29, 2025
The 6’4 315 IOL from Kennesaw, GA chose the Tigers over Tennessee & North Carolina
“I’m ready to work, I’m home Mizzou ”https://t.co/CDxByZc3Da pic.twitter.com/CX35vI4xGh
Anderson announced his decision on June 29th and became the eighth Tiger to commit to the class. The Kennesaw, Georgia, product chose Missouri over North Carolina and Tennessee. The commitment number is now up to 10 with the most recent pledge from another Georgia recruit, safety Tony Forney. That commitment came on Independence Day.
During the lineman’s junior campaign, Anderson played a role in North Cobb High School’s undefeated regular season before falling in the second round of the Class 6A State tournament.
Anderson backed out his original commitment date on January 27, and between then and his eventual commitment date, the Volunteers were the favorites for the lineman.
Eight of Mizzou’s 10 commitments in the 2026 class so far play on the offensive side of the ball: quarterback Gavin Sidwar; wide receivers Jabari Brady and Devyon Hill-Lomax; running back Maxwell Warner; tight end Isaac Jensen; and Anderson, Ellison and Canty along the O-line.
The arrows aren’t very necessary, it’s just one really, really big lineman next to a bunch of average sized linemen.
Where He Fits: With Armand Membou and Marcus Bryant both hearing their names called in the 2025 NFL Draft, and Cayden Green recently earning All-American honors, Missouri is rapidly establishing itself as a powerhouse for developing elite offensive line talent.
Anderson has the size and strength to become one of these players, but he’s going to have to prove himself. He spent his sophomore and junior season playing in the tackle position, but is listed as an interior offensive lineman on 247Sports and On3. Anderson can likely play in either, or is looking for a switch as he enters the collegiate scene.
When He Plays: With Cayden Green likely heading to the 2026 NFL Draft and three starting offensive linemen entering their final year of eligibility, Missouri’s offensive front is due for a significant shake-up — creating a prime opportunity for Brandon Anderson to make an early impact. He’ll be entering a competitive room that already includes West Virginia transfer Johnny Williams IV, expected to start at left tackle this year with two seasons of eligibility remaining, and Canty and Anderson also aiming for roles. Missouri gave two of its four true freshman linemen snaps last season, and with a slow start to the 2026 recruiting class, Anderson is in a strong position to see the field early in his career — especially if he can hold his own against Williams, Canty, Anderson and whoever else comes in his way over the next couple of seasons.
What It Means: At this stage, any addition is a win for Drinkwitz and the Tigers. With only 10 current commits, Missouri’s 2026 recruiting class ranks near the bottom of the SEC. That being said, the Tigers have found success in the 2025 transfer portal cycle, ranking near the top of the conference. On the offensive line, Canty, Ellison, and Anderson form a potential position of strength in this group. Still, time will tell how well Anderson’s game translates to the next level.
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