Defensive tackle has been one of the pillars of Mizzou’s excellent defense in recent years, bolstered by future NFL draft pick Chris McClellan. It is also one of the biggest question marks heading into 2026.
The Tigers lost their top two contributors and starters on the interior without obvious like-for-like replacements waiting in the wings. There are veterans in the room and a couple of intriguing young additions, but proven production is scarce. That reality sets up one of the most important and uncertain
position battles of the spring. So let’s take a look at how the roster sets up for this particular battlefield:
The Departures
- Chris McClellan, Starting Defensive Tackle
- Sterling Webb, Starting Defensive Tackle
- Bralen Henderson, Reserve Tackle
- Justin Bodford, Reserve Tackle
Of all the turnover, Chris McClellan’s departure looms largest. He was far and away Mizzou’s best interior defensive lineman over the last two seasons and one of the most disruptive defensive tackles in the SEC. His production, including 8.5 sacks and 13.5 tackles for loss, drove much of the Tigers’ interior pass rush and run disruption. Replacing that impact will be a tall task.
Sterling Webb was not as productive during his time in Columbia, but he played a serviceable role in the rotation and provided stability next to McClellan. Henderson was a one-year senior transfer who exhausted his eligibility and saw only limited action in 2025, while Bodford transferred out after appearing in just 12 snaps across two seasons. Even so, the cumulative effect of these departures is a defensive tackle room that looks thin on proven contributors.
The Returners
- Marquis Gracial (RS-Senior)
- Jalen Marshall (RS-Senior)
- Elias Williams (RS-Sophomore)
- Sam Williams (RS-Junior)
- Jason Dowell (RS-Freshman)
The Tigers return a group heavy on years spent on the roster but light on on-field production. Marquis Gracial stands out as the most likely candidate to push for a starting role, as the St. Louis native has the most meaningful game reps among the returners and profiles as the safest option to anchor the interior early in the season.
Beyond Gracial, the staff must be banking on significant development among their returning players. Jalen Marshall and Elias Williams have been in the program long enough that the Tigers need them to take tangible steps forward, even if they do not lock down starting jobs. Jason Dowell is a young player with upside who could force his way into the rotation if his progression accelerates. Sam Williams rounds out the group and will compete for snaps as part of a deep rotation.
The Newcomers
- Donta Simpson (Sophomore transfer from Miami)
- Tahj Overton (Freshman)
Of all Mizzou’s position groups, defensive tackle may have been the least supplemented by newcomers. The Tigers did not make any major portal splashes or sign a large high school class at the position, instead choosing to add two high-upside pieces and to trust the existing depth.
Donta Simpson flashed as a true freshman on a national runner-up Miami defense, appearing in eight games and recording four tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss. His role was limited on a loaded front, but his athletic profile and early exposure to high-level competition make him an intriguing addition. Tahj Overton is a four-star high school recruit who decommitted from Oklahoma State following Mike Gundy’s firing and now arrives in Columbia with significant long-term upside. Both players are likely to be among the most talented, if inexperienced, members of the room from the moment they arrive.
Spring Speculation
There is no way around it. This is an inexperienced unit with limited past production, and that reality makes defensive tackle one of the biggest wild cards on the 2026 roster.
The lack of heavy portal activity suggests the coaching staff believes in both the talent and depth already in the room. Whether that confidence is justified will be a central story line throughout spring and into fall camp.
Gracial and Simpson are the most logical candidates to compete for starting spots this spring, but the door is wide open. Elias Williams, Dowell and Overton all have the talent to push for snaps, and one or more could emerge faster than expected.
As with several positions on the 2026 Tigers roster, defensive tackle is very much a “wait-and-see” group. If one or two players break out, the Tigers could maintain a solid interior presence. If not, the drop-off from last year’s elite production could be one of the defining factors of the season.
